26-04-2010: GERMANY'S KOLN

Got good sleep and was woken by my alarm and later by Jana's Mum. Here's a mini tour of their beautiful place!! Roomy bathroom...


Jana's Room...

The backyard where Jana's Dad preped the bbq... Around the corner is a where Jana's Dad makes honey from Bees!!! Crazy!! All the bees are there...in their nest/wooden container!


Jana's Mum had prepared a traditional German delicious breakfast!! German sausages and cheese! My mouth is watering thinking about it! She was so cute and was struggling to speak English, but I understood her well! Their family was so hospitable!


Living room, which also had a piano - Jana showed me her skills but she told me Sabrina was a whizz at it!


Entrance, will a wall of photos to gaze at for more than 10 minutes seeing the resemblance and seeing how Jana and her brother originally had blonde hair when they were young... Crazy! Now it's brown!



Trained it to Koln from Essen, It took only an hour!!


Jr ourside the Koln Cathedral!




Amazing inside... I took my time in there, reflecting and taking photos..




Spent the whole day walking around the city of Koln, listening to my music and taking photos of the architecture and of Jr!








'Invader' made an appearance in Koln too!


The Koln Opera House.... I went in thinking visitors can... But I was wrong! lol. An old lady had spoken in German...looking a bit angry, so I got the picture that I wasn't meant to be there.


There were little girls running around, maybe practicing for a ballet recital! They were so cute in their little outfits!

Checked out a gallery that had BANKY's work for sale...



I was there for a bit asking permission from the owner if I could take photos.


Amazing boutique stores that had beautiful stationary designs and prints.



Time for a late lunch on the walk.... I didn't want to miss my train back to Essen, coz Jana was going to pick me up! Yummy Japanese!! (In Germany - I know!)





Jana was waiting for me on the platform and we headed to Lutvig's apartment... We had snacks, Essen's Beer, watched a 'Hercules' DVD, Phil & Julia came too... It was good chilling out and getting to know them more! We were just laughing all night really...


A tiring day and I was looking forward to hit the sack!..

25-04-2010: ESSEN GERMANY

My first tip flying solo! I was heading to Germany's small city of Essen!


A surprise appearance by Phillip and Julia at the Airport with Jana waiting to pick me up! I felt special and was reunited with my German World Youth Day Mates!!!


They planned an itinerary for me! First stop was Tetraeder - a metal pyramid style monument on to of a hill... hehe. That's the way they describes it!



It was a hike-and-half getting there! For some reason I'd thought that it was going to be cold in Essen, so I had packed very warm clothes, thermals and all! I was lucky to be blessed with a very sunny day!



After that detour, we had separated with Phil & Julia. Jana had welcomed me to her home and introduced me to he family: her Dad, Brother (Tobby), Sister (Sabrina), Sabrina's Boyfriend (Lutvig), later on her adorable Mother. Jana's Dad had prepared a BBQ for my arrival. I was staying in Sabrina's room while she stayed at Lutvig's apartment. After having lunch: German Sausages, Beef, Salads, Bread - Jana had taken me to her work, an ice cream parlor! Free ice cream is always a treat! Thanks Jana!!!



We then met up with Julia and Phil again. This time we were going to bike ride it!! I had Jana's bike.. It was a while since I rode a bike, so I expected to ache later on. We rode our bikes to a park called Grugapark. A very nice day to chill on a picnic blanket and chat (learn a few German words). Hehe




Finding the right spot was tricking but we finally got there.








We just laughed all afternoon, got to know PJJ and learnt a few German words...



Plans for dinner in the city after we all had freshen up from the hot sweaty day.


Spanish food on the menu....




I had to try the local beer in Essen!!





Followed by cheap cocktails and a few games of "Ping Pang Pong"...






Thanks Guys for a really good night!!! Poor Jana had to study for her exams that late evening and early morning! Hope you aced it!!!