Diary
Dates: 24-28 March
Visa Process: None – EU
Visit Purpose: IDS – it’s once every two years.
Fun Facts
Also known as Federal Republic of Germany.
Lost both world wars to the ‘Allies’ (UK, France and USA)
WW1: July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918
WW2: September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945
Still managed to come back to be on the major powers of the European Union.
Capital: Berlin
Population: 83.5 million | 1 million in Cologne
Land area: 357k km2
GDP (PPP): 6 Trillion USD
Per capita (PPP): 72.6k USD
Note: PPP is adjusted GDP to make comparisons easier (difference in cost of living etc)
Coming back to Cologne (Köln in German) is like coming seeing an old friend again. I tend to come here only every two years (that’s how IDS runs) so it has a sense of familiarality, but at the same time a feeling of rediscovering everything again.
As a little reminder to myself for next time: The local transport is free – just have proof of the IDS entry. Result!
I’m here at the kindness of 3D Systems, who showcases our simulator alongside their haptics that we use. Otherwise, their stand is very much aimed at dental printing – things like dentures and prosthetics using resins or metals (much bigger printers!).
Let’s get back to the arrival. There’s things I love and things I don’t love so much. For one, it’s clear that homelessness is on the rise. Though, I must say, it certainly feels a lot more civil than homelessness that I’ve seen in Portland, for example.
I was fortunate enough to arrive to witness a beautiful sunset pass the center of the gothic cathedral. Unfortunately, there were 100 people around me taking photos also…
This year I didn’t do much venturing out as I enjoyed the company of the 3D Systems / NextDent team who had a few new arrivals. It was great to spend time with them, learn more about their company and such. They also covered the hotel and food which is more than I could’ve asked for.
One of the things I would have loved to popped into was the 4711 store to get some smellies.
The beautiful 4711 shop featuring cologne from… Cologne. The oldest known Cologne still in production today.
Photo Album
