Köln on, feel the noise...

We departed Baxpax in Berlin early(ish) in order to catch out 5 hour train to Köln (Cologne), which we spent eating bread and addictive, yet not very nice mini pretzels (mainly because they were the cheapest thing in the supermarket).

On arrival at Köln, stepping out of the station to be faced with the impressive Dom Cathedral, we found our hostel with little trouble, as it was just a ten-minute walk along the river. And it only rained a little bit.

After dumping our bags in our comfy dorm, in the mostly dilapidated building the hostel was in, we headed out to visit the Köln chocolate factory and museum. We felt like real tourists! Managing to get a student discount using our Oyster cards, much to the confusion of the woman at the desk, the museum was interesting, but not the best museum i've been to. The best part was that thez actually make Lindt chocolate there, which there were free samples of, and having paid 5 euros entrance, we felt it was our duty as back-packers to take full advantage of the free samples, taking many. The woman handing them out gave us many begrudging looks. It was worth it.

After buying very cheap 'on offer' chilli and cherry chocolate, the only thing we could afford in the gift shop, we then headed over to the Student Quarter of the city to find Habibi, which, as Steph's Guide to Europe had correctly informed us, sold very good falafal for 1.90 euros. Bargian. So we ate there, then headed over to the neighbouring internet cafe to check various emails/facebooks etc.

Steph has seen a poster for La Roux's German tour, and after her Berlin gig had been sold out while we were there, it turned out she was playing in Köln, and it wasn't sold out. The venue was literally a ten minute walk from where we were, so we went. One of the best gigs I have been to actually, and not too expensive. The venue was a good small size, with cheap drinks, and we managed to get near the front. Having not heard too much of her music before, she is now a definite favourite and a brilliant live performer. Epic win.

So, after the gig we walked back to the hostel to haev a good night's sleep. We had a lie in this morning, as for once we weren't getting a praticularly early train, and went to do washing. Lots of washing.

Next stop, Eindhoven!

Love
xx