And let me find no true abode

Don't ask how the island managed to fit itself inside the Rhine with enough water to spare for the ship docked at its port: it just did.

Outside, Cologne came alive in the morning, as tourists and locals both flooded the streets to do their business, but also to go hopping from one Christmas market to another. Drinking, eating, carousing, purchasing gifts, decorations, and anything else that was offered at the stalls.

The city knew several Christmas markets. Its most famous one laid at the foot of the massive Cathedral at its heart, not far from the island. But half the fun of being here was walking from market to market, seeing what differed - and what didn't - from the most traditional markets to the LGBT Christmas market with its... amusingly shaped banana treats.

Or you could just enjoy the city. It was, after all, Cologne.

[[ ocd up and open! ]]