Day 4 : Heidelberg-Cologne-Amsterdam

Journal Entry 172

Woke up early on Day 4 to the morning breeze of Heidelberg. It was very cold indeed - up to 9 degrees ( I think). It was a transit day for us which indirectly means that we have to endure a  3 hrs ride to our destination . Sad but true :(. Thank god we had a really good tour guide & no doubt, it was a long journey- we didn't feel it. He fed us stories of the European history and the Roman empire - of course with some funny jokes in btw. Laugh die me !!!

We reached Cologne and had lunch there (Chinese SzeChuan food ) . Walked across to the Cologne Cathedral (DOM) after lunch as our 'makan place' was just right opposite it. It was definitely one of the most beautiful amazing, lovely church I have ever seen (as I have not been to Italy yet- :( ) and is simply breathtaking from a far !! It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and was completed in the 18th century. Oh yes, they actually had a contractor to clean the Cathedral by phases - well, lucky contractor !!

   

The DOM

Nice view from ground level

The stonework

We went in and the interior is as beautiful as the exterior. Overall, a beautiful building with amazing glass windows. The stonework, statues and flooring were very beautiful - very attention to detail I must say !! Yes, taking pictures are allowed but no flash should be used. In fact, you can climb the tower too if you can endure the 509 steps in the church - but I think you will need to go there very early to complete it - :):).

We took about half an hr to complete our tour of the church. As there were some souvenir shops nearby, we went to look see look see and bought some breads back. Of course, not forgetting dad's favourite cologne - the 4711 Eau de Cologne. Bought one for father in law too :)

With that done, we continued our journey to The Land of Windmills and Canals - Amsterdam. It was about an hr's ride from Cologne. Reached & we proceed with the canal cruise along the river bank of Amsterdam. All in all, it is truly a biker's city - citizens pedaling along the streets. Bicycles are more than cars there - which is a good thing :). One of the main highlights of the canal ride was the Anne Frank House (more info from Wiki) and alongside the canal, we are able to view the different architecture and buildings with a guide to explain everything. Another interesting experience :)

 Took about an hr for the cruise and they stopped us at the Ghassan diamond factory. Not really a fan of diamonds though. Some briefing done on diamond cutting and from there, we proceed to Damrak Square and then the Red Light district prior to dinner. Err, no photos were allowed to be taken - so we went in and came out very quick. Hehehehe.. Done with dinner - it was time to balik so we stopped by some food outlets to get our fav pizza !!

Reached the hotel at about 7pm. Washed and then we went to visit the airport to do some souvenir shopping. Got some marshmallows, chocolates and sweets. Called it a night after an hr and slept early for our day trip the next day.

Holland's different types of cheese

Beer

Hubs' fav pesto pizza & Amstel - Amsterdam's local beer

Day 5 : Zaanse Schan & Volendam - here we come !!