We arrived at Dusseldorf where we were loaded onto buses to take us to the various chosen activities. We chose Floriade which is an event that happens once every 10 years. It was not quite what we expected - thought it would be more like a floral display of gardens as we may see at Canberra Floriade. This was more like an expo where different countries could put up a display showing innovations on the horticultural scene.

There were also other groups dressed up in period costume and performing re-enactments. You will see a pair dressed up in 17th/18th century costumes (not exactly sure of the time period) in the photos. I felt sorry for them because the temperature was around 36 degrees and very unseasonal for it to be this high for them.

After lunch back on the boat we had a walking tour of Cologne - made famous for its Cathedral which was once the tallest building in Europe before the Eiffel Tower was built. The cathedral took around 600 years to build and remarkably survived the bombings during WWII when the rest of Cologne was flattened.

Cologne is also known for the famous perfume 4711 eau de Cologne. Not so popular today but the scent is still very familiar. We also saw an area where they were going to build a parking lot but when they started excavating they uncovered Ancient Roman ruins that had been buried long ago. The area is now going to be restored for a museum.

We were pretty exhausted by this time, especially as the temperature was pushing 40 degrees. We had booked into the special restaurant on the boat but unfortunately half way through the meal I had to leave as I was ill due to the effects of the heat. The poor head waiter was very concerned there was something wrong with the meal (which there wasn't). Next time we go I'll make sure we have had an easier day.