WEEKEND IN COLOGNE

I took advantage of being back at the clinic to have a weekend away with my old schoolfriend Catherine and see a bit more of Germany (there are no treatments on Sundays so it's generally pretty quiet at weekends). Catherine lives in Brussels so we arranged to meet in Cologne, roughly half-way between us and about two and a half hours by train from Bad Salzhausen (despite two changes, a very easy journey, thanks to the efficient German railway system). My friend Linda from Australia, a fellow patient who I'd met in July and who was back at the clinic as well, was also meeting a friend for the weekend further up the line, so we travelled together, all excited and giggly as if we were playing truant! 

Cologne's landmark cathedral, surrounded by Christmas markets

In the old town

One of the many historic breweries

Evening skyline from our hotel window

It was lovely to see Catherine, and we spent our time wandering around the old town and along the river, hanging out in cafes, catching up and talking late into the night. The Christmas markets were just starting up, the squares were lavishly decorated, and there was a great atmosphere.

Christmas lights

Even when it's alcohol-free, a beer's still a treat!

Although it was just for one night, it was great to break up the stay at the clinic with something fun, and I came back feeling like I'd had a mini-holiday. I keep saying I really must learn some German, but somehow I never seem to get past, "sprechen Sie Englisch?" - so it was great having Catherine as interpreter (although not so much of a holiday for her!)