Our Days in Dresden

We were up early to leave for Dresden with Jed dropping us off at Chodov to go through to the bus station at Florenc. The bus ride took only two hours passing through scenic views along the Elbe between the highways. Once in Dresden, with the help of a very friendly local, we booked in to the A & O Hostel a couple of blocks from the Dresden Station. After putting our bags in the room we went back down to the station to book our Paris trip. With that out the way our time in Dresden started in earnest with us going through the bustling and picturesque shopping centre on the way to the Old Town along the Elbe. We took plenty of pics along the way stopping at a spring market that was in full swing. Just off the main road along the Elbe we found a little section of shops and restaurants where we stopped at Las Tacos for a meal. Diane had fries and garlic bread while I had turkey with garlic cream and our usual coffee/tea. The food was really good and we enjoyed sitting among the bustle around us. We bought some souvenirs and a bag along the way back to the hotel going through more of the Old Town. When we had checked in we had been given complimentary vouchers for a glass of sparkling wine at their Sky Bar and we decided to use them. The view across Dresden was lovely and we enjoyed our time up there so much we ended up having a couple of Pina Coladas each with crisps. It was still light by the time we were finished so we went for a walk before settling down for the night. Unfortunately we had a light right outside our room so we battled to sleep. Tuesday morning we went down for breakfast at nine before walking down to the Elbe to go on a cruise. The cruise lasted an hour and a half which gave plenty of time to take pics as well as have tea/coffee with the local Dresden cake which we both enjoyed. After the cruise we crossed over the Augustus Bridge to the far side wandering around enjoying the gardens, shops, old buildings and the river. It was a hot day and we were very happy to find a tea garden situated under a canopy of trees alongside the Bridge. We sat enjoying the shade having an ice cream cone. The lure of the shade prompted us to buy a local pilsner to share which was light and very refreshing. By then we were ready to make our way back through the shopping centre where we did some more shopping. All the walking had made us hungry and footsore so we stopped at the station at Marche for an early supper. It was a good choice as we both enjoyed the delicious, tasty fare served up. Diane had a mushroom and asparagus pasta while I had a pork and asparagus pasta with freshly squeezed fruit juice – a banana mixture. Next was back to the room where we freshened up before making our way to the Sky Bar for another delicious Pina Colada. By now our feet were really throbbing so we did nothing more than go to the room where we showered before chilling in front of the TV. We slept better so obviously were getting used to the light outside the room or were really tired.
Wednesday morning we had a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the Grober Garten which was just a few blocks away. After wandering around enjoying the lovely gardens we made our way into Dresden Zoo. It was a very hot day again and we stopped for an ice cream before going through the zoo. Before leaving the zoo we chilled with a pilsner each which cooled us off ready for more walking. Outside the zoo exit was the little railway which goes around the gardens and we got on for a trip through the garden which we really enjoyed. We made our way down to the station afterwards ready for some more pasta and fruit juice as our late lunch. After wandering through some shops and buying some cake and pretzels we returned to our room for an early shower. The evening was spent chilling in front of the TV resting our feet and eating our pretzels which were delicious. Before going to sleep I packed ready to leave Thursday morning for Paris.