Cologne lights - pics from the event

[Andiline]

Hi guys,

this evening we had the event called 'Cologne lights' on and along the river. First there is a rowing competition which was won by the 8-men-ship of Oxford today (Amsterdam came second). Then depending on where you are you can see the first fireworks in the distance which shows you where the boats are. There are 50 illuminated boats going down the river and they get greeted with fireworks along the ride. There was a fireworks-ship in front which was shooting rockets all the time. In the end all boats come back to where the final fireworks is taking place. Today it was 30 minutes and with music from musical (like 'We will rock you', 'Rocky Horror picture show', 'The beauty and the beast' and several more). Here are some impressions from the evening. Unfortunately I had to take the pics of the boats coming towards us through glass which is probably the reason for the strange reflection. Was not able to get rid of them even with a tripod...

Here the rowing competition starts...


People along the shore are lighting candles and waiting for the boats...


Here they come....




You can see where they are...


Wow, they are back...


The final fireworks start... and it was quite impressing, I can tell you...






Loved the evening. Next year we will try to get on one of the boats...

[TAPPY]

The pictures are fantastic...what a must see event....

[Andiline]

The reflection of the fireworks on the water today was really amazing... we could see it during the firworks already...

I saw this event last year for the first time as in prior years I had always been in New York and I loved it. I can see part of it from my appartment as I live near to where the final fireworks take place. But my sister's boyfriend works in a building with direct view to the river so we went up on the roof where there is a rooftoop deck. We had a great view from there...

Whoever wants to come to see it next year - let me know and you'll be my guest!

[sctx]

Originally Posted by Andiline

.

wow, beautiful pic

[JEZ]

Great pics!

last night was Playas birthday and so the town had a fireworks display here too. Some people asked me if I had arranged it as part of my birthday celebrations, too funny!

[Jacko]

I agree with Scott! Whatever you did with this picture was wonderful! Beautiful!

Still trying to firm up our schedule for the Rhineland portion of our Germany trip....right now it looks like we might be up your way the weekend starting Sept. 15th....still waiting for my daughter to finalize her work schedule so we know for sure....As of right now, the only thing we have finalized is 2 days around Rothenburg along the Romantic Road with 2 days around Fussen. I hope we can work out a way to get to visit with you.

[Eileencc]

This looks like an amazing time! Your pics are really striking!

[MsRubio]

Your pics are amazing...thanks for sharing...looks like a super fun event.....

[Manitou]

Thanks so much for sharing. Beautiful photos capturing the event! I'm not sure that being on one of the boats could be as beautiful as where these photos were taken from.

[Seakony]

great pics as usual. Sure is alot going on in Cologne these days. Have you been to see the baby elephant yet?

[Andiline]

Originally Posted by Seakony

great pics as usual. Sure is alot going on in Cologne these days. Have you been to see the baby elephant yet?

Yeah, at weekends we barely know any more what we exactly are celebrating this time... And no, haven't been to see Marla yet but should really go. It was too hot in the last weeks though.

Jacko, I didn't do anything to the pics (just shrinking them). They are as we have seen it. The river was very calm and the reflections made the fireworks even more beautiful. And I have no plans for September yet but I know I will have to go to Zurich. This is usually only overnight though.

Manitou, along the river thre are more fireworks, people along the shore greet the boats with sparklers and there are illuminated captive balloons (one was very near to us but we cuold not see it. The red light on the left side of the fourth pic was from one of them.

Jez, when I heard that the Oxford boat had won the competition of the rowers, I had 'Engelund'-songs in my head again...

[TonyHD]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I agree with Scott! Whatever you did with this picture was wonderful! Beautiful!

Still trying to firm up our schedule for the Rhineland portion of our Germany trip....right now it looks like we might be up your way the weekend starting Sept. 15th....still waiting for my daughter to finalize her work schedule so we know for sure....As of right now, the only thing we have finalized is 2 days around Rothenburg along the Romantic Road with 2 days around Fussen. I hope we can work out a way to get to visit with you.

If you have not secured lodging for your time in Rothenburg, I would suggest the Hotel Kloster Stueble. Owned by a local couple, the wife runs the hotel with the assistance of her sidekick Erika, and the husband runs the kitchen. I did not have one bad meal while in Germany, but the one prepared for us at the Kloster Stueble was one of the best!
http://www.klosterstueble.de/ISY/

[TonyHD]

Here's a link to the Rothenburg webcam.

http://www.rotabene.de/webcam/index_e.html

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by TonyHD

Here's a link to the Rothenburg webcam.

http://www.rotabene.de/webcam/index_e.html

Thanks Tony! We are staying in the Castle Colmberg outside of Rothenburg the first night but will check out this delightful looking hotel for the second night. In Fussen we are staying at the Hotel Mueller.

[Thor Henning]

Wow! Beautiful! Great photos Andrea.