Cologne Carnival 2008

04 Feb 2008, it is not a working day for Germany office.

Every city along Rhine River is celebrating carnival.

I am not celebrating in Duesseldorf.

But Cologne instead.

In Cologne you can never drink Altbier ( Dark Beer).

Köln has their own unique beer called Koelsch.

Kölsch is a kind light beer.

And Cologne people like it but not for me.

Everyone dresses in fancy costume.

Most of them are tourists.

Gathering in Cologne for seeing the parade.

One of the biggest carnival in Germany.

The weather is not very nice.

Light shower and very cold.

But everyone still enjoying themselves.

On the street.

Can see many kind of special decorated car.

And singing the songs from Cologne.

The cars have themes.

Representing people, lifestyle, politic...

Some of them riding a horse.

Greeting to the people on the street.

Is really happy.

To celebrate this 6 weeks before the easter.

Some saying are they celebrate for the last day of winter.

And going on another 6 weeks.

Will not have meat to eat.

And beer to drink.

Everyone on the fancy car will throw the things...

Like sweets, chocolate, toys, and flowers.

You have to shout: Kar Meh Loh...

They will throw at you.

I don't really know.

What Kar Meh Loh means.

Just follow what people do.

Some say that means sweets.

People live in the flat.

Will also shout.

And all sweets and chocolate.

Will throw into their house.

Kind of good music they play.
Dresses are impressed.
Special.
And unique german tune.


I think this would be the hardest performance.
The guys need to walk a long way.
With girls standing on their shoulder.
Not bad huh.


The left most is Benjamin ... my colleague.
Middle Markus ... Just get to know in Cologne.
The right most is Tina ... Benjamin's little sister.
Quite enjoying the one year once celebration and go back home with a bunch of sweets and chocolate...