Thanks for being you - Euro Trip Finale

TGIF! Thanks a lot for pitching in your stories. I am overwhelmed by your response. I would have my honey read and pick the winner by the weekend ;) And I would definitely write my view on your story.
Please listen to this soulful song as you read the post.

Today there is an IT exhibition happening, sponsored and conducted by management of the client I am working for. There are many stalls, where we could win gifts and numerous prizes through lucky draw.

Not sure they are ediable but they defn look christmasy, Berries by roadside , Koln Germany

As usual I did not win anything. while friends have grabbed bag full of goodies (even IPod, hard disks and play stations) and all I manage to get was a table top calendar,and a pen that doesn’t even write!

Nightingale fountain, Koln

I feel like a boy who did not receive gifts from Santa, wondering whether I was not good enough to deserve one. Casinos, lotteries and even “one dollar soft toy pick” machines are adamant to make friend with me. Although I am grateful for many things I have been blessed with, I wish I could win something unexpectedly by luck. Expecting the unexpected ;)

Blue berries by roadside, Koln Germany

After the magical forest expedition in Altenberg, our body and camera’s battery needed a quick recharge.
So we took couple of hours of nap in Koln hotel before taking a long walk along the banks of Rhine.

The sight of sun going down by Koln Dom is mesmerising to watch. Just like Paris the social activities in the bank is quite interesting. It was Saturday and I could see people relaxing drinking beer with friends.

Hohenzollern Bridge used as railroad and pedestrian.

We witnessed a funny bar on wheels! anyone can hop on and order a beer. The driver cum bartender would refill and would also ask you to paddle.

There was this group of friends who were singing cheerfully. When the guy in blue saw me taking his picture he waved and smiled.

Later we walked into the crowded streets with so many bars to shopping area. In Germany beer is cheaper than sparkling water!

This building is called 4711 house, a number given by soldiers of napoleon when asked to count the houses. Eau De Cologne (water of cologne) was originated here by 17th century and 4711 became a world known brand since then. Cologne own one of the oldest fragrant factory in the world and Eau De Cologne has become a common term to denote perfumes since then.

They say nothing is more cooling than a handkerchief dipped in cologne so we too brought the strong smelling cologne bottles. R took me to this strange shop which sold soaps and bath accessories. The soaps are made up of natural ingredients and looked anything other than the ones we find in our bathrooms. They may be good for your skin, but not for the purse. The price of a relaxing sea salt I brought here, almost gave me an attack!

They smelled wonderful; I was very tempted to take a bite.

After a good sleep and generous breakfast, we prayed in Dom before leaving to the railway station. We travelled back to Amsterdam by ICE. I gave a big bear hug to R for accompanying and helping me through out before I boarded my flight back to Singapore.

Thanks so much R! I would never forget the fun times we spent together. I may not have won casinos or lucky draw, but I am definitely lucky to have found loving and supportive friends.

The journey of my life would never be complete without you, my friend! Thank you for travelling with me! Thank you for being you!