In Search of Inspiration – The Journey of the Writing Pilgrim #7
In January 2011 I sent the Writing Pilgrim out on a worldwide journey in search of ideas and inspiration for stories, novels and blogs. I would have liked to make the journey myself but I'm not a rich man and I have a wife and four cats that need me, a blog to maintain and novels and short stories to write so my hands are a bit tied. The Writing Pilgrim is a free spirit, travelling on the crest of a creative wave and looking to experience the world in a lifelong journey he has long wanted to take. Whatever insights he can share I hope you'll look forward to as much as me.
A Very Special Local Brew
Guten Tag Dave! Yes, would you believe it, after my visit to Iceland I've headed south, ignored you and the UK, headed over the Channel and found myself in Germany. This is a great country with a lot of history. You'll probably be thinking "I hope he doesn't mention the war!" but I honestly believe the German people have moved on, unlike some of our compatriots in the UK.
My journey into Germany (that's almost a rhyme!) led me into the west and to the majestic city of Cologne (Koln) that sits on the banks of the Rhine. After landing at the airport I hopped onto a train and unbelievably got the correct one. Emerging in the heart of Cologne I wasn't sure what to expect but the first thing that greeted me was the gigantic Dom Cathedral. I couldn't appreciate the wonder of this architectural masterpiece at first. I arrived at night and although the cathedral looked impressive it wasn't until the following day that I really fell in love with it as I watched the sun's rays basking on its surface.
You can easily get lost in the number of museums that Cologne has to offer and I felt it was a good point in my journey to take my time and really enjoy this city. Art museums are prevalent in Cologne as well as some of your usual historical ones. The most moving aspect of the museums for me was the insistence on not denying the events of World War II. The German people are open and honest about their part in that terrible war and it is this sincerity which I admired greatly in them. They have learned to move on from the past though it's something they'll clearly never forget. Even if they wanted to, many other nations would keep reminding them. It's sad really. Surely time all of us looked to the future now and treated each other with respect.
I must have put two stone on here in Cologne, Dave. I have fallen in love with German food which is very filling for any tourist but I'm constantly eating more than I should. Don't get me started on the cafes they have here with their extravagant ice cream desserts. Every time I pass one I know I shouldn't but I end up taking a seat and waiting for my order to be taken. The service in Cologne is top-notch and everyone is really friendly, much more so than back home. Maybe you and I should move out here, Dave. You can bring Donna and the cats. If you won't then I may well do.
The best part of Cologne has surely been the local brew – Kolsh! There are a few variants of this drink but the important thing is it is brewed only in Cologne and served only in Cologne. I can picture a Fight Club scenario with Kolsh e.g. "The first rule of Kolsh club is, you do not drink anything other than Kolsh!" The first pub I went to I had the audacity to ask for something over than Kolsh. I thought the staff were going to chase me out of the establishment with meat cleavers such was the malevolence in their eyes. I recovered the situation by having ten glasses of Kolsh in a row. They're not pint glasses you get but a medium sized glass which doesn't take long to drink. Be on your guard though. If you don't stick a beer mat on top of the glass they'll keep bringing you Kolsh until you're falling off your chair. Marvellous drink, marvellous service, marvellous city, it's all so very…well…marvellous!
I'm bored of writing to you now, Dave. I'm due another Kolsh so while that's on its way let me suggest that you take this beautiful city and use it for Elenchera. I think a city with a very special local brew must be worth considering. I know your Glamadorian elves are wine makers and their trade is later monopolised by the Legantkians. You could start there. What about the Ephetonan dwarves, eh? They're master beer brewers so could they come up with a unique drink. Failing that, why not explore the introduction of wine, beer and other alcohol to the western colonies. I'll leave it up to you.
I'm having a few more glasses of Kolsh at this pub then heading for a stroll along the Rhine. Can you believe Cologne started way back with the Romans? So much history here. I promise I'll move on and keep you updated as to my progress but for now I'm going to enjoy more Kolsh while I can but I promise to steer clear of the cafes. Well, I may pop into one or two more before I leave. Perhaps four or five. I'll see how it goes.
Danke,
W. Pilgrim
