June 5th : Floriade is a horticultural show held every 10 years only. This year as it was held in Venlo, a Dutch province of Limburg, AMA Dolce was able to take us on a bus tour to the Expo after docking in Dusseldorf and we spent a whole morning touring the parkland setting. Parts of the expo showcased the various countries of the world's artistic land exhibits...here are some examples..
Other parts of Floriade demonstrated the idea of eco-art installations which are whimsical or in harmony with nature. There were in particular some interesting sculptures and designs that convey the messages of existing organically with nature and brings art, nature and education together.
In the afternoon, we rejoined our ship on the dockside of Cologne, Germany and took in a relaxing walking tour of Cologne with a local guide, affiliated with Ama Waterways, who was truly knowledgeable about the extensive history as well as biblical architectural relevance of its landmark cathedral
Naked butt on wall protruding over the beer market patios...lol
Cologne was bombed in over 250 air raids in WWII, much of the city was reconstructed to replicate as much as possible what was in existence prior to the war ie. this rebuilt hotel
We were awestruck by the sheer height & mass of this cathedral with multiple pinnacles and soaring spires; especially when one stands at the square in front and view the other surrounding buildings, more modern and of normal size, the cathedral just doesn't seem to belong there ...but yet one cannot deny.. it is breathtaking
"Shrine of the Three Kings"
Presumably.. this rather large reliquary is said to contain the bones of the bibilical magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. The relics of the magi were originally situated at Constantinople, but brought to Milan, then given to the Archbishop of Cologne in the 12th century. The construction of the Cologne Cathedral was begun then to house these important relics. It took over 600 years to complete and is still now the largest Gothic church in northern Europe
