Character building!

Bus to Stansted alone at 6am.
Hadn't arranged where to meet Michelle and Elaine. Limited phone reception.
Waited at security. They're in security somewhere.
Waited at the back of security.
Waited at the start of Duty free. Panic rising.
Wandered around the main duty free area. Message from some of the others they were near Wetherspoons. No sign.
Message from MLM they were in the Camden. Found them. Tears. Relief.
Flight delayed 2hrs.
Turbulence. 
Train to Cologne city.
Walk from stn to Hotel.
Lovely room.
Walk to closest restaurant for food and small Kolsch for Michelle, who was relaying to Elaine where we were.
Much frivolity over the tiny beer!
Walk across the Padlock bridge, Hohenzollern Bridge, over the Rhine.
Wonderful view of cathedral. 
Sad news, Carol ill and won't be coming, Emma progressed to Heathrow alone, to find flight cancelled.
Into Old town to find Fruh Brauhaus and good German meal of Himmel und Aid, blackpudding, mash, apple sauce and crispy onions. A few more Kolsch. You have to put your beer mat on top to say you've finished. 
Walk back to hotel for early night.