Dresden

Yesterday, I visited the beautiful city of Dresden, capital of Saxony. My train was at 08.57, but I got up late, panicked and got a taxi to Hauptbahnhof. It was 17 euros, which wasn't TOO painful, and at least it was stress free and I had time at the station to pick up a Starbucks.

However, I then became very irritated when the train stopped at Sudkreuz- S-Bahn station close to me. Sigh. I know for next time.

We got into Dresden at about 11, I picked up a map and set off on my way. It was bloody hot, and I'd dressed for chilly weather in a jumper, trousers, Docs, coat and scarf. After a long, sweaty and sweary walk, I made it to Altstadt and suddenly, everything was fine. It took my breath away. There was so much to see that I ended up going back on myself a lot. I was like a kid trying to see everything at once.

the castle

Zwinger Palace

Close up of Semper Opera House

The Procession of Princes

I sat on those steps later on and got a sunburnt face

After all my mad running around and getting excited, I realised I hadn't actually eaten anything that day, so wandered down a little street for some bratwurst.

Why I love Germany, Exhibit A

While I was busy stuffing my face, practically the whole street was interrupted by a group of American females that decided they were going to take 3 million selfies jumping in the air and yelling loudly. Then, the ring leader spotted the bratwurst stall and said "oh my gaad that is so freakin' cute'. Just...what? What is cute about sausages? Delicious, yes, cute, I don't know. It was almost as bad as when I heard an American describe Notre Dame as 'cute'. Not the word I'd use for an 850 year old Gothic cathedral. I don't get it.

ANYWAY. My next stop was the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which was reduced to a pile of rubble, like most of the city, in World War Two by the Allied bombing of the city. It remained a pile of rubble, throughout the years of East and West, as a memorial and it was only after the Cold War that restoration really began in a serious way. It was only finished in 2005! The original bricks (some 3000 of them) were used as well as new ones, which makes for a very interesting facade - like patchwork.

This wall was one of two left standing after the bombing

Then I decided it was time for an ice-cream (green apple flavour, amazing) and to cross the bridge into Neustadt. I asked a Chinese tourist, who was very pleased when I thanked him in Mandarin go me right,  to take a picture of me on the bridge but it was bloody awful so you'll have to go without that one.







One of the views

Neustadt felt very different, but was just as lovely. I took a long, slow walk down the main street and then remembered that the 'most beautiful dairy in the world' was here somewhere. It was on the map, so that was perfect! It really was beautiful, this dairy, but unfortunately you weren't allowed to take pictures so you'll have to google it - Pfund's Molkerei. I did get a picture from outside though and you can just about make out the glass on the table where I tried some buttermilk.

After walking back to where I'd started in Neustadt, I was knackered, so I got myself a capri sun and went to sit on the steps of the something building, where I actually dozed off for a bit in the sun, resulting in a shiny and red forehead.

Maybe the view from near the steps was worth the sunburn

Little nap napped, I walked to the Japanese Palace and the gardens were gorgeous.

Embarrassing Daytrip Selfie #3

I decided to walk towards the station after that, and pick up something to eat on the way. I ended up picking Subway but I'm a bit annoyed about that as my flatmate told me Dresden does amazing doner and I definitely should have tried that...

It was after my dinner that I realised I was in fact NOWHERE NEAR the Hauptbahnhof. I was the other side of the city at Neustadt Bahnhof. Brilliant. I had an hour to get to the Hauptbahnhof and luckily, I have a good memory for routes (as in, if I've walked it once, I can find my way back with not much trouble). I don't know why I just didn't get the train between the stations, but panic set in and off I panicked towards Haupbahnhof. I found my way okay, I just massively underestimated how long it would take and I made my train with 3 minutes to spare. Bloody hell.

And then, guess what? The train stopped at Neustadt Bahnhof. It was all I could do not to scream! Why am I so stupid?!

Compartment carriage to myself, nice

So the day had started and ended a bit stressfully, but overall, I enjoyed Dresden a lot.

from the train

I would have liked to have had a bit longer there, but I've got two exciting trips coming up - on Saturday I'm flying to Amsterdam and meeting my mum and sister there, then the following Thursday I'm off to Prague for two days to meet up with Sia and Sarah! Just four more work days till the family reunion (Friday is a holiday, YES)

Tschuessi

xx