28 August 2006
Köln Versus Düsseldorf
I wanted to tell you all something about Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf, where Johnny and Edda live. There is VERY fierce rivalry between these 2 cities, much more so than between say, Perth and Melbourne. Nowhere is this better illustrated than their two beers. In Düseldorf there are many brands including from microbreweries, of a beer called "alt" - meaning "old". Its a nice, darkish, malty ale, and is always served in a short, squat 200ml glass. In Köln there are many brands of a beer called "kölsch" (pronounced 'kerlsh' - yes OK Edda, not quite, but close enough for Australians), which is a much lighter coloured, more bitter ale, always served in a tall, straight 200ml glass. Although Köln (pop 1M) and Düsseldorf (pop 0.6M) are only 50km apart, with the outskirst virtually touching, you CANNOT buy an alt in Köln, or a kölsch in Düsseldorf. In fact, at the big international beer festival in Köln we went to on Saturday, they had beers from all over Germany, Europe and the world (including Australian Hahn, Boags etc) in the 80 or so vendor's stalls. But you could NOT buy an alt from neighbouring Düsseldorf!
Although Johnny and Edda live in Düsseldorf, Edda used to live in Köln and considers herself a Kölner, and refuses to drink alt. Me, I think I prefer the kölsch too.
Edda pointing to her favourite beer, a Kölsch on the right, an alt is on the left. Its better on tap and served in the appropriate glass, but you can also buy in bottles like these.
As Johnny says, Düsseldorf is loved by Düsseldorfers for its architecture and cityscape (see photo of apartment buildings at the harbourfront area), and Köln by Kölners for its culture and lifestyle (or 'mood'). Fascinating stuff.
Düsseldorf cityscape
Although Johnny and Edda live in Düsseldorf, Edda used to live in Köln and considers herself a Kölner, and refuses to drink alt. Me, I think I prefer the kölsch too.
Edda pointing to her favourite beer, a Kölsch on the right, an alt is on the left. Its better on tap and served in the appropriate glass, but you can also buy in bottles like these.
As Johnny says, Düsseldorf is loved by Düsseldorfers for its architecture and cityscape (see photo of apartment buildings at the harbourfront area), and Köln by Kölners for its culture and lifestyle (or 'mood'). Fascinating stuff.
Düsseldorf cityscape
Comments:
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Hello there! We had a great week-end with Gail and Ian and as all can see we had a lot of fun (i Just hope not too many people from Düsseldorf will view this page:-)
Hopefully the weather cleared up in Belgium, here it was a disaster today.
Anyway, looking forward to see you again soon, Love Edda
Hopefully the weather cleared up in Belgium, here it was a disaster today.
Anyway, looking forward to see you again soon, Love Edda
# posted by 
: August 28, 2006 11:20 pm
: August 28, 2006 11:20 pm
I always had my suspicions about this trip - and I feel I am being proven right. It is just an excuse for an extended pub crawl around Europe, isn't it?! Thousands of years (well, a good couple of thousand anyway) of culture are (almost) wasted on you. Cool buildings in Düsseldorf by the way...they look a bit Gaudi-esque...you'll see what I mean if you manage to stagger your way down to Barcelona - where I am reliably informed the local brew is Estrella Damm. San Miguel (made in western Catalunya's Lleida area)is also widely drunk. For Gail's information, a "clara" is a shandy in that corner of the world.
I don't suppose you can detect just a teensy-weensy bit of envy, here, can you?
I don't suppose you can detect just a teensy-weensy bit of envy, here, can you?
# posted by : August 29, 2006 6:22 am
: August 29, 2006 6:22 am
Hay you guy's!
Got your text,sorry i missed your going away bash.
Just been perusing the blog and boy am i jellous with All that drinkin,not to mention the travelin, is there anywhere you arn't going? I knew i should have stowed away in a suit case but that may have caused you some greif getting through customs.
The trip look's absolutly awsome and as per usual the photo's are great, glad to see your having a great time.
Say giday to Tanya 4 me, looking forward to reading more ya lucky buggers.
bye 4 now. Tezza...
Got your text,sorry i missed your going away bash.
Just been perusing the blog and boy am i jellous with All that drinkin,not to mention the travelin, is there anywhere you arn't going? I knew i should have stowed away in a suit case but that may have caused you some greif getting through customs.
The trip look's absolutly awsome and as per usual the photo's are great, glad to see your having a great time.
Say giday to Tanya 4 me, looking forward to reading more ya lucky buggers.
bye 4 now. Tezza...
# posted by : August 31, 2006 10:48 pm
: August 31, 2006 10:48 pm
Thanks for you comments guys, not sure who the third person is, but thanks anyway.
Edda, you just don't want to let other people from Düsseldorf know you prefer kolsch.
Terry, good to hear from you finally!
Edda, you just don't want to let other people from Düsseldorf know you prefer kolsch.
Terry, good to hear from you finally!
Hi Gail,
Just logged on to yr website after at least 6 wks. Read about Gemma and rang her straight away. Got the answering machine. Shall get in touch in next few days. Might have to drop some curry puffs around for her. Love reading about yr experiences. Cara relates to quite a few places you've been to. Envious that you guys got to Salzburg. Miss you at work. Luv Cheryl M.
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Just logged on to yr website after at least 6 wks. Read about Gemma and rang her straight away. Got the answering machine. Shall get in touch in next few days. Might have to drop some curry puffs around for her. Love reading about yr experiences. Cara relates to quite a few places you've been to. Envious that you guys got to Salzburg. Miss you at work. Luv Cheryl M.
# posted by : November 13, 2006 7:56 pm
: November 13, 2006 7:56 pm<< Home
