Luring Theo to Cologne Cathedral--love lockets and fish

Years ago I visited Cologne, Germany and never forgot how wondrous the Cologne Cathedral was. I had to see it again.

Dan is willing, but Theo is as reluctant as ever. He tilts his head sideways. "What's there to eat?" asks the schnitzel boy, aka Theo, the gangster cat. 

Dan knows the answer. "Himmel un Aad," which is a mixture of potatoes, apples and blood sausage. 

I think I'll pass. Theo blinks.

"We'll find you some fish." We weren't born yesterday. There's more than one way to lure a cat into a cathedral.

But first the city of Cologne itself. As we arrive, Dan tells Theo that Cologne is 2,000 years old (founded in 38 BC) and known for it's Gothic architecture, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral (of course), Kolsch beer (crisp, pale ale), and it's the birthplace of Eau de Cologne perfume.  

And the bridge. The Hohenzollern Bridge is unique in that it has become the place where lovers declare their undying love by attaching a lovelock. Several hundred thousand locks adorn the bridge. The tradition began in 2008. 

Theo takes it all in stride, looking and sniffing around as we saunter across the bridge and get closer and closer to the Cathedral. 

"This is a special place, Theo." Suddenly phrases like "stunning stained glass" and "relics from saints" pop out of Dan's mouth. 

Known facts: Saints Felix and Nabor and St. Gregory of Spoleto--are buried underneath the cathedral. It's also the most visited landmark in Germany with approximately 20,000 visitors a day. And in 1996 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This cathedral is immense. "How long did it take to build?" Going somewhere with Dan is like bringing along an encyclopedia or instant access to AI on google.

"Well, they started building it in 1248 and it was finished in the 1880's so about 600 years."

And to think it could have been destroyed during World War II. But . . . it was deliberately spared by the Allies because of its historic and religious significance.

We have to stand in line to get into the cathedral--that's how popular it is. And it's totally worth it. Despite the meowing from Theo who has now fixated on fish for lunch, we walk around and try to notice everything:

There is the main body of the cathedral where the pews are:

The altar:

Look how elaborate the backdrop is. This is where you donate money and light a candle for a special prayer.

On the walls as you walk around, are the Stations of the Cross. You can follow the entire crucifixion:

Throughout the interior statues abound. Immense in size. Eye-popping.

Finally, Theo plops down and refuses to move another inch. 

"Can we eat?" he meows.

The kid not only looks hungry but totally worn out. 

"It's enough." I agree. I could stay for another few hours, but Theo has his limits. 

Dan picks him up and gives him a gigantic hug. "Yes, buddy, we're leaving now. Fish it is!"