Koln

While many of you may have been interested in the U.S. vs. Italy match last night, I was in Cologne for a showdown between Czech Republic and the "Black Stars" of Ghana. Mostly though I was there to entertain a producer from one of the biggest TV stations in Germany, RTL. As Andreas, the producer, is from a town very close to Koln, I had a tour of the central city before we went to the match.

We had a look at the Kolner Dom, a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral whose construction began in the 1200's and was completed in 1880. It houses the relecis of the three wise men (Magi). Then we walked thorugh the downtown area. All relatively new construction as this city was completely destroyed in WWII.

We stopped by a local brewery to try a Kolsch beer. It is the traditional beer of the city. It is clear beer with a light hoppiness to it. And it is served in long, thin glasses that hold only about 10 ounces. Apparently only brewerys with a view of the Kolner Cathedral can call their beer kolsch. We stood at a bar table that we shared with Greek-speaking Argentinians. (Yes it is a very small world). The bar waiters don't even ask if you want another beer. As soon as you are finished they will bring you a fresh one until you ask them to quit.

We did make it over to the match and had a good time celebrating afterwards. Everyone was temporarily a fan of Ghana, as it was a great underdog victory. Photos posted below.