We walked down the Rhine River for a couple of kilometers and all around the town just admiring the local architecture and planning out the next day or so. We stopped in to an outdoor cafe sponsored by Frau Breweries. Lill and I had a couple of beers and I had a local wurst and fries. Great to people watch and just relax in the sun. There is a huge university population in Koln and the students seemed to be out on some kind of initiation. Lots of singing, chanting and general frolicking around. Quite fun.
Koln also has some of the finest art galleries in all of Europe. So the plan is to go to the Ludwic Museum of Contemporary Art tomorrow. On the way back to our hotel, we passed by a large church about a block west of the famous twin spire cathedral. We heard choir singing inside so we went in to hear and experience the beautiful music. Couldn't believe what we saw! There were easily 300 well trained voices in the choir and we entered in just as the conductor was trying to correct some diction and presentation. The sound of this beautiful choir warms you from the inside out. We came in at the tail end of their rehearsal so after about 30 minutes or so, they were winding down and preparing to leave. Still, those 30 minutes will stay with me all my days. The full-on sound of this magnificent choir inside an ancient church that had survived wars and chaos, with the sun streaming through stained glass and the smell of old wood, leather and polish. So hard to describe, but hopefully, this small clip will give you a sample of what it sounded like. Simply AmazingI hope this recording works.... (having some difficulties connecting to my Youtube channel. Will update with videos when I have more bandwidth. sorry about that folks!)
Like a signature on a beautiful day.
- Channeling UTM
Wow, as I look at these two spires I am expecting the "Count" to fly out the window at any moment! Shawn
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