Day 13 - Dresden, Germany - Dresden Day

Joan's View

Today was a day to explore Dresden. First, a picture about what it's like when your tandem is critical to your trip. In each Airbnb we find the best place to park it, inside is a high priority. In Dresden, we walk around it to get to the kitchen and bathroom. Tony took off the fairing so that we can get around it easier, especially at night. It also can double as a laundry rack. 😁

Now for today's exploring - Dresden Castle was just huge with massive multiples courtyards. The former rulers of this area definitely lived a grand life.

This possibly longest porcelain mural in the world. It was a painting of the rulers of Dresden in order. It was put on porcelain in the early 1900s so that it would be more durable.

Not sure about this one, but people obviously rub it for luck, so why not?

We are back on the WCT, Bud! For those unaware of Bud's acronym of our trips, being a faithful follower, Bud wisely named it the World Catholic Tour. The huge Cathedral of the Holy Trinity put us back on track, Bud.

Tony planned today's travels so that we could be at Frauenkirche for their 12:00 organ recital. It actually, was more like a prayer service but the altar was fascinating.

Our next stop was through the Kunsthoffpassage. It was full of artistic buildings and walkways. Loved this building and it's truly unique rain gutter.

Die Hutte

Amongst the approximately 11 miles of walking with temps in the 80s today, we stopped into a bike shop to see if they had a replacement clip for our Ortlieb bag since one of the back panniers has a broken clip and dangles on one clip at times. At that bike shop, the repair person looked through his stash of clips, but had none to fit ours. He recommended that we try Die Hutte, an outdoor supply store nearby. They offered us 2 options so we now have a replacement and Tony put it on tonight. Yea!

We needed a break from the heat, and Tony wanted a beer so we stopped at a Cafe outside of the former VW plant. We tried to get a tour but there were no English tours today so we checked out what we could see.

Look, Wade, my new VW! Probably loves being driven faster than yours did!

From there we hiked it several more miles to see the Grand Gardens of Dresden. I was expecting lots more flowers to share with my gardening friends, but it really was a huge park loved by locals. There is a nice palace too.

Dinner was at an Irish Bar on the way back to the room. They had schnitzel for Tony, his first of the trip, and beer.

Tony's Extras

Now that I think about it, when I suggested a day off to rest our legs, I definitely wasn't thinking of walking more than 11 miles! But it gave us the chance to see a lot of this impressive city.

Today was our last full day in Germany. Tomorrow, we're off to the Czech Republic. The tandem bicycle is in the best shape since the chain guides broke. All of our bags are in better holding position, and we're ready for the second half of the trip.

It's a good thing we've had this "training session" up to this point. The rides ahead are only going to get tougher, with plenty more vertical climbing in the Alps. Apparently, our idea of recovery days involves replacing pedaling with marathon walking!😂