A Journey Through History and Friendship

Our two-week adventure in East Germany began in Hamburg. We spent two days visiting Annikas mother, which set the perfect tone for our travels.

From Hamburg, we moved east towards Berlin, where we were graciously invited by a former business partner to stay in what turned out to be a literal castle in the middle of nowhere. Over two days, we enjoyed fantastic meals, lively conversations, and games of billiards well past midnight. This trip transformed a business relationship into a cherished friendship, showcasing how connections can evolve over time.

Berlin was another highlight, where I reconnected with a friend I've known for 34 years. He and his wife have bought a farm north of the city and are in the process of converting part of the barn into a guest house. We spent a delightful afternoon with them, even attending a classic concert held in the barn. It was a surreal and memorable experience.

Our journey continued with a full week in Dresden, a city we quickly fell in love with. We stayed in a charming flat near Neumarkt, close to the rebuilt Frauenkirche. This historical church, which had collapsed during WWII, was impressively restored in 2005. The surrounding town square was also rebuilt to match its original facade, blending modern interiors with traditional exteriors – a captivating blend of old-world charm and new build comfort.

Equipped with our folding bikes, we set out to explore Dresden. We visited Pillnitz, a pleasure palace east of the city, and the Baroque Quarter in the “new town” north of the river. The culinary scene was excellent, and we were blessed with fantastic weather. Adopting a Siesta routine, we explored mainly in the mornings and evenings, retreating to our air-conditioned condo during the hot afternoons to read and relax.

Our stay coincided with Stadtfest, a vibrant annual festival that filled the streets with music and attracted 100,000 visitors daily, right on our doorstep. It was an exhilarating experience, adding an extra layer of excitement to our trip.

Looking back, our week in Dresden was filled with historical sightseeing, physical activity, and quality time together. It was a perfect blend of culture, leisure, and connection that left us with lasting impressions.