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04/25/2007: "Crazy 4 Castles"
What a difference a month makes. Last visit to Cologne, I had to drive through a snowstorm. Today, it was sunbathers, bicyclists, and convertibles. Along my route into town, I could see several people sunbathing. More like sun worshiping. What is it with older European men and Speedos anyway? The temperature should reach 30 C today which converts (based on my memory of high school science F=9/5C+32) to 86 F!
Europe is so much more enjoyable when the weather is nice. Restaurants expand their seating into the sidewalks, giving you views of the sights and sightseers. Bike and walking trails along the famous rivers start to fill up. And the Europeans themselves become so much friendlier. Everyone seems excited that winter is over and summer is on the way. They know that this little taste of warmth is really their time to enjoy after a long cold winter and before the tourists start to crowd the streets, hotels and hotspots. 
Once again, I flew into Frankfurt and took the train to Cologne. This time I took the “regional” route north along the Rhine. It was a treat for me to watch the people activity happening along the river and to once again see the castles of the Rhine. I love the medieval history of Europe, beginning and ending with those castles.
