Today its well and truly Deutschland. By mind-morning we're at Koln (Cologne) and its gobsmacking cathedral. Work on this cathedral started in the early 13th century, abandoned late in the 15th and recommenced in the 19th before being completed near the end in 1880. The Cathederal stands over 500 ft above the street. The Spires on the roof look pretty from the ground, across the square there is a life size replica of one, that helps you comprehend just how far away 500 ft is

So this place is famous for the "Shrine of the Three Kings" a sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings. Even if it doesn't I'm walking on a floor that has been here for 800 years!

The other big deal in Koln is 4711, once you see the logo you'll remember it. I remembered it fondly and even bought Emerson a sample bottle. After 2 hours of her constant application in the coach though I'm cured of any like for the stuff.

We set off for the Rhine, the sun burnt its way through and kept us warm as we slid down this legendary stretch. Again the history in these towns and castles is impossible for me to get my head around, regardless of your appreciate for the history, its a beautiful vista.

We pushed on the Heidelberg with its pretty pink sandstone. That should have been what the kids took away about the castle, church, bridge, etc. Unfortunately though there is a brass monkey at the foot of the bridge, it took their attention. You could stick you head inside and wear the statue like a mask. But it also had a very realistically sculpted rear end, the main thing the kids were into.

Finally to Mannheim, still no idea what its famous for, but its pretty with beautiful civic square that also houses their water tower (awesome water pressure) we took a stroll after dinner before heading to bed for another early start tomorrow.