A Tale of Two Cities

This morning we were in Cologne (main) and this afternoon in Bonn (extra). They are only a small distance apart by Rhine river boat.

Although Cologne was very badly bombed in WW2 and is now rebuilt in a mixture of ancient and modern styles, the Cathedral was spared. The construction was started in 1248 but the twin spires were finished only in 1880. We were in Burgos last September and were told that the twin spires on Burgos cathedral built in the mid 15th century using the plans for the then unbuilt spires of Cologne cathedral.

Bonn was less badly damaged. It was the seat of government for 50 years but today is a pleasant town, lively on this sunny Saturday. The extra shows the queues to buy flowers for Mother’s Day tomorrow in the old market. We visited the house where Beethoven was born and brought up, and tonight we have a concert in a local church by violinist Isabelle Faust.