Cologne

We had a great time in Cologne seeing the city and exploring some of the 7 different markets they had. Each had their own unique theme. The six themes were:

The Cathedral: voted the most beautiful in Europe

Old Town: 'home of the gnomes'

Neumarkt: Angel theme

Fairytale Christmas Market: different fairytale figures

Harbour market: in front of the chocolate musuem right on the Rhine River

Stadtgarten: in the middle of the Belgium Quarter

The place we stayed at was within walking distance of most of them so we parked the car when we got there and explored the city by foot. We did a ton of walking! Thankfully, the kids are used to that and did great. We gave them each 10 euro to buy something at the markets. They really enjoyed being able to pick something out that they wanted. Jackson got some Lego men (in the picture below) and a crystal rock, and Grace got a real horse shoe, a coloring book, colored pencil, and a pink rock. 

Spending the two days in the city really allowed us to see so much if it in a short amount of time. Cologne is a beautiful place full of all sorts to see and do.

The first market we went to was the one at the Cathedral. It was beautiful!

 One of the typical stands at the market. Here they are selling Lebkuchenherzen (or gingerbread hearts). These are usually bought for family members or friends to wear that has a special message on the front written in icing. I don't really understand them...but they are pretty popular around here.

 Grace enjoying a Christmas Market favorite...brot and brotchen.

 We came across this group of people playing music outside of the cathedral. They were so strange in their each unique way, but so very talented! We watched them for quite some time before we moved on.

The Cathedral Christmas Market at night. Beautiful!

 At the Lego store Jackson was able to build some Lego men of his own. He searched in there for what seemed like an hour looking for the perfect set. He loved it!

 While Grace was waiting, they had a huge Lego area to build with various pieces. That kept her busy.

We enjoyed a dinner in our hotel apartment. So much better than in a restaurant!!

 The next day we headed to the Schokoladen Museum. This is where most of the Lindt chocolate is made.

 Jackson got a camera for his birthday from Jason's parents. What a perfect gift for him! He took over 150 pictures of anything and everything. It was a great way to him to keep busy and take shots of what he wanted to.

At the museum they had a rain forest where the cacao trees were growing.

 Inside the museum was a huge chocolate fountain. We dipped cookies into it to eat. It was delicious!

 Inside we were able to see how the chocolate is made step by step. It was a fascinating experience to see firsthand.

After the museum tour we went to the cafe for a hot chocolate treat. Wow, was it amazing! Jason got a hot chocolate with chili powder, tabasco and tequila in it. It was spicy, but good. I got a peppermint one to share with Grace and Jackson got a normal version. It was the best hot chocolate I have ever had!

 In front of the chocolate museum was the Harbor Christmas Market. 

 This market was in the Altstadt (city center). Very unique, but crowded like crazy. We were like sardines and didn't enjoy ourselves too much. So we make a quick exit.

 Loved this little wood house.

At the gnome market was an ice skating rink and trees that were decorated with fun lights. Very colorful and pretty.

On our last night we went to the Malzmuhle Brewery for dinner. Thankfully we made reservations so we could walk right in. We had typical german food with the local beer of Cologne called Kölsch. 

 Typically when you get a beer at a german restaurant you get a nice size one. But for some reason these were .2 liters...small in my mind. We had more than just one. ;-)

 We had a fun family trip to Cologne!