Day 1: Journey to Cologne

We are just settling down to bed in our stunningly hot and sweaty room in the youth hostel in Cologne, Germany. My eldest daughter has just asked if we might die in this room tonight! I mean it stinks of sweaty feet, but I’m really hoping to make it through the night.

We set off first thing this morning and the journey was worryingly uneventful, other than the usual amusing comments from the girls. Initially E thought that she’d spotted the Disneyland palace on the way to Dover but it turned out just to be a church. My hubby had the bright idea that double decker motorways should be invented (he’ll no doubt now be googling if this is an actual thing) and then E became very confused about how long it would take to get to Dover. She felt very strongly that an hour and a half was exactly the same time as half an hour (note to self – do some work on time with my almost 9 year old child).

A Taylor Swift/Katy Perry mix on Radio One saved us just as the girls started to get restless and then there was great delight at some chewing gum we’d bought. “This is the first time using chewing gum the right way!” our youngest child declared. I dread to think what she’s done with it in the past!

After catching the ferry to Calais, we drove across to Belgium. Searching for a cashpoint, we drove down some of the back streets a while before reaching Brussels. The houses were amazing, each one different from the next and all really delightful in their own way.

There was drama in the back of the car when E removed her shoes. M has a very acute sense of smell and her sister’s cheesy feet was too much to handle! We had to have a period of the girls choosing the car music to keep them happy. E chose a succession of Little Mix songs and then M opted for her usual choice of Bon Jovi, blasted at full volume.

Eventually we arrived in Cologne and went out in the sweltering heat to find dinner. Cologne is beautiful and the atmosphere is lovely. After dinner we sat by the river with beers and ice cream and watched the boats go by.

Which brings us back to the sweaty room. Both girls are now asleep but I have to say the air is suffocating. It’s been hot in the UK recently but this is stifling. My hubby is sitting in bed drinking beer after washing his feet because I moaned so much about the smell. Thing is, I’ve got a horrible feeling it might be mine I can smell!

Day One has been a success. No major meltdowns from anyone, a smooth journey (so far) and a gorgeous evening in Cologne.