From Koln

I was asked to bring "something nice" back from Germany.  These Russian dolls of three balalaika playing pigs seemed to fit the bill.

I really liked Dusseldorf, which had some grand buildings; a most pleasant promenade along the Rhine, with some radically pollarded trees; some excellent pubs, serving a characteristic dark beer; an almost superlative statue; energetic dancing in the street; and an interesting carving, to whose inscription Google Translate does not do justice. Can any German speakers assist?