The Unfinished Dream of Cologne

Part 1 The violent sound of raindrops hitting the ground showed that the sky was very angry today, or perhaps very sad. As the rain intensified, the sound of passersby in the alleys and backstreets of Germany grew louder. It seemed everyone was looking for shelter to protect themselves from the rain. It was truly strange for Eliza, who was walking calmly under the rain with an umbrella and enjoying it, to understand these people. Eliza thought to herself for a moment; everyone says they love the rain, but their flight from it is strange and a little questionable to me. Putting her thoughts aside, Eliza continued on her path toward the Cologne Cathedral. When she arrived, she was at first stunned and mesmerized by the beauty and grandeur of that historic building. Moments later, a well-dressed man with a simple yet classic style approached the girl; it seemed he was the guide sent there to help her. As soon as the man approached the girl, he said with embarrassment: Man:Good afternoon, Miss Eliza. I hope you can forgive me for my delay. The girl paused for a moment and then said in a soft voice: Girl:It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Nicholas, and I don't think you need to apologize to me. Then the man, who had been addressed as Nicholas, gave a gentle smile and continued: Nicholas:Yes, well, if you're willing, we can begin this tour. Eliza nodded with some enthusiasm and said: Eliza:Of course. Nicholas: Then please follow me. Then Nicholas began to move, and Eliza followed him with her calm steps. A few moments later, Nicholas began to speak again. Nicholas:As you can observe, this cathedral is 157 meters high, 144 meters long, and also 86 meters wide. Eliza said in the same soft voice, but this time with a bit of surprise: Eliza:This cathedral is very large and magnificent. It's only natural that it took 632 years to build. Upon hearing Eliza's words, Nicholas nodded and confirmed her statement. Nicholas:You are absolutely correct, but the 369-year halt also greatly affected the construction time here. This time, Eliza stared at Nicholas with a curious look and asked; Eliza:Yes, that's completely true, but what was the reason for the 369-year halt in construction? Nicholas paused for a moment and then continued. Nicholas:For many reasons, including a lack of financial resources, religious wars, and also changes in architectural taste, among others... Eliza nodded in agreement and said: Eliza:That's completely logical. Please continue. Nicholas continued: Nicholas:As I was saying, in 1842, thanks to the support of the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, the cathedral was revived and its construction continued. Eliza asked Nicholas again with curiosity: Eliza:And then what happened? Nicholas took a deep breath and continued: Nicholas:Finally, the construction of the cathedral was completed in 1880 after 632 years of effort. Eliza: Very interesting. Then Nicholas added: Nicholas:That's right, and on October 15, 1880, the cathedral was inaugurated in the presence of the German Emperor, William I. Eliza looked at Nicholas again and said: Eliza:And in 1996, it was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nicholas nodded once more and confirmed Eliza's words. Nicholas:Yes, you are absolutely correct. After a moment of silence, Eliza, while still gazing at the cathedral with enthusiasm, said: Eliza:Honestly, in my opinion, Cologne Cathedral is a unique example of human perseverance and persistence over the centuries. Nicholas glanced at Eliza, then lowered his head and confirmed her words; Nicholas:Yes, it shows how a dream can survive for more than six centuries and ultimately become one of the architectural masterpieces of the world. Once again, Eliza looked at Nicholas, but this time not with curiosity, but with a soft gaze and a smile on her pale lips: Eliza:I'm glad we agree. Nicholas looked at Eliza, and then a small smile also formed on his lips, Nicholas:That's right. I would be happy to discuss this more with you. Eliza nodded and said; Eliza:Then tomorrow evening, I will meet you again at the cafe near the cathedral. Nicholas nodded in agreement and walked away from Eliza with calm steps, but before leaving, he said in a way that she could hear him; Nicholas:I'm looking forward to it...