Dresden, Colditz and Altenburg

Wednesday we drove to Dresden and a great camperstop only 500 metres to the old town. We headed in around lunchtime for a look around the historic centre. The buildings were magnificent, grand and imposing. It was so hot we were in the castle grounds and tried to look inconspicuous trying to cool the dogs off in the fountains. We found one on the edge of town and Jas quickly lifted them both in. The river banks dry, down to 50cm, so low the boats can’t actually go up and down the river. That afternoon the heavens opened and water flowed cooling off the humidity. Around six we headed back in to dinner to meet up with Jason’s friend Lisa, her German husband Seb and his cousin Paul. A few beers, vinos and dinner later. Paul suggested we cross the river and head off the beaten track to some bars and street art. 500 metres he said, to which it was 5km back in the end. It was a cool come bizarre night. Public urinals for the boys, us girls opting for the bar loos. Paul suggested Lisa and I go into this one bar. About five people standing around he said look at the walls, porn from top to bottom. What a bizarre place that was. Further down the road we stop and the street it covered with people all sitting round on the street corners listening to music. Everyone mellow and drinking. If you were in NZ, Oz or the UK you would be arrested. So there we sat with the dogs chilling at midnight. Lisa, Seb and Paul are so cool and we had an awesome night, full of laughter and fun. The next day I didn’t feel so awesome, in fact death would describe it. I blame the meatloaf. Thursday we headed off only to miss the turn off for the motorway. A 40 min drive ended up being 2 hours. The upside was the beautiful countryside. Vineyards, rivers and stunning little houses.

Today we headed to Colditz. A POW castle that mainly held Polish officers, but then in the end held many nationalities. Including the famous Sir Charles Upham, a New Zealander who is only solider to win two Victoria Crosses in the second world war. Colditz was also known for its escape attempts.  Some of the officers that were sent here were known for escaping from other camps. We are now in Altenburg a beautiful town on a lake. It has a castle, lovely town square as well as its famous Red Spires.