Delightful Dresden Days

What a joy to be met by my dear papa* at Frankfurt airport.  It was HOT!  We had ice-cream while waiting for our train connection to Dresden and then treated to first class in the train.  Our train steward was very friendly and obliging.  We had Weissebier (can you guess what that is?) Then I bombed out for a few hours.  Before I knew it we were racing to change carriage at Leipzig and then a short trip and we pulled into Dresden.  What a picturesque city!  It is rightly called "Florence on the Elbe".  Unfortunately a little Soviet taint still lingers, but it is gradually being replaced by Dresden's former glory.  It was completely flattened in famous bombing raids in February 1945 at the end of the war and much of the rubble remained throughout its days as part of East Germany.  Historically it is the capital of Saxony and Luther's reformation was very strong in the area.  Many of the grand churches (Catholic in appearance) have been Evangelical since the 1400s!
It remained very hot all weekend, but we did manage to see the sights and enjoy ourselves.  Our accommodation was very close to the center of "old town" and we bought ourselves 3 day Regio-cards that enabled free access to all city transport, entry to museums or discounts.  On Saturday we explored the city and attended two superb recitals.  A free organ recital at Kirschekruz (church of the cross), and then a really special concert of Bach pieces by German Brass in the famous Frauenkirsche.  Germany defeated Argentina that afternoon so the streets were filled with German revelers.
On Sunday we visited Zwinger palace/museum in the morning... Augustus the Strong (Elector of Saxony and King of Poland) was mad about porcelain, so there is a massive porcelain collection in part of the palace.  Such beauty!  There is also an armour gallery and old masters gallery that just goes on and on and on!  When we had enough of the pictures we found a little cafe to have some lunch and then I suggested the Grosse Garten (Great Garden).  The Garden is HUGE and we decided to view it on the mini railway.  Dad was in heaven!  He has always loved trains of all sizes.  We had a steam locomotive and he even had a chat with the driver.  The stations were manned by children and they took it very seriously... even the mini railway must leave on time in Germany!
On Sunday evening we decided to venture into Dresden Neustat (new town, but really old) for dinner.  Neustat retains much of the Soviet look and is not touristy at all, but we found the most wonderful Thai (and sushi) restaurant called Old Siam.  Very authentic delicious food and inexpensive and generous portions.  I ordered Green curry and Dad had chili prawns.  Yum-yum!
Monday morning found us in nearby Meissen, famous for its porcelain... Dad found he had a taste for it after Zwinger...  The locals (with Augustus' support) discovered a recipe for porcelain in the 18th century and they have been producing exquisite porcelain since then (and VERY expensive/exclusive).  We had a tour of the presentation factory, they still produce it exactly the same as they always have, every part of the process is done by hand (or foot for the potter's wheel).  Monday afternoon we rushed around town trying to find my favourite post card (Why didn't I buy it when I first saw it?!) before arriving at the station to find that our train was 40 minutes late!  We eventually arrived in Hanau 2 hours late!  At least Dad will get a 50% refund, and our friends picked us up there and took us to their home - we were far too late to make our connection.It seems that Jocelyn has brought Melbourne's timetable with her... all the trains run late when she's around!
Now I'm "home" in Schopfheim and it is so lovely to see my Mum.  We will swim in the Rhein this afternoon... more to come... xo 
The picture above is a statue of Martin Luther in front of Frauenkirche.  *Papa is German for Daddy.