Settling in
Almost 2 weeks after I have arrived in Köln [Cologne], I have finally got permanent access to such an intangible thing that is the internet. I took my laptop to college and as I couldn’t follow the German instructions, the technician configured the wireless connection leaving the German speaking students to figure it out themselves.
This is the most difficult entry I’m writing; trying to condense the events of the past 2 weeks into something that is thorough but enough so I don’t become a sleeping aid. I will try and extract the highlights from my written journal; hence this is the e-journal.
I arrived in Köln [Cologne] on 17.09.06 with Irene and about 39kg of luggage, of which 93% I suspect belonged to me. To my surprise, the professor was waiting for us at the airport. Now, that’s a first for someone holding a name card waiting for me at the arrivals gate. He bought along a Cantonese speaking student and took us on the train to the city centre. The flight was 1 hour plus the 20 minute train journey; super schnell! After a quick tour and several stops for coffee and cakes, we went to check into the room at the hostel before heading out to a Brewery House for dinner and my first taste of Kölsch [Beer that is brewed in the region].
The next few days kept me busy with getting my room in the student halls, enrolling at college, getting my medical certificate, bank account, German SIM card. As it was also the college induction week, Irene was left to explore alone. My room is not too bad, much better now that its more lived in, but what can you really expect for 255€ a month? I have my own butler sink; such an improvement from the days in Tooting. There is even a terrace above my room so I only have 1 neighbour since my room is in the corner and the other room’s en suite behind the other wall. Although the weather is starting to get colder, we have still made full use of the terrace including the log burning fireplace/bbq. It’s the perfect venue for our gatherings and musical nights trying to play the didgeridoo and singing songs with the guitar and a vacant chair with 2 empty plastic beer bottles in place for the bongos. No, I didn’t make a mistake, they do sell beer in plastic bottles here. Maybe something to do with their recycling craze, but there is something strange in screwing the cap back on my half empty bottle of Pils.
Mum came over to visit the last few days, bringing over yet more things and my laptop. We took a tour of the city and also got the tram to see Bonn. The ex capital was a bit disappointing as there was so much building works going on. But after a long (!) walk, we found the botanical gardens. Unfortunately, it was just closing as we got there, but my term doesn’t start for another week, I’m sure to visit again along with exploring Köln a bit more and also maybe a spot of shopping. For a city/town of this size, the shopping here would sure satisfy anyone, the only problem for me would be to bring everything back to England!
This is the most difficult entry I’m writing; trying to condense the events of the past 2 weeks into something that is thorough but enough so I don’t become a sleeping aid. I will try and extract the highlights from my written journal; hence this is the e-journal.
I arrived in Köln [Cologne] on 17.09.06 with Irene and about 39kg of luggage, of which 93% I suspect belonged to me. To my surprise, the professor was waiting for us at the airport. Now, that’s a first for someone holding a name card waiting for me at the arrivals gate. He bought along a Cantonese speaking student and took us on the train to the city centre. The flight was 1 hour plus the 20 minute train journey; super schnell! After a quick tour and several stops for coffee and cakes, we went to check into the room at the hostel before heading out to a Brewery House for dinner and my first taste of Kölsch [Beer that is brewed in the region].
The next few days kept me busy with getting my room in the student halls, enrolling at college, getting my medical certificate, bank account, German SIM card. As it was also the college induction week, Irene was left to explore alone. My room is not too bad, much better now that its more lived in, but what can you really expect for 255€ a month? I have my own butler sink; such an improvement from the days in Tooting. There is even a terrace above my room so I only have 1 neighbour since my room is in the corner and the other room’s en suite behind the other wall. Although the weather is starting to get colder, we have still made full use of the terrace including the log burning fireplace/bbq. It’s the perfect venue for our gatherings and musical nights trying to play the didgeridoo and singing songs with the guitar and a vacant chair with 2 empty plastic beer bottles in place for the bongos. No, I didn’t make a mistake, they do sell beer in plastic bottles here. Maybe something to do with their recycling craze, but there is something strange in screwing the cap back on my half empty bottle of Pils.
Mum came over to visit the last few days, bringing over yet more things and my laptop. We took a tour of the city and also got the tram to see Bonn. The ex capital was a bit disappointing as there was so much building works going on. But after a long (!) walk, we found the botanical gardens. Unfortunately, it was just closing as we got there, but my term doesn’t start for another week, I’m sure to visit again along with exploring Köln a bit more and also maybe a spot of shopping. For a city/town of this size, the shopping here would sure satisfy anyone, the only problem for me would be to bring everything back to England!
posted by elaine at 15:02
5 Comments:
Not bad --
Nice one ------
Have a nice time and doon't eat too much --- Elainie !!!! it will be more kgs in 6 months time --- watch out
miss you tons. x x x Gordon x x x
shame that not everyone is writing their name.. i dont who you are! but thanks for the comments anyway. :)
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