Moving on to Germany

After an early morning walk around the Ile - along the riverbank, its time to bid farewell to Strasbourg, and later in the day France.

Our train to Cologne is a bit of a European adventure, with the TGV back to Paris Est. From there we have 30 mins to get to Paris Nord for the Thalys train through Brussels to Cologne. 6 hours all up - 3 countries and speeds up to 320km per hour.  

We have been so lucky with weather. Along the way we had clear views over the valley agricultural plains as we sped through nimerous villages - the prominent steeple in every one.  A very comfortable and relaxing way to travel - especially when the 1st Class option costs so little extra.

Arriving in Cologne, the evening is crisp but clear. The planning to make sure accommidation is easily accessible is paying off so only a short walk to our hotel - which once again is only a few hundred metres from the gothic cathedral and shops. Unlike Strasbourg (and Paris!) the roads and malls are not cobbled. What is lost in atmosphere is certainly balanced by ease of movement- especially with luggage (that has a wheel blowout).  It is somewhat bizarre to see a midern building just metres from the cathedral and a row of modern shops ran along base of Cathedral. All this, with a gate from Roman times alongside the local advertising sign!