It was the end summer 2016, and I was in a city called Cologne, the largest city in North-Rhine-Westphalia. I was traveling with a friend, a photo-and videographer who'd been coming to Germany to pursue a study in mechanical engineering. We arrived in Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), grabbed a quick breakfast on the go, put our luggage in luggage storage (with awesome system), and go out from the central station.

Why go?

That Cologne Cathedral appeared like magic while I was walking outside the central station. It is impossible not to like this building. I spent my first 10 minutes stood there admiring what I saw there. We walked the steps, and then through the doorway, which leads to the left side of the church.

Cologne Cathedral from outside

The Bronze Altar

Cathedral Window

It is said that the cathedral first built in 1248 and miraculously survived the World War eventhough badly damaged. The cathedral was built really well. I love its bronze big altar and impressive mosaics in each window make such a perfect shiny light when I stare at them.

Top of the South Tower

South Tower

The View from the Observation Deck

Savvy loves ... More than anything, though, I love its observation deck. I can look outside and see cologne from the top! I have to admit, I adored what I found. It's like travelling the time sitting in the cathedral with its ancient gothic ceiling, but when I see cologne from the observation deck, I can see the modern buildings from top.

On that three days visit, I fell in love with Cologne. Though it is smaller than Berlin, it was not hard to feel at home there. I was intrigued by its architecture, which has a mixture of modern, gothic, and neo-roman charm. I looked around the church, capturing the view, the people, the feeling of being here. That escape was just perfect as a summer 2016 closing, I want to freeze this moment in time forever and making it an everlasting summer!

It was a hot summer day in July when I walked in Hackescher Markt area with the heat and sunlight. The sun was blinding, and I suddenly heard the church bells chimming. Interested with the bell, I walked near the church and pushed the giant door of the church.

Nothing is small about Berlin.There is Berlin Cathedral, its pillars, its domes, its statues, which the first time I see it, I am feeling small. Now, it is exciting. My heart was already going like the clappers.

Why go?

Berlin Cathedral is the largest church in Berlin, stands in Museum Island, with neo-baroque art. It is more than 100 years old already. Berlin cathedral was built as a protestant counterweight to the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. By the way, actually it is not really a cathedral, because it has never been the seat for Bishop. But people call it cathedral anyway.

The Top of the Dome

The Altar

I always admire the top of the dome and don't mind staying there one hour just to enjoy the mosaics. Flooded with light, the dove on the top of the dome represents the presence of the Holy Spirit and the mosaics portray the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. The altar is made of white marble and onyx. Arriving at the Berlin Cathedral, I'd quickly decided that this last minute thinking had been a right decission. It is like stepping into another world, heaven!

Four Evangelists

Finally, I also found really gorgeous paintings.There are four paintings on the side of the dome dedicated for four Evangelists : Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke. The writings on the wall are magical too, in gold, framed by beautiful sculptures. They are taken from the Bible and seemingly everywhere, bring hopes to everyone visiting the cathedral.

Savvy tip ... Visit the crypt then take a chance to climb 270 steps to the observation deck, and you will be rewarded with a fascinating view of Berlin city!

With calm and peaceful heart, I am pleased to report, it is one of my favorite place in Berlin. Because I can have both: a place that is not only my eyes can enjoy, but also my soul. A place where dreams live and hopes are born.

As I mentioned before in my last post, I have moved to Darmstadt since October due to internship. It is a quite small city compared to Berlin and Frankfurt. But the good thing is, you can go everywhere with bike even in autumn because here is warmer than Berlin. I like to go everywhere with my bike, because since I moved here I don't do yoga, pilates, or body balance anymore. So I am not feeling bad because at least I do a bit sport :D

Russian Chapel Darmstadt (front)

Why go?

Russian Chapel is a wonderful place to start the journey in Darmstadt. It is in Mathildenhöhe, an art scene, where the artists live, with backdrops of parks in the hill. Surprisingly, this Russian Chapel stands there way long before the artists come to that area and built colony.

Russian Chapel Darmstadt (behind)

The Chapel was made in 1897-1899 by Leontij Nikolavic Benois on behalf of Russian Czar Nikolaus II and his wife Alexandra. Alexandra come originaly from Darmstadt. Nikolaus II built it because he wanted to be able to worship in orthodox church when visiting his in law. This chapel is still used until now.

Russian Chapel Darmstadt

PS: Pardon the poor quality of the images. I left my camera in Berlin so I took them with phone