breathtakebyways


About breathtakebyways

Ann Williams’ travel articles have appeared in publications all over the country including The Washington Post, Roads to Adventure, and Jack and Jill. Between researching and writing books, she specializes in creative lectures.

Cologne 6/13/15

I’d reasoned that Cologne, the city, must have some European-esque twist to its pronunciation to keep from sounding like perfume.  That’s what I get for thinking.  Cologne, the perfume, is named after Cologne, the city, because the fragrance was born here.  The original scent reminded its discoverer “of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain.”  I’m taking his word for it since my allergies are cranky about that sort of thing.  The most famous Eau de Cologne is 4711, named for the shop’s specific location at Glockengasse No. 4711.  Visitors still buy the scent […]