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Published: July 12th 2017
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Dresden
Ah, where to begin with this gem of a city! I realize this isn’t your typical call to mind place to travel to within Germany, but I was insistent upon coming to this city which is laden with history and filled with architecture of a scale which I found difficult to fathom. Interestingly, Dresden was nearly bombed to the ground during World War 2. The crown jewel of the city, the Frauenkirche, was nearly entirely decimated, but was rebuilt during the 90s. Upon entering Dresden and checking into the hotel right in the heart of the Altstadt (or Old Town), we proceeded to walk towards the eye candy, and by eye candy I meant the buildings and not men. Although, there were some rather good looking Germans around to be fair. We walked past the fanciest McDonald’s I have ever seen. I felt it a disservice to the building to be host to a mere McDonald’s, but I digress. Further into the Altstadt, we saw a very lovely looking police station. Makes New Zealand’s look almost comically pathetic. My real excitement was to see of course, the Frauenkircher, the building I’d most been looking forward to seeing in Europe, aside
from Cologne’s Cathedral, Sistine Chapel and of course the Sagrada Familia. And it did not disappoint. I could barely tear my eyes away from the loveliness that was the Frauenkirche. Standing at an imposing height, and with all perfect symmetry, I found myself staring at it for minutes on end. The surrounding buildings complemented the structure beautifully. I am always fascinated by the Old Town’s of cities, much more so than the newer sides. In saying this, it is always good to see a city flourishing with new buildings being built, as it shows it is growing with the times. It is nice to see that the older historic buildings are being honoured as they should, and standing proud, and a salient reminder of their preceding history. Anyway, we decided to walk into the Frauenkirche. My goodness, the interior made me have what I now call a “Brussels Moment”, where I feel the same stirrings of emotion that overcome me at certain unexpected sights of beauty. The interior of this building was in complete juxtaposition to the Cologne Cathedral, which seemed more severe and serious, and I guess darker in a sense. The Frauenkirche possessed subtle more pastel hues, and
clearly it was designed to capture the light in beautiful refractions that helped the building radiate a warm and friendly grow. I don’t personally go to services, but I imagine for those that went here, that it would be a really poignant affair. The elaborate decor within this building was incredible, and I think it is definitely one of my trip’s highlights thus far. Eventually leaving the Frauenkirche we went across an older ornate bridge into the New Town, where we had some delicious gelato, and sat and watched the Old Town from afar. Basking in the summer afternoon and seeing the horizon and all its peaks, domes and spires and a meandering river to frame the picture, I felt as though I could happily solidify into a statue and remain in this beautiful city for time immemorial. I must sound so cheesy, but really, this place deserves accolades. Having been an untravelled soul, I could only entertain a vague idea of what it would be like being in a place in person and having these experiential encounters, but now that I have, I see why people spend their lives devoted to the pursuit of the next beautiful scene or
locale. It is truly a profound thing. Leaving Dresden was difficult, but knowing I was headed to Prague next made the separation bearable. To Dresden, I bid you the fondest of farewells.
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