traveltales: COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

Sunday, March 20, 2011

COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

View from the river

A Gorgeous Church

The Cologne Cathedral dominates the city of Cologne, Germany and is one of the well known cathedrals in the world. The building was started in 1248 but by the early 1500s all work was halted until 1823, but. it was finally completed in 1880. The two tall towers are connected by the façade of the nave. The church measures 430-feet long and is 130-feet high. The west tower is part of the original town wall. There are 400 pieces of beautiful stained glass. The windows on the south aisles were donated by King Ludwig I in 1848. The north windows are Renaissance stained glass of 1507-09.

There are seven chapels and a bronze and marble altar. The 245 choir chairs are of oak. The 120-year old mosaic floors were gorgeous. I thought to myself, if I put so much work into creating these beautiful floors I sure wouldn’t want people walking on them!

Pews and benches were not added until the 20^th century. Prior to that people stood or kneeled, but they did not sit. A Shrine of the Three Magi form a triple-nave basilica. Our docent unlocked a gate that allowed us to view the gold box up close as he told us, “It took two generations of goldsmiths to complete this box. The front contains 33 pounds of gold, but the sides are gold plated. The box is decorated with relief figures depicting the life of Christ, the Apostles, and Old Testament prophets.”

As we left he continued, “It takes 80-100 people to maintain the Cathedral. It is made of sandstone as are many buildings in this part of the world, and sandstone is very soft and crumbles easily. That is why you always see scaffolding somewhere around the building. It is always in some state of repair. The stone is too soft to power wash. Maintenance is a major problem.”

On my first visit to Cologne the church was under renovation and we could not access the inside, so I was happy to get inside during my next visit. On my first visit in the early 90s there were many food vendors in the parking lot. We ate lunch between swatting at the many small yellow jackets that wanted to share our lunch.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.