Visit to Dresden

Wednesday night, I sat through class dreaming of being in Dresden exploring another new city. The class passed slowly, but as soon as it ended, Hillary and I headed to her apartment to pick up our luggage before heading to the main train station (Hlavni Nadrazi Praha) and catching our train at 6:30 PM.

After a slight debacle trying to find the right seats, Hillary and I claimed our own compartment (like in the Harry Potter movies) near the front. The ride was a two hour and fifteen minute breeze. We both snacked on gummies and chips to tide us over until we got to the hostel.

On the Night Train to Dresden!

At 8:45 we pulled into Dresden Hauptbonhauf. The weather was incredible. It was dark out and barely drizzling but the streets were empty. It was a bit weird walking down the main pedestrian street (Prager Strasse) without seeing many people. As we walked through the Neumarkt toward the Altmarkt, I attempted to snap some photos, but the dark won the battle and I quickly gave up getting night shots of the city. On our 3 kilometer-plus walk to the hostel we passed the Kreuzkirche, Frauenkirche, Hofkirche, Hausmann Tower, and Academy of the Arts. Finally, we crossed the Carolabrucke (Carola Bridge) and the Elbe River as we moved toward Albertplatz and the fountains "Troubled Waters" and "Still Waters." When we passed, I jokingly told Hillary that I thought they were important, only to read at our hostel that night that they were indeed famous fountains.

From the Carolabrucke- Hard to take pictures at night

After some argument about directions (the map was drawn awkwardly), Hillary led us to the Hostel (Kangaroo-stop). We walked up at 10:05 PM (Reception closed at 10) and checked in. The whole cost for our stay was $28 USD. Pretty cheap for one night with all the amenities they included.

You may have noticed that this is the second animal-themed hostel I have chosen. This was not done on purpose. Though we did joke about it and pick up fliers for the Wombat hostel which has three locations in Berlin, Vienna, and Munich- all cities we intend to visit.

That night we sat in the common room. Hillary checked emails for a bit and did some research while I drew a walking tour of the city on the map. After some discussion and revision of the tour, we were exhausted and headed to sleep excited for our day of exploring.

I passed out, but woke up early the next morning because everyone in the room was moving around and packing up. Hillary and I packed up and headed out, checking out of the hostel around 10 AM and heading back to Albertplatz for photos of the fountains.

Hillary in front of "Troubled Waters" Fountain

From the traffic circle, we trekked toward the river and "evil side" (as the Dresdeners call it- for its tourism) down Konigstrasse toward the Japanese Palace. On the way we passed the Dreikonigskirche and snapped some pictures. The Japanese Palace was built by August the Strong to house his collection of porcelain. From the palace we could see the dome on Yenidze, a former tobacco factory famous for its mosque-like dome made of stained glass. As we sauntered down the river bank, we encountered the first of three red rectangles. These are set up around the city aimed toward perfect Kodak-photo opportunities. You just have to stand on the X they paint and aim through the rectangle, and voila, perfect picture.

From the Red Rectangle- Perfect Picture of Dresden's Skyline

As we walked across Augustbrucke (August Bridge) we took in the impressive skyline of Dresden. Soon, we found ourselves in the Theaterplatz, taking photos of The Semper Opera House, the Hofkirche (which survived the WWII bombing), and the Hausmann Tower. Heading through the Zwinger (museum complex), we saw the Zwinger tower, topped with a golden crown. We wandered back thought Altstadt to Auguststrasse. The wall of the street is a mural to the ruling history of Dresden and Saxony, made out of porcelain tiles.

From the Second Red Rectangle on Bruhlsche Terrasse
The Hausmann Tower, Academy of the Arts, and Hofkirche

Through the street we found ourselves looking at the Frauenkirche. Destroyed during the bombing, it was rebuilt starting in 1993, putting all the original stones back in their original places (not sure how). From that square, we could see the Kulturpalast and old royal palace. We opted to head inside the incredibly ornate Frauenkirche before moving toward the river and the Bruhlsche Terrasse. The terrace is up on the original fortified walls of the city. From here, we saw another of the photograph rectangles, the Academy of the Arts with a gold winged woman on the dome, the Superior Court of Dresden, as well as glimpses of Hofkirche and the Hausmann Tower. We moved toward the Carola Bridge to see the New Synagogue. The building is remarkable for the fact that it was built with very few windows.

The Academy of the Arts and Mr. Semper
(His Opera House is in the center of Theaterplatz)

The Ornate Frauenkirche, with Martin Luther in front

Not having eaten since we ate some gummies on the train the night before, Hillary and I headed to the golden arches to get some food and a menu (for mom). The pit stop was much deserved and gave us the energy to finish our tour.

From McDonald's we snapped some photos of the Kreuzkirche (in the day time) and walked toward Prager Strasse and the UFA Kristallpalast (a controversial deconstructionist building). Deciding we had seen it all (we really had), we headed toward the Hauptbonhof and jumped on the 1:08 train back to Prague.

Thursday night, we got in around 4 and made plans for dinner.

Though our fist attempt at Asian food had been a huge bust, we were determined to turn our luck around. We sauteed the chicken in some sweet chili sauce (the best sauce EVER!) and cooked some rice. Hillary got grossed out by some of the chicken we purchased (which legitimately was bad) and opted out of the meal halfway though for some pasta. Despite not wanting the food, she helped me finish the meal. This time, I did not overcook the rice, and the good chicken turned out great. I loved my meal of spicy chili chicken and rice and ate Hillary's portion, too (I promise I have not gained too much weight yet).

At the dinner table, we plotted our Friday, opting to stay in the city and see some sights before tourist season hits. The idea was a great one- see in the next post!