I didn't look closely enough at our travel itinerary to realize that we are spending the night in Dresden, Germany, on our way to the Czech Republic. This was quite a pleasant surprise since the only thing I recalled about Dresden is that it was bombed during the Second World War by the British Royal Air Force. What I didn't realize was the bombing was fire bombing with a particular disregard for the loss of life and property in this city. Apparently it was an intentional attack in response to a similar bombing in England by the Germans. Dresden was a VERY wealthy city rich in castles, fine art and sculptures. It was the capitol of the German state of Saxony and the archduke here was also the king of Poland. Poor Poland; they were almost always under somebody else's military control.
For many, Dresden is synonymous with devastation. The truth is that it is all about regeneration. Only Berlin or Hamburg suffered such total obliteration in the war, and Dresden had far more to lose. For two centuries before it was reduced to a smoldering heap in February, 1945, it was acclaimed the most beautiful city in Germany. Then came the bombs. After German reunification ( East and West) the people of Dresden began to rebuild their gorgeous buildings that had been left as ruins by the communists. Begun in 1990, the reconstruction is in full speed ahead. Everywhere we looked there were reconstructed museums and theaters and first class shopping along with cranes and construction sites working toward making this gem what it was in the height of it's glory.
The city's Protestant church is spectacular in it's design and in it's focus on Peace and Reconciliation. We had a guided tour of this church by a member of the church staff and walked away inspired.
We also had more great fun with our Chicago friends who traveled with us.
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