Prague to Berlin

Will do this in two posts - we have been rather busy!

Saturday, 17th August

Happy birthday, Jack!

Left Prague this morning - I don't think anyone on the bus was really sorry to leave. We travelled for about two hours through rolling farmland and some forests, with a lovely drive along the bank of the Elbe River for some time, passing many little villages. We had a three hour break at Dresden, scene of some devestating bombing during the Second World War. It was hard to believe that the majority of buildings had actually been reconstructed - mainly after the departure of the USSR and the re-unification of Germany. We had an enjoyable time listening to the history of the city, looking at the "old" buildings, especially the 24,000 Meissen tile mural which survived the bombing with virtually no damage! We also managed to have some time in the Meissen museum and especially liked that Chinese porcelein on display. We also came across a restaurant with a very German sounding name! Our bus pickup point was next to the Meissen shop - it would have been very rude not to support the local craft!

We arrived at the Marriott Hotel, Berlin, and discovered the Turkish president is staying in a hotel across the road - lots of security. Not sure if this is a good thing or not. We are located in the East Berlin sector, literally only five minutes walk from the Brandenburg Gate - our first stop after a quick visit to our room. I think most of the tourists in Berlin were also at the Brandenburg Gate, but not as many as on the Charles Bridge in Prague. Close by was the very evocative memorial to the Holocaust victims - about two acres of grey concrete blocks, arranged very symetrically. Bicycles are a particular hazard on the footpaths because very few of them actually stay in their designated lanes!

Dinner was a fun evening of entertainment at a restaurant which caters to tour groups. We did have a choice of soup and main course - the recommended lamb was actually half a leg of lamb! The entertainment was great fun - lots of singing along to a guy playing an electronic organ. I think that large size of the beer mugs helped a lot of the men get involved. There may well have been a few headaches in the morning.