Over the Kölnisch Rhine to Africa

We entered Köln over a river. It's a southwesternly city that nearly shares a border with Luxembourg. All German cities don't have the same taste. Köln had a different dialect and seemed more posh. There was a small-town, big-city attitude here. People knew each other at the grocery stores, no one appeared to be in a rush, and drunk college students chanted German soccer rhythms on the streets. I'd say it's an extremely safe city to get lost in.

NYU took us on another weekend trip, but this time it was unexpectedly worthwhile. We were paired off with University of Köln students to meet the city and exchange cultures. There was a seminar on Saturday that faced cultural stereotypes, politics, language, and became a successful outlet for bonding. I wandered off a few times and made some new friends along the way. We went to the Chocolate Museum, The Dom (church), and a college party. I finally witnessed the secret to those yummy Lindt balls in red packaging. Hands down, those chocolate spheres are the best in all of the land. They even top Ritter Sport, and that's a bold statement. Turns out, the family of one of the girls that I met used to own a cocoa bean plantation in Ghana. Pretty cool. Ghana is one of the largest cocoa bean distributors in the world, second to Brazil. One more reason why I should visit. The college party I attended was extremely non-collegiate. This liberal gathering was in the basement of a University of Köln dorm. Everyone seemed too young to be boozing in such a slutty manner. I passed minimal judgement because it's Europe and everyone seems to be a dirty bastard at heart. Well, I've officially been to a German dorm party that had loads of Vodka, but no keg. Weird, right?

I also befriended a blonde-haired native from Tanzania. We had one thing in common for sure: a love for Africa. And all who know me KNOW I interrogate the interesting. She gave her detailed account about being "white" in Africa. Apparently, Africans glorify pale-skinned people because they think they have money. This is very sad. I feel even more compelled to go to make this correction. Where are all these multicultural people hiding in the USA?

I really (times 8) want to visit Africa. I have a feeling it's going to be hot...and life changing. I have way too many African friends now to continue making up excuses. (Excuse #1: it's really fucking expensive).

Either way, I'm GOING on a star-gazing safari one day....