Christmas Market in Germany

Did I already mention that we don't have television and I can't access the internet from my computer yet? So, we don't have to state the fact that we can't check the weather forecast...even though most days it's rainy. Anyway, we decided to head to Cologne, Germany today to visit one of the most "attractive" Christmas markets alongside Cologne Cathedral. (As I keep mentioning, I'll post pictures later.) We noticed it was overcast when we left Belgium, but we weren't too concerned. We were going on our first real adventure now that we're living in Europe! This is exactly why we came here...to explore! So, the kids were in the backseat playing their PSP and "Game Girl" when K and I all the sudden noticed we were heading into some never ending rain. It took 2 and a half hours to get there and it rained the whole time, but trying to be positive and "troopers", we decided that there might not be many people that ventured out like we did. So, we finally found a parking space and headed upstairs out of the parking lot to see the scenery. After bumping into Christkindle (Santa Claus) who gave the kids some chocolate, we enjoyed Christmas music by a polka band in the train station. We then tasted German pretzels (yum!) for a snack and authentic "German" Subway for dinner. We did venture out for the market area because I was on a mission to buy an ornament. (We collect them from places we've visited around the world.) We really couldn't get the whole view of the market with the cathedral in the background due to the umbrellas and our own hoods blocking the fabulous views. The rain never let up, but the kids never complained either. They were able to ride the carousel two times and pick out our ornaments. I even tasted mulled wine (we decided it's basically wine that is heated up) before the kids' toes were wet through their socks and shoes. So, we headed back to the car. We actually were in the car driving longer than we stayed at the market, but it made for a unique Christmas experience.