Cologne: reflection of the cathedral and the song of the Rhine

#2024Travel Review Cologne, a city nestled against the Rhine River, is world-famous for its magnificent Cologne Cathedral, but it is more than just that. My trip to Cologne was like a melodious song of the Rhine, sometimes rushing and exciting, sometimes gentle and soothing, full of surprises, touches and endless joy. The moment I arrived in Cologne, I was attracted by its unique temperament. This city is not as quaint and serious as other German cities. It is more lively, modern, and has a unique romantic atmosphere along the Rhine. The air is filled with the faint aroma of beer and the moisture of the river, a unique Cologne taste that is refreshing. My trip to Cologne naturally starts with Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This gem of Gothic architecture is majestic and breathtaking. Standing on the Cathedral Square, looking up at its towering spire, as well as its exquisite carvings and stained glass, I felt like I was in a fairy tale world full of fantasy. I walked into the church, felt the solemn atmosphere, listened to the melodious sound of the organ, and was filled with awe and emotion. The scale of the church and the exquisite details are beyond my imagination. Every stone and every window tells a history and a story. I spent several hours carefully admiring every detail of the church, from the towering vaults to the exquisite sculptures, from the stained glass windows to the ancient altar. I was deeply fascinated. After leaving the cathedral, I strolled through Cologne’s Old Town. The streets here are narrow and winding, lined with brightly colored buildings, full of medieval style. I walked through the ancient alleys and discovered many hidden treasures: historic cafes, quaint bookstores, and a variety of chocolate shops. Cologne is famous for its chocolate. Of course I couldn't miss this opportunity. I bought several boxes of chocolates of different flavors and planned to take them back to share with my family and friends. The chocolate shops in Cologne are not just shops selling chocolates, they are more like art galleries. The exquisite packaging, diverse flavors, and rich chocolate aroma are all mouth-watering. I tasted several different chocolates, and each one amazed me. The melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich chocolate aroma left me endless aftertaste. In the evening, I came to the Rhine River. As the sun sets, the sky is dyed golden red, and the sparkling water of the Rhine reflects the majestic figure of Cologne Cathedral, forming a beautiful picture. I sat on a bench by the river, admiring the beautiful scenery and feeling the tranquility and peace of the Rhine. The river breeze blew gently on my face, bringing bursts of coolness and an indescribable comfort. On the Rhine River, I also took a cruise and visited the city scenery of Cologne. There is something special about admiring Cologne from the river. I saw another gesture of Cologne Cathedral, and also saw many other buildings and landscapes, such as the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) and the Cologne Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Köln). The boat trip gave me a more comprehensive understanding of Cologne’s urban layout, history and culture. Cologne's nightlife is also quite colorful. In the evening, I came to a traditional Cologne pub and tasted Cologne’s specialty beer, Kölsch. Kölsch is a light beer with a refreshing taste, perfect for drinking on a hot summer day. In the pub, I met some locals who were very hospitable and shared many stories and interesting things about Cologne with me. I felt a strong sense of community and human touch in their conversations and laughter. In addition to these, I also visited the Römisch-Germanisches Museum to learn about Cologne’s Roman history; visited the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum to appreciate a large number of art works; and Visited the Chocolate Museum Cologne and learned more about the chocolate making process. In Cologne, I felt not only the prosperity of the city, but also the rich history, cultural heritage, and humanistic care. This city, with its unique charm, deeply attracted me. It makes me feel that history and modernity can be perfectly integrated, and ancient and fashion can coexist harmoniously. The moment I left Cologne, I was filled with reluctance. This city is like a beautiful dream that makes me linger. I will always remember every bit of my time in Cologne and the touch and happiness this city brought me. Goodbye, Cologne! I look forward to meeting you again, feeling your charm again, and experiencing your unique style again. This trip gave me a deeper understanding of German culture and history, and also gave me a broader perspective on the urban culture along the Rhine River. Cologne is not just a city, but an unforgettable journey and a life experience. I look forward to setting foot on this land again, feeling its charm again, and tasting the delicious Kölsch and chocolate again. The song of the Rhine will always echo in my heart.