About the Photo Above: The Dom
Know locally simply as the “Dom,” this big cathedral is in the top two or three in Europe and is the main tourist attraction for those visiting Cologne. “Dom” is the German word for “cathedral.” It is famous because “the cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the second-tallest spires” (Wikipedia).

Cologne or Köln
If you are German, the city is known as Köln (the word Cologne is actually from the way French people named the city and then adopted in English from the French). The dots over the “o” give the “o” sounds a bit of an “oh-ew” effect, but if you just say “Koh-Ln” with a long “o” it will be really close to the way locals say it.

Visiting a Friend
My travel plans called for me heading north from Brussels to Amsterdam. However, I noticed that with a slight detour to the east, I could stop in and visit a friend Ulrike Mertesacker whom I had met during my travels in Peru. We met on a long bus ride where I was able to practice some of my German. I also had the opportunity to check out her city while there and work again on my German skills with her and her family.

Rain and Relaxation
While in Cologne it rained most of the three days I was there and so I took the opportunity just to chill and relax which is one of the ways I avoid travel burn-out.

My European Travel Map
Want to see where I’ve been in Europe and where I am now? Check out my map of European travels).

Costs

• Hostels: $20-30/night. I couchsurfed with a local friend!
• Food: Costs of food in German are similar to the USA. I ate most meals with my host family.
• Transportation: I rode the tram several times for about $2 per ride