I love books. Ergo, I love bookstores. In an age of mass media consumption, the neighborhood…read morebookstore is a welcomed respite. The Buchladen Neusser fills that role admirably in Nippes. Let's start with the positives. It is a wonderful book shopping atmosphere with a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The shop has its own personality in the middle of downtown Nippes. If you're sole looking for atmosphere and nostalgia, then this business is an important landmark. For some people, supporting local business is their primary value. If that's the case, then the Buchladen is a must-shop. However, in terms of convenience and price, the shop is lacking. The selection is limited and the prices are not competitive compared to the larger stores. If your priority is immediate selection, your better off at a larger store. If price is your thing, no store can compete with the Internet.

It is free, it is extensive, it has evil Russian propaganda. Do I need to say more?…read more I do have to take off a star for not accommodating stupid Americans like me. Even with the audio guide, there are some parts of the museum that you will just have to squint at intelligently, take pictures thinking that you will translate when you get home (you won't), and move on with the other children to the big tank. Big tanks require no translation. Neither does the life-sized canoe crashing through the wall with life jackets pouring out of it (bet you're going now, aren't you?)

This is one of the best museums to visit if you are at all interested in contemporary German…read morehistory (WWII and on). While it is a bit frustrating if you don't know German (only the major captions on signs are translated into English, though I heard you can ask for an English guide), the fact that it's free more than makes up for it. Regardless of my utter lack of German language ability, I still managed to spend hours in this museum. The best part? Admission is absolutely FREE. Definitely a must-see attraction in Bonn. Go with German locals if you can; it'll likely make your visit much more meaningful. Note: You will be asked to turn in your personal belongings at the coat check. Also, there is a direct entrance to the museum from the Heussallee/Museumsmeile U-Bahn station, on the western side of Friedrich-Ebert-Allee -- going through this entrance will actually allow you to see a neat car and train.

This is a very cool, old town. It helps if you have good friends living there. The bars are great,…read morethe sites are excellent. Being between Kōln and Düsseldorf, its a well situated and also next to the river Rhine, so if you are able to squeeze in a boat ride that would be great. You have to check it out if you have the chance. You won't be disappointed.

Gefühl für das Tiefe mittelalter kommt hier hoch. Auf den rheinwiesen ist es abends herrlich.read more

Yes, even in Europe on a River Cruise I had to be subjected to searching for a department store…read morewhile on a shore excursion. The Galeria Kaufhof was a very pleasant find and shopping experience, well, especially for my wife's expected grand baby shopping frenzy. For me, finding a quiet place to sit, rest the worn feet, and do some people watching was the perfect combination of service and fine hospitality. Once rested, I did browse the racks and displays. I enjoyed seeing the variation in fashions and the store attendants were very accommodating to my visual presence saying, "Danika, just browsing." The selections were impressive and prices in my broken sense of Euro to Dollar conversion were nicely comparable. Eventually, my eyes fell on the large selections of chocolates and confections that could travel easily back home! That was my score of the day, oh as well as, my finding Oma (to-be) with arms full of baby to toddler sized clothing. Success, yes, on both levels of shopping priorities. We both brought a bounty of treasures back to our ship.

Great selection of wines and beers. Shoes, jewelry, candy, clothing is there and pricing is very…read morereasonable. Here on a river cruise so it was a good stop.