Unscheduled Cologne

Wednesday morning we boarded the train to head for Dusseldorf connecting in Cologne. According to our original plan, Dusseldorf was our next stop with a possible day trip to Cologne. However, we decided on the fly to check the bags in Cologne and visit the market, then proceed to Dusseldorf in the afternoon.

One reason for the change in plans was another "casualty". Nate's suitcase now has a broken wheel, making it hard to pull. Our plan was to try to buy a small luggage cart (rather than a whole suitcase) to haul it on for the rest of the trip.

(Sorry, no photo.)

We exited the train in Cologne and went looking for baggage checking services. We first tried the automated lockers, but found our larger suitcases were a smidge too tall and the door wouldn't close. Although I had used the baggage room at the Cologne Hbf previously, I couldn't remember where it was located. After asking at the information office and then a few false turns, we found it, checked our bags, and were luggage-free for the duration.

(No photo here, either.)

One of the first things I noticed en route to the luggage room was that the station had a Kamp's bakery, so I was finally able to get my favorite German treat... a Streusaltaeler.

(Nope... still no photos.)

The Cologne train station is immediately next to the Cologne cathedral. The Weihnachtsmarkt is on the far side of the cathedral, making it very convenient for visiting by train.

(Finally!)

Our culinary discovery at this market was potato pancakes/fritters served with apple puree. We split an order as there were three large pieces (sandwich size) in each serving.

(Jeepers... no photo here, either?)

Update: I found the potatoes (called Reibekuchen) in Dusseldorf. This is what they looked like.

I saw more jewelry than I had at the other markets.  I was drawn to a booth with wooden jewelry that was lovely, but I couldn't figure out what might work with my wardrobe, so I reluctantly passed on making a purchase. Likewise with a beautiful wool scarf. I knew I'd never wear it because I'd be too warm.

(Slacker!)

The layout was confusing. There seemed to be inner and outer circles with more or less an x pattern in the center. But it deviated here and there, so I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if we saw all there was to see. The booths were numbered and the highest number I saw was in the 70s. So it's a small market relative to some of the others.

Another thing I noticed is that the front pillars on all the booths had a lighted silhouette of the Cologne Cathedral.

When we were done with the market, we went looking for a luggage cart. The market adjoins the shopping district, so it was easy to find stores... just not luggage stores. Finally we tried Galleria Kaufhof, which is a high-end department store. After a thorough search of their luggage department, we finally found a plastic luggage cart that would hold up to 75 pounds. Since the weight limit on our overseas suitcases was 50 pounds, we knew that would be sufficient.

Returning to the train station, we reclaimed our luggage and caught the next train to Dusseldorf.

The cart is better than a broken wheel, but it's far from a perfect fix, as the suitcase tends to easily go out of balance and the entire thing wobbles. Hopefully it will last until we get to the airport for the flight home.

(Hey, what can I say. It was raining again.)