Trip 1️⃣ Cologne, Germany

🚝 Train Adventure Bought an 8 AM train ticket to Cologne, but arrived at the airport way too early. A German friend said, "Just hop on the earlier train!" (No ticket checks—just walk straight to the platform. So weird! 😆) The supposed 1-hour ride turned into 2.5 hours thanks to random stops. Classic Deutsche Bahn. ⛪ Cologne Cathedral at Night Stepped out of the station—BAM! The lit-up cathedral greeted us. Night views? Chef’s kiss. 🌃✨ 🍗 Late-Night Food Struggle Craved Turkish kebabs, but our go-to spot was closed (*everything shuts by 9-10 PM*). By 11 PM, we were basically foraging. 😇 🍳 Hotel Breakfast Basic but hearty "white people food"—bread, cheese, cold cuts. Fuel for the day! 🚶 Morning Stroll Perfect weather—cool and crisp. Wandered past charming hardware stores (yes, they’re aesthetic here). 🍖 Final Meal: Pork Knuckle Shared a massive with my sis (+ no sauerkraut, but purple beet slaw saved the day). Pro tip: European mashed potatoes are elite—ate them for 15 days straight, zero regrets. 🥔💖 🚗 Road Trip to Frankfurt Rented a zippy BMW 1 Series (so many Beamers here!). Stopped at REWE TO GO for snacks, then took the scenic Rhine route—castles included! 🏰 (But oops... got a speeding ticket in a village. Those low limits are no joke.) #Germany #Cologne #TravelDiaries 🇩🇪