Cologne

We had several hours to kill in Cologne, on both the outward and return journeys.  Of course we were here last year, so we had explored the cathedral before.

We ate supper in the café just opposite the cathedral, as before.

On our way back, it was early morning so we began with a leisurely coffee in that same café.  If you ever have the chance to visit, the toilets at this café are a bargain at 50 cents.  I have never before seen Japanese tourists taking photographs inside a toilet.  Here the glass doors are transparent until you fasten the lock, when they become opaque.  It's all sparkling with cleanliness.

So, at ten, we were able to access the Roman Museum, which is conveniently close to both cathedral and railway station.  The story is that they were excavating for an air-raid shelter in 1941 when they uncovered this fantastic mosaic floor.

It has detailed images of wildlife.

Perhaps even ore surprising is this second floor.  What must the Germans have thought when this came to light in 1941?  Of course it is an ancient symbol, but even so.

The collection of Roman artefacts in this museum includes many intact glass vessels

pieces of sculpture

and jewellery.

It made for a really interesting visit.