Helen’s Diary

Another grand day. Breakfast of bread, butter, jam and coffe. Rode from Calcar to Xanten 15 km. and took a train to Koln. Loaded bikes on baggage car and hopped on 3rd class car and proceeded. At 11:00 got out our bread, cheese and meat and made sandwiches where we ate with relish plus bananas for dessert. Some of the boys hopped off to get water in our 2 cups at one of the many stops. Had to change trains at Duisburg which necessitated loading the bikes and lugging them down stairs ( 2 sets ) and over – then on another train which also stopped everywhere. Had several different German travelling companions who got on and off at the various stops and who “Hailed Hitler” going and coming. Started to get off at wrong place but luckily didn’t complete the attempt. After 4 hrs. arrived at Koln. Were hung up in the city for awhile cashing Reichmarks etc., then on to the hostel which is the biggest yet. Had a terrific headache upon arrival but took a cold shower and 1 of Ruth’s anacin and think I’ll live. A young German boy here led us into town where we visited the Cathedral, most beautiful place I’ve ever seen – cannot begin to describe it. From there went to Schmidt and Schmidt to buy the camera for Helen Wilson – no difficulty at all. Ruth got hers for Lois too. Harold was with us and the three of us started for the hostel at 6:00 in hopes to be there for supper at 6:30. Went sort of a roundabout way but finally got here – found out couldn’t eat ’til 7:30 so had a nap out on the bench. All the rest of our groups are here tonight. Glad to see them all again. Had a delicious supper and sang our theme song – “Shipwrecked on the Mary Jane”. After supper sat around and wrote and talked. Gene who worked his way over on the Volendam is here also.