Oh Lovely Dresden

After Berlin, our next stop was Dresden. The city was almost completely destroyed during WWII, so we weren't sure what to expect. It was also our first trip to a city in former East Berlin. Needless to say, we were amazed at how beautiful and charming the city is. Most of the main buildings have been reconstructed and restored to their former grandeur, and we ended up being disappointed that we had only alotted a day and a half to see the city.

This is the Frauenkirche. It was completely destroyed in 1945 by an air raid. The original crucifix was dug out from the rubble and is on display by the back entrance. Ironically, the new crucifix was produced by a silversmith whose father was a bomber pilot in the 1945 raid. The restoration was just completed a few years ago, and the inside is breathtaking. Every surface is covered with marble in various pastel hues. Unfortunately, they wouldn't allow cameras inside.

Our favorite place was the Neumarkt. It's a large square lined with newly restored pastel buildings and cafes with the Frauenkirche in the middle. If we'd had the time, we would have spent the whole afternoon here relaxing in the sun.


Eating lunch in Neumarkt with Penelope in her make-shift high chair--her stroller

Being serenaded by these soldier singers added to the ambiance

Penelope practices walking on cobblestones in Neumarkt

Penelope in Neumarkt

We decided it was the perfect occasion to have the first ice cream cone of the year

Penelope's first lick of ice cream

Contemplating...

Going in for more

Penelope and Martin Luther

Family pic

That's all I have for now. More sights of lovely Dresden coming up next...