The Banks of the River Elbe (Dresden)

Today, I went to Dresden and dipped my fingers into the Elbe River. It was there, and there was simply something about the notion of walking down to the river and throwing a stone or two into it that captivated my mind as I strolled across the bridge.


Dresden is a beautiful city. One major portion of the city's history goes back to the firebombing that occurred in World War II. This is a particularly horrific way to destroy a city, because the fire sucks the oxygen out of the air, suffocating the people who lived through the initial devastation. Only one major building survived this bombing unscathed.


However, when the limestone in the church heated up, it expanded. And when it cooled, it contracted, which caused major structural damage. When the Communists exited Germany, the "Church of Our Lady" was the first building to be restored. You can see the different colored blocks that make up the church now, contrasting the old from the new.

Here is a statue of Augustus II "The Strong", an elector of Saxony, King of Poland, and the Grand Duke of Lithuania.


You have also gotta love his "crib". His lover's home was attached to his palace via a secret passageway. (Can you see it?)

His home was thus also connected to the church via another secret passageway. What is he confessing?


Here is another picture of yours truly, at the maiden's fountain inside of Palace.


After the official tour was over, we had a good 2 hours to explore the museums of the city. I elected for the later and walked into the new section of the city. It was a pleasant walk and after a cup of coffee, the cold was not as offensive. Germany kids have the coolest playgrounds.


Finally, to top of this post, here is an example of a shop window off of the main street that Gunter lives on. This computer shop knows how to rock!

Also, tomorrow I am going to visit Museum Island and then I will go to a final gaming session. On Tuesday I leave for London in the morning. I may not get a new blog post in until Wednesday. And, after London, it is on to South Africa and Lesotho. Once I am there, internet connectivity will be incredibly spotty, so I doubt I will be able to continue my blogging.