5 Things to do in Cologne

Posted on by

I have lived in Cologne for over 5 years. While I may have not have been to every possible location, I have a few places I would recommend for tourists or any person visiting the city.

1. Visit the Dom

It’s hard to miss the cathedral. It’s the tallest building downtown, and it looms over you as soon as you step outside the main train station. Just checking out the architecture from outside is already impressive, but you can also usually go inside. Additionally, you can pay 4€ to go up a very narrow spiral staircase to view the city from up top. Continue reading →

The Great Kölsch Tour

Posted on by

I have lived in Cologne for a while, and if there is one thing that Cologne is known for, it’s the iconic Kölsch-style beer. Most beers are either ales, which result from top-fermenting yeast and being conditioned at warmer temperatures, or lagers, which typically use bottom-fermenting yeast and are conditioned at cooler temperatures. Kölsch is peculiar in that it’s brewed and fermented with warm, ale-style yeast but then conditioned at cooler temperatures.

I honestly never quite liked Kölsch beer, but you get used to it after a while, especially if it’s the only beer available in the majority of bars.

Regardless, I decided to go around and try all the Kölsch beers with some friends over the span of a few days. I then discovered that there are way more Kölsch breweries than I had initially anticipated: at least 27! Continue reading →

Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent Review

Posted on by

My old tent had a good run, but after using it for almost a decade, it was time to buy a new one.

I settled on this 3-season tent, and I have been very pleased with my purchase. The main feature that I demanded of whichever tent I would end up buying was that it be freestanding. I hate that a tent won’t stay upright if the pegs aren’t securely in the ground, and this fit the bill.

Continue reading →

Alpine Design Hiker/Biker Tent Review

Posted on by

I bought this a long time ago when I was still living in Chicago. My friend and I wanted to go camping in Wisconsin, and I didn’t have much money. This tent was only $50, so I thought it was only going to last a few uses. I ended up using it for almost a decade.

Side story: I got Lyme disease from a tick while I was camping in Wisconsin that led to about $3000 in medical costs for the half-hour visit to the emergency room. Yay American health system!

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in Wyoming

Continue reading →

Esbit Pocket Stove Review

Posted on by

I had used my pot in Norway, but I had put the pot directly on the coals of a small fire we made. I felt like I might want to cook when I went into the Highlands in Scotland, but it didn’t look like there were going to be many trees where we were going, so I bought this on a whim as I was in Aviemore right before we started our hike. I really regret doing so.

Continue reading →

Meindl Air Revolution Dynamix Review

Posted on by

These are some boots that I bought about 4 years ago since my last hiking boots got worn out. I have to say that these were some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I actually think that the size I got was a little too small, as they were a little snug, but when I put them on, it was like walking on a cloud. I didn’t even have to break them in before they were comfortable. They were waterproof, which was nice when walking in the rain or through shallow creeks. They are also fairly warm, which helped when I was hiking in some cold areas like Norway. Continue reading →