Festival Time

Thursday was the start of a festival in Cologne. I have no idea what festival as I speak no German but a festival nonetheless. This festival kicks off at elf:elf (11:11am) on Thursday when it is women's day. This means that the women can do whatever they like and on Thursday that involves cutting the ties of the men in the office.

Fortunately I had been warned about this and had accessorised myself with a 7 euro tie from C&A. I didn't know C&A still existed. I, like everyone else in the office wearing a tie, walked around for the rest of the day with half a tie. There is something a little scary about a German woman who you don't know walking towards you with a pair of scissors.

Over festival weekend my understanding is that the Cologners can essentially get up to whatever they like, with whoever they like and then on Monday or Tuesday they burn a clown (I don't think it is a real clown), everyone's sins are unanimously forgiven and they all return back to their original partners and live life as if nothing has happened. Until next year at least. All sounds a little bit odd. They also dress up and go drinking in the city. You look out of place if you don't dress up. I didn't dress up but I did go out and drink some beer in honour of the festival. It was a crazy week.

I returned home late Friday night grateful to be back and even more grateful that the festival continues through to Monday and I get to work from home for the day!!