Karneval

Karneval in Köln is a crazy time. A time during which people dress up in a wide array of colorful costumes, drink on a never ending cycle starting and ending at ten o’clock each AM, and occasionally line up on the sides of the streets to yell ‘KAMELLE’ and get pelted with candy from passing parade floats. In this week, millions of people from across the world come to Köln, one of the most characterful and tolerant cities in Germany, to party. Although it is not for everyone, e.g., people with claustrophobia, fear of other humans, or who become uneasy around drunkards, it is definitely an event I am glad I was able to experience...
Each day, simply by being on the streets you can make tens if not hundreds of new friends. Everyone is willing to share their life stories and ask questions about yours. They are willing to take the craziest of pictures and bring you to the most wild of parties. They are all there to meet others and experience the unique culture that is Karneval. They don’t worry about their personal bubbles or boundaries of any sort. The entire atmosphere is simply positive, happy, and loud. Even if the blood alcohol content of the average person probably severely increases their friendliness, it still makes for a nice adventure.