cologne is a much more vibrant city; the germans are much more expressive there. one can head over to the bridge, where lovers chain padlocks that are signed with their names onto the metal gates surrounding it.

on a saturday, there are also many bachelorettes' parties by the Rhein. They dress up in costumes, and play tricks on the bride. (Sometimes grooms). The games are rather entertaining, and are quite a sight.

a bride-to-be came over to us when we were sitting by a cafe/bar, and requested we pay four euros for her products (some mentos, candy, small facial foam tubes). in the end, we bargained for her to receive a kiss from stef.

found a sushi bar. authentic sushi~ finally in germany. love the wasabi. i spoke some korean to the waitress; here it is likely the koreans work in the japanese restaurants.

waited till nightfall and we walked over to catch the fireworks performance. the fireworks event is held once every year during this time in cologne, and families and lovers gather from around to watch. music is synchronized with the fireworks display, and boy, the fireworks took my breath away. sparkles of colours splashed across the sky, literally - somehow the fireworks seemed like shiny diamonds of different colours bursting with happiness.. 1000 times better than ndp's.