Gepäck Schliessfach Automat by diocletianvs
I am known as person that gives names to devices and is often caught talking to computers, toasters or coffee machines. People usually find this weird. But not people that ever left their luggage at Cologne train station.
Of course, there are no counters and no people. If you follow the sign saying 'Gepäck / Luggage' you'll find only cold and efficient luggage machine. You insert a coin (3 Eur for 24 hours) and the door will open for your bag. Then the door will close, you'll hear your bag going somewhere deep under and you'll get a small ticket with a magnetic stripe that says:
'You have just left your bag to the mercy of the stupid machine. Now, if you want your bag back please turn back. What you'll see right outside the train station is the huge Cologne Cathedral. Now choose the Saint you trust and pray 3 HolyMary's for the well being of your dear bag'.
I took the instructions seriously, prayed to Santa Ursula and even lit a candle inside the Cathedral.
In the evening The Machine was satisfied and retuned me the same bag I left earlier, saying: Vielen Dank, you are a good Christian!
There were some bad Christians next to me that were now talking to the Machine ;)
