Magic of many markets

ONCE upon a time, they say, the citizens of Cologne did not have to work.

Magic of many markets

A brigade of elves would come into the city at night and do the baking, brewing, butchering and carpentry. The craftsmen merely had to sell the produce the following morning. Why this blissful existence came to an end is the subject of a sculpture in the city centre and a beautifully illustrated children’s book. There is no point in spoiling the story if you plan to visit the city and find out for yourself.

What is interesting about this piece of folklore is the ring of truth about it. There is a laidback, knees-ups nature to Cologne. Its proximity to France, where the finer things in life are relished, and its predomin-ant Catholicism, which does not share the Protestant work ethic, give Cologne a slightly different character.

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