Germany: Cologne

Bright and early, following our big American Thanksgiving dinner, the kids and I joined Jill on the train to Cologne, Germany, to check-out their world-famous Christmas markets.

The most famous market is at the base of the spectacular Cologne cathedral, but there are actually several markets spread across the city, and at just about two and a half hours from Amsterdam, it was easy to make the trip.

Clearly, many, many, travelers had this same idea; The city was absolutely packed and as I write this, our train back to Amsterdam is at standing room only. Still, we were able to navigate the markets and enjoy the festivities.

On Saturday afternoon, we meandered our way through different city markets, taking time to ride a ferris wheel, eat bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and spaetzle, and drink hot cocoa in the signature market cups. (Jill and I asked for amaretto in ours, which was absolutely delicious).

The crowds made the experience pretty intense, but with a short rest and a fortifying dinner at a local Brau Haus, we wrapped up the day and fell asleep with renewed plans to tackle the markets again on Sunday morning.

The next day, it was Team Caffeine (Jill and Norah) vs. Team Bluebird (Ben and me) for a one-hour, shop-til-you-drop, Secret Santa inspired, gift giving competition. The market was much less crowded and the mission gave the kids a reason to poke around in several of the stalls.

 Later, on the train back to Amsterdam, we revealed all the goodies that each team had bought the other. Everyone really loved the gift choices made!

Team Caffeine!

Team Bluebird!

Norah, Ben, and I also took some time to go ice skating at the Old Market, a big looping track that also passed wine-stalls and a curling arena. Ben was determined to get himself away from the wall to really skate and Norah proved to be a patient partner. I hung behind them taking endless iphone movies and (once again) pinching myself that we get to make all of these incredible memories in all of these unique and wonderful places.

I fear morning will come too early tomorrow and I will have two grumpy kids suffering hangovers from too much fun, but it seems like a worthy trade-off. Thank you, Cologne, for so much fun!