So I stayed another night in Köln. The private hostel I was staying at was full of nice folk, so it was quite a laugh. Just sitting in the lounge drinking a beer chatting with a varied bunch of people - Americans, Irish, a Czech, Germans, etc. - and chilling out. Great.

Yesterday morning (08:00!) I took a train to Nürnberg/Nuremberg. This is a really nice city. It was rebuilt really well after the war, and the walled medaevil centre is impressive. The Castle, walled town, lovely churches - great work.

The youth hostel I am staying at is actually part of the castle complex, though it is a rebuilt part of it. A good view over the old city, and a nice feeling staying up there.

Last night I gathered that the Germans won at football due to the gathering outside the castle. A hillside full of Bavarians wrapped in German flags, chanting chants (it's strange that there only seems to be a few victory tunes throughout the footballing world, with only the lyrics varying). The streets were occupied by cars adorned with streaming flags and honking horns, and the periodic lunatic running about the road with a giant flag. Actually that was generally the one lunatic, running about periodically.

And today. Mmm, Bratwürst! This afternoon I sampled the bratwürst and beer at the local Bratwursthaüsle. Sitting, watching the people go by on the long sloping street up to the castle. Wonderful.

Probably off to Prague, or somewhere in the Czech Republic now.