ESC Blog

Picture book heaven in troisdorf

noreply@blogger.com (Inselaffe) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:14:00 +0000

I discovered the picture book museum (Bilderbuch Museum) in Troisdorf this weekend and can't recommend it highly enough. With the icy siberian cold-front approaching this weekend it's the perfect place to take your kids for a warm, fun and vaguely educational activity. There's also a cafe next door so you can get a caffeine and cake fix afterwards.

http://www.rhinemagazine.com/picture-book-heaven

Neptunbad

noreply@blogger.com (@qwallis) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Since moving to Ehrenfeld last year I've walked past Neptunbad daily and had vowed that sooner or later I'd find the time to check it out.

Turns out it was "later" (seven months) before we found the time, but last week Flo' and I took advantage of a kid free weekend and mustered enough courage to climb the steps and spend four hours in aquatic heaven.

Neptunbad was opened in 1912 as the first modern public bath in Cologne-Ehrenfeld.

I'm not sure if the building was damaged or not during the wars, but it has some interesting historical bits & bobs on the outside, the main doors are heavy iron.

As we were only going for a sauna we were shepherded right and didn't see the whole of the inside of the building. Indeed much of the wet bit is obviously recently built including most (all?) of the spa area, where you can swim and bake yourself to your hearts delight.

Here's some old footage.

The decor swings between Japan and India, with Mt Fuji featuring prominently on one wall and a scattering of golden Buddhas. I was surprised to find Rome has been skipped altogether, probably best as it's easy to go overboard with doric columns.

Kaiserbad

My favourite part of the evening was spent in the Kaiserbad, which is one of the (I'd guess) original features in the central area of the building. Warm, but not hot, dimly lit but not dark: a return to the womb which comes highly recommended.
Place page

Neptunbad

Neptunplatz 1

Köln, 50823
Germany

0221 / 71 007 - 1

Jon Gomm European Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Dix) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Jon Gomm is an innovative guitarist, who manages to combine percussion, rhythm and lead on one single acoustic guitar - a worn-down customised Lowden that he calls "Wilma".

I first met Jon through the uk.music.guitar newsgroup, and was lucky enough to see him perform (and to perform with him!) at a subsequent UKMG event. He's currently touring Europe, and will be playing the Freilichtbühne in Düsseldorf (sadly no Cologne dates) on the 18th Feb.

He's an incredible player, but he's not just impressive guitar pyrotechnics, using his unusual style to support his songwriting, and well worth a listen. I'm definitely off to see him.

http://www.jongomm.com/ : Artist Web Site
Freilichtbühne : Venue Web Site

Christine's House Clearance

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Posted for Christine

To English Speaking Cologne .... we are leaving Germany at last for sunnier climes and would like to invite you to our house clearance on 12/13 Feb.

Everything must go, so it would be the perfect opportunity for newly arrived Cologne expats and bargain hunters alike to pick up something for the home. We have lots of appliances, kitchen, bedroom and living room furniture, entertainment bits, DVDs, rugs, lamps, bits & bobs ...

Please leave a comment to let Christine know that you're popping round (when etc), or send her a message for more information.

This post on Google Buzz.

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Money Off + Free Offers - Cologne Germany

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Google recently launched "Google Offers"

A service for business to let them offer printable coupons which people can use to redeem against goods or services.
Use the gadget below to see what's available near Cologne.

<p>&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; </p>

Concert: Colour Haze, Rotor, Sungrazer 3th Feb 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Johan Otten) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Colour Haze, A prominent German stoner/psychedelic rock band is coming to Cologne on the 3th of February 2011 to the Live Music Hall.

Let us know if you want to come, on the blog or on buzz!

You can get tickets on Koelnticket.de or get it at one of the boxoffices in Köln, they should be around €23,15

Here is one of their songs:

Concert: Reel Big Fish Concert, Feb 16th 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Johan Otten) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:00 +0000

They were here a year ago, and are in Cologne again!

Reel Big fish concerts promise to be lively concerts with a happy up lifting Ska sound. This time they play in Luxor and tickets are around €23,65

A few people are going, leave a comment when you want to go too, on the blog below, or on Buzz.

One of their most famous songs (live):

Silly Billy's

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:11:00 +0000

What can you do in Cologne to keep the kids entertained when the weather is awful? One option is "Silly Billy's". Nothing too classy nothing to slick, it's basically a large barn packed full of stuff for kids ( and the young at heart) to bounce and climb on.

Parents who feel the need to *see* what's going on can set up camp in one of the areas in the hall with tables and chairs: the more sane grown ups will take refuge in the cafe area (tip: take you own food or eat before you go), the really clever ones take a book.
Silly Billy's isn't something you'll want to do every weekend: but when it's wet and cold it is somewhere where one can take "the little darlings" to let off steam.
Hundreds of sweaty red faced smalls either enjoying themselves or balling their eyes out after the inevitable bodily injuries. Call it heaven or call it hell, one thing is certain they'll sleep well the night after.

Christmas is Coming...

noreply@blogger.com (Máire) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:55:00 +0000

Spring is here! Well it is back home where I was born! All those years I took for granted my birthday falling in such a lovely time of year. For the past few years I find myself trying to make the most of this dark, damp, cold offering, that is November in the north. It is also the prelude to that joyous time of year called Christmas. Admittedly, in the beginning I loved the novelty of a Christmas with mistletoe, gluhwein, snow and a real Christmas tree. Reality has shattered this innocence and now I find myself dreading this consumer filled time filled with expectations, demands and kitschy idealisation of what Christmas means. It all kind of leaves me cold. (Pun intended!)

My perfect Christmas would be to not have one at all. Let's make birthdays more important, says my 12 year old self! OK, for those who are religious, Christmas is meant to be a celebration of Christ's birthday, but for those of us who don't get into that, what are we doing!? It's a mirage created by marketers to get us to spend more money and to make believe our families are the people we most want to spend a few days with. Christmas has the highest number of suicides in the year. There are more lonely people who feel even lonelier because of the huge expectations and demands created around this time of year.

But there is a way out of my cynicism. Celebrating life everyday as if everyday mattered. Giving to and loving each other as if everyday matters, not just this one time in the year when we place pressure on ourselves to perform. If we haven't loved someone throughout the year, why should it become something we 'must' do once a year? Every day should be a celebration. I love that idea of performing random acts of kindness (does anyone know who originally said that?). Life happens today. Love happens today.

I've disappointed family expectations only a couple of times in my entire life. OK, probably more, but I'm referring to specifics here. One year I planned a bike trip with a friend that turned into quite an adventure, particularly in the heart of an Aussie summer Christmas. Another year I found myself cooking Christmas dinner in a home for people who struggle with life. The afternoon was spent in a rose garden. Somehow the whole day was very peaceful. My ideal? Honesty, openness and peace, and a nice little escape would be welcome.

How do you experience Christmas and what would be your great alternative?

PS. The picture is courtesy of Zoe from www.zoesurfart.com

Beers in Cologne other then german beers

noreply@blogger.com (Johan Otten) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:42:00 +0000

The people from Cologne are very proud of their Kölsch, and that is about the only thing you can get in bars. You may have a good chance to get a Pils and sometimes a Weizen next to the local speciality. Now I like Belgian beers, but the only bar which serves a proper Witbier is the Bier museum in Altstad (that I know of). This is a bar where they play carnaval music, which is not my cup of tea.

Thank goodness there apparently are people here in Cologne who do appreciate the finer beer arts of the Belgians. There are a few shop in Cologne which sell it.
Near Kalk Kapelle is a drinks shop where the online beer shopBierzwerg has a few shelves, with all kinds of beers. Order in advance, and pick it up or order it online and have it delivered.

There is a kiosk in Brüseler str, which has a small selection, but should suffice for the most urgent needs.

If you know other places, leave a comment!

Cologne English Speaking Runners

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Are you a runner, or interested in taking it up?

Matt Lightwood has started a Facebook group for English language people interested in running
The aim of the group is to be as inclusive as possible, whether you have never run before and want to start or are an experienced runner wanting to improve.
The group will meet every other Wednesday somewhere in Cologne and will give English speakers living in the city the chance to meet, socialise, have fun, learn from one another and of course run!
Depending on interest Matt might even organise some trail running days (even mountain running) on some weekends to get out of the city and into the great outdoors.

Group on Facebook

World Kids Day - Cologne

noreply@blogger.com (@qwallis) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:51:00 +0000

I'm (@qwallis) off to "Welt Kinder Tag" later today with the kids and Flo'.

Welt Kinder Tag

If anyone wants to join us or meet up leave a comment here or on this post's Buzz post and we can arrange where to meet up.
If you want to contact me, you can send me a message through my ESC profile, or most of you will find my phone number etc on the "Contact" tab on my Google profile (when logged in).

Hope to see you there!

Hollywood's Comedy Night

noreply@blogger.com (Antony) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Are you in need of a good laugh? Hollywood's Comedy Night is Germany's first and best English speaking stand-up comedy show.

First show of the season

Date: Wednesday 8th September

Time: 8pm CEST

Venue: Flanagan's Irish Pub, Heumarkt, Cologne

Featuring:

Troy Conner
Christane Olivier
Ken Parsons
Kristian Kokol
and of course, Johnny Hollywood

Facebook Event
Buzz comments

Meet up at Aachener Weiher

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:51:00 +0000

It's sunny!
Seems like a good day for a spontaneous meet up.

This is a Kids + Kid friendly grown ups meet.
Where: Biergarten am Aachener Weiher
When: from (or before) 2pm.
If you want to get in touch tweet me (@qwallis) or (@English_Cologne).

Not on Twitter?
You can send me a message via my English Speaking Cologne profile, or go to my Google profile where most of the people I know will be able to see my mobile number (the contact tab when logged in) and give me a call!

Leave a comment if you're going to come, or better still on the Buzz thread (as that'll ping my phone).

Hope lots of people turn up. Bring the kids, all welcome!

German conversation classes - Overseas Club

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Want to polish up your German language skills?
The Overseas Club Cologne have started running German conversation classes (intermediate or advanced) with native speakers for people learning, or brushing up their German at intermediate and advanced levels.

image credit

Besides that you can also take part at the Club`s leisure and culture program, get into contact with friendly people in the Clubs own premises.

Conversation classes in German run every second friday beginning at 7:30 pm (intermediate) and 8:30 (advanced).

Web: overseasclub.de email: info@overseasclub.de
T. 0221-9230296 Twitter: @overseasclub

20% off standard prices for ESC members - Mention ESC when signing up!

Lots of new faces

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Lots of new faces at Thursday night drinks

Angies's last few days in Cologne ... Shame, come back soon.

Lars arrives ...

Smiles

Put it away Harald ...

Looking comfy ...
Just a few dodgy snaps before the light goes. One day I'll have a "proper" camera again. Nice that the weather had held out. One or two more meet-up's here before we start hoping around exploring some "indoor" venues.
@qwallis [from mobile]

Concert: Fear Factory, postponed!

noreply@blogger.com (Johan Otten) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:56:00 +0000

Note: Concert has been postponed until a later, but unknown, date.
Fear Factory is an American industrial/groove metal band.

They are giving a concert on the 6th of August at the Essig-fabrik. I (Johan) plan on going there. The tickets are 24,95€ (which I guess service charges will be added to).

Leave a comment on this post or on the Buzz post if you thinking of going!

Fear Factory - Demanufacture:

Florence Petrequin

noreply@blogger.com (Flo) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:55:00 +0000

French born, I recently relocated from London to Cologne Germany.

I live with the Robert and my two great kids, and I am now seeking opportunities to expand life in this new (to me) part of the world.

Oscar is now attending a bilingual school and finally doesn't miss "home" as much as he used to.

Frist born: Oscar

Küki ("Look two Mamas!") enjoys Kindergarten.

Second born: Küki (Aka: Bruno)

For more see my Google profile or my ESC profile.

Thursday Night Drinks Cologne

noreply@blogger.com (Antony) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:00:00 +0000

A regular English-speaking meetup in Cologne, Germany.

All are welcome. Native English speakers, people who like speaking English, ex-pats, residents, travellers passing through - come join us for Thursday Night Drinks.

The meet up location varies from week to week and is posted at Thursday Night Drinks Cologne topic on ToyTown

Leaving a comment is a nice way to let people you are going (or not) and "bumps the post in the site activity stream too :-)

Goodbye England

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:46:00 +0000

Didn't watch the football but gather from the ruckus that England lost.

I'll update the post later with some images and a ~~player that plays the files here~~.
[from mobile]

Social Media Lunch Cologne

noreply@blogger.com (@qwallis) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:21:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I went out to lunch with Vidar Andersen (@blacktar on Twitter). I hadn't met Vidar previously: but knew him to be someone worth meeting for a chat over lunch.

view on Flickr

The food was good, "cheap and chearful" (I've been meaning to do more blog posts about food but you know, hey-ho time and all that). The conversation was great too: very refreshing to be able to talk about a subject I'm very interested in without the person opposite *appearing* to glaze over.

I was delighted afterwards that @blacktar has grabbed the bull by the horns and started the initiative "Social Media Lunch Cologne". Was then gutted to find out that I can't make the first one as I have a call lined up at work, but I will make it when ever I can.

When?
~~The very first Social Media Lunch Cologne launches on Thursday the 1st of July 2010, 12:30 – 14:00 CET.~~

Next up: 11th August 12:30 - 14:00

Be sure to not miss out on the “I was there” bragging rights – success or failure notwithstanding! If you can’t make it – don’t be sorry for long. There’s going to be another Social Media Lunch Cologne just for you. Or one that you can quite possibly make it to. Sometime.

Where?
The idea is to keep rotating places in the Cologne inner city for variation. The first Social Media Lunch Cologne will be held at the Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln.

How?
Tell all your friends, colleagues and relatives to come (or stay away, respectively), show up at the venue sometime during the timeframe or drive by and wave to the rest – just wing it and do it your way. Whatever you do be sure to bring some lunchmoney allowing for a handsome tip. That’s basically it.

If you feel like connecting and spreading the awesomeness, perhaps already craving to commit that RSVP – there’s a facebook page for that.

No registration needed, though – It’s informal, remember?

If you’re into #hashtags feel free to use #smlcgn for your tagging and labeling needs.

Social Media Lunch Cologne is an informal regular lunch event in Cologne where social media experts and newbies alike come together to eat, meet, share, and learn. Twitter: @SMLCGN

Sunday afternoon in the Südstatt

noreply@blogger.com (@English_Cologne) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Just went past this band playing on a roundabout in the Südstatt.

I've seen them before and have always had a great time: was wondering if people would like to see them for the next "kids meet-up" - they are very kid friendly.

~~I'll update this post with the details and a map sometime in the week (posting this from my phone)~~.

Meet up now on the 4th July 2010
Music starts @ 4pm

Map: They play on this roundabout ;-)

View Larger Map

In the meantime if you'd like to come along (either with or without kids), please say so in the comments.
Cheers @qwallis

Tip: You can build a better "conversation" around this post on the Buzz.

WC2010: England v Algeria meet up

noreply@blogger.com (David Oliver) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:46:00 +0000

Meet up and cheer on England's boys together against Algeria in England's second group game.

Friday 18th June, kick off 20:30

For this match we thought we'd meet at Brauhaus Ohne Namen which is here, and is apparently a very good place to watch football. You can see it featured in a local television news item. We're confirming that they will definitely show the England match just to be absolutely sure, but unless otherwise stated this is where I'll be. Update: we've confirmed they're showing the match.

It will likely be busy, so it's suggested to get there in good time. I should be there from 19:00 onwards as I'm hoping to have dinner there. If you want to get a table/eat too, give them a call to reserve: (0221) 81 26 80. Otherwise, just turn up for drinks and the usual excitement and stress that are produced when England plays the beautiful game.

@BrightEyesDavid

Buzz for this post

The Unintentional Comedy That Is German Retail

noreply@blogger.com (Chupacabra) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Call me easily amused, but the name of this store never fails to make me chuckle. 'Cos, you know...WORMS live there.

It's Wormland, so I figure they must have little wormy passports and a Worm Ambassador.

There's a children's book waiting to be written about this place.

WC2010: England vs. U.S.A. - Sat. 12 June, 20:30

noreply@blogger.com (David Oliver) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:51:00 +0000

Wow. It's that time already. :)

Fancy meeting up for England vs. U.S.A.?

If the weather is good, the plan is to meet at Aachener Weiher Beer Garden which is here.

Update: due to the weather forecast and feedback I've had it's the pub:

If the weather's looking threatening we can go to Jameson Irish pub, which has lots of screens and is here.

Myself ( @BrightEyesDavid ) and my girlfriend will be there from about 19:00 ready the 20:30 kick off with a Union Jack (don't have a St. George one) and a cider. We'll probably have a meal there before the match so feel free to join us for that.

Buzz for this post.