Could you please describe a perfect Sunday?
First sleep in late, then cross the sun-drenched Rhine to the Rhine terraces, which give you the most beautiful view of the river, the cathedral and Old Town. With a bit of luck, you might snag a beach chair, for the feeling of sand between your toes. Enjoying a big brunch against this backdrop would be the best start to a perfect Sunday. Refreshed, you would take to your roller-skates and skate up river towards Bonn, to a small ferry stop, where you can cross over and skate back along the other side of the Rhine. It’s always worth the trip to a small watering hole right along the Rhine promenade in Rodenkirchen for a cool Kölsch. Back in the South of the city, a large selection of different restaurants, cafés and bars around Chlodwigplatz awaits your pleasure for dinner.

What characteristics would you use to describe your city?
The cathedral, no doubt – but Cologne has so much more to offer as well! Its proximity to the water, the many trips you can take into the verdant hinterland, and of course the city’s open-minded population. Cologne’s people are basically very tolerant and outgoing. The city’s motto "Jeder Jeck ist anders" – every fool is different – pervades all of Cologne by day and night.

Where do you like to go shopping?
Young, up-and-coming designers, individual boutiques and small shops can be found in the southern part of the city (Südstadt) and in the Belgian Quarter. If you cross the "Ring" road from the latter, you can immediately continue shopping on Ehrenstrasse. Things get a bit more elegant on Mittelstrasse and its branch, the Pfeilst.

What is your biggest shared dream and what would you be prepared to do for it?
To travel the world as a rucksack tourist for a year, taking photographs– we just haven’t found the right sponsor yet.

Are you more Latte Macchiato or espresso types?
both! Given lots of time and peace of mind, enjoy a Latte Macciato in a café, and after a meal or when time is tight, a small, strong espresso.

Do you drink your espresso black?
Of course. If it’s espresso, it’s got to be black and with sugar.