Is that Lederhosen?

The Rhine River - Looking South at the South Brücke (Bridge)


Another week has passed!

Let's see, where did I last leave off. On Wednesday, July 20, I went and walked around town in the city center. I ended up stopping in St. Martin's church, which is one of the oldest churches in Germany. It was partially destroyed during the WW II, but was rebuilt. Look what happened. I knocked over one of the statues heads!


On Wednesday, Thursday, July 21, I made my first trip to Cologne. It was my first train ride as well. Cologne is a neat city and I'm looking forward to spending some more time there. Seems a little more "city-like" than Bonn. I went with Amy. She was going to meet one of her "American" friends that lives there, Jenn. We went to a Mexican restaurant, and I ordered this great enchilada. They made it with Gouda cheese...very yummy. I did get to set my sights on, what I was told, was one of the few true American bars, Champs. It's good to know where it is at, especially when NCAA College Basketball time rolls around. I have to watch my KU Jayhawks somewhere!!!!

For those of you who have seen pictures of Cologne, more than likely you saw a picture of the large cathedral. When they say large, they mean it. The main train station is right next to cathedral. I was walking and talking and the next thing I knew, I looked out of the glass window of the train station and there was the church. An honestly, amazing sight. I'll try and get pictures of it soon. I want to try and go back and go to church at one of its services.

Last night, Friday, July 22, I went with some co-workers after work for a drink or two. We went to Cafe Bleu (I think that is how you spell it). Not only is it a cafe, but it is has a full menu, a large indoor swimming pool and a city museum. Talk about your all-in-one place!

After "Happy Hour", Verena, a co-worker asked if I wanted to go to the Bonner Bierbörse (Beer Festival) that was taking place at the Rhinauer Park. The Rhinauer park is this giant park..the same one that had the flee market. One of my other co-workers, Helena, let me borrow her bike after drinks b/c she only live a couple of minutes away..and she said I could use it the whole weekend. That was so nice of her. Verena and I rode our bikes to the park and met up with her boyfriend Mark.

Anyways, the Beer Festival, was great. There were more than 600 different kinds of beers from over 70 countries. We didn't stay that long..but long enough to take in the German Culture. Get a load of my Krakauer (which I ordered in German on my own) and my beer...Yes, Julie, I'm having German beer...and to my uncles, it's not so bad warm!!! Krakauer is like bratwurst, but like spicy. Apparently, though, they're a little longer than bun length!!!


I only saw a couple of people in Lederhosen having a good time and, then of course, the men dressed as women in the traditional German dress with braided pig tails were a sight for sore eyes. There was also this concert by "Guildo Horn and the Orthopaedic Socks". He is like a cover band in Germany. When I was leaving, he was signing "I Love Rock N' Roll" in German. I at least new the tune and could translate it!

New Words:
Ich weiss (weiß) nicht - I don't know
Gross (Groß) - tall, large, big
Es tut mir leid - I am sorry

That's all for now...hope all is well.
Stay in touch.

Liebe, Betsy

PS - Check out the pictures of my bedroom that I promised!