About an hours drive on from Colditz is Dresden. We weren’t too sure what to expect there considering we’d blown the crap out of it 5 weeks before the end of the second world war, but we were aware it had been rebuilt.
Checked into a lovely hotel, right in the centre, on the main square.
Arrived in the evening as the sun was setting so chance for a quick wander around and a coffee at Starbucks just round the corner. Couldn’t have asked for more.
So camera we took a quick walking tour whilst looking for somewhere to eat. And found a nice little street by the water.
Jane suggested Tapas, and I not being the most adventurous in my eating habits, decided to give it a try. Have to say that will be the first of many visits to a Tapas restaurant. Very very nice food, especially the chorizo sausage. Could quite easily eaten a few more portions of those.
Wandered on back to the hotel, taking in a quick photo as the sun went of the protestant cathedral. Rebuilt recently with very very little of the original building remaining from the war. The before and after photos are amazing. The one below showing what was left of the cathedral in 1956.
Compared to it now:
In fact we were told that 95% of the city centre was obliterated, and from where we were next to the cathedral, everything we could see from there had been rebuilt in the past 8 years. You’d never know it, done to represent the past. Take note Coventry. I guess waiting all these years to do it now, with West German money makes all the difference.
Took a walking tour the next day. I’m not one for the tours, get decidedly bored very quickly. Don’t mind going around taking photos of nice looking buildings but less interested in what they are. Not sure that makes too much sense but hey, that’s just me. Consequently I have to google the buildings later so label the photos; or ask Jane who was paying attention. Sometimes wonder how I ever managed to study for a degree. However, got a nice photo of the catholic cathedral below as the sun went down. Best time for photos.
And another great shot down the street at the protestant cathedral.
So have to say we were quite impressed with Dresden. Good food, very nice city. Took a trip over the river to go up the cable railway, and managed to burn my head again. Must wear suncream. And Jane wouldn’t let us leave Dresden until I’d taken a photo of the pedestrian stop and go signs. A little different to the rest of the World in that they’re girls. Makes a change. Sure it’s not the only place to use them, but I’ve not seen them before.
Off to Prague next. As usual all photos below, click for the slideshow.
