Before we left Berlin, we were able to visit with friends of Stephen whom he met during his mission many, many years ago. Gisela Woite made delicious Bienenstich Ku
echen and Apricose Torte to take to the Grauerts, Raimund and Traudl, who aren't able to get out of their home much. Traudl was recovering from a bad fall and a broken nose. Gisela took us to Prinzlauerberg Platz where we walked around an old East Berlin neighborhood and had a delicious dinner. We had probably the best Italian gelato EVER! On Potsdammer Platz, of all places. (You kids will remember)
echen and Apricose Torte to take to the Grauerts, Raimund and Traudl, who aren't able to get out of their home much. Traudl was recovering from a bad fall and a broken nose. Gisela took us to Prinzlauerberg Platz where we walked around an old East Berlin neighborhood and had a delicious dinner. We had probably the best Italian gelato EVER! On Potsdammer Platz, of all places. (You kids will remember)GISELA, RAIMUND, ANN and TRAUDL - KAFFEE KLATSCH
On Sunday morning (10/7) we picked up a car and headed to Prague. Dresden is on the way so we stopped off to take a look at the amazing rebuilding of the center of the city which was virtually leveled by the American fire bombing during World War II. Since the fall of communism in 1989, the German government has begun restoring old Dresden. A number of buildings have been rebuilt, being put back together like a puzzle. The most recent completion is the Frauen Kirche. The new stones only noticeable by the brightness of the stone, compared to the smoke blackened old stones. They've made wonderful progress.
On to Prague where we met up with Ed Barner and had a dinner of Czech goulash or pork on potato pancakes and sourkraut. We had a lovely view of the Charles
Bridge and the Prague Castle, all lit up with bright lights. Unlike Dresden, Prague was virtually untouched by the destruction of the war. Unfortunately, much of the city is marked by the more modern stain of graffiti. It seemed to be everywhere, with no regard for the beauty and grandeur of the building or monument. You see the base of the former, obligatory, Stalin statue high above the river. Prague was one of the last cities to tear down their statue when the Stalin cult fell out of vogue in the 50's. There is now a large metronom atop the spot. No one seems to know why or what the significance is.
Bridge and the Prague Castle, all lit up with bright lights. Unlike Dresden, Prague was virtually untouched by the destruction of the war. Unfortunately, much of the city is marked by the more modern stain of graffiti. It seemed to be everywhere, with no regard for the beauty and grandeur of the building or monument. You see the base of the former, obligatory, Stalin statue high above the river. Prague was one of the last cities to tear down their statue when the Stalin cult fell out of vogue in the 50's. There is now a large metronom atop the spot. No one seems to know why or what the significance is.THE FORMER STALIN STATUE, NEW ART
We went on a wonderful tour of the old castle, set up on the hill. Stephen's special favorite is St. George's Basilica, which is so simple in comparison to the ever present baroque cathedral, somewhat reminiscent of St. John's Chapel in the White Tower in London.
ST.GEORGE
The next day we escaped the swarming tourists (so many of them in October!) and took a walk along the heights, through Letensky
Park high above the Vltava. We had a panoramic view of all the bridges, there must be nearly a dozen, including the famous Charles Bridge which was covered with tourists as thick as runners at the start of a marathon. We didn't mind since we were so far away.
Park high above the Vltava. We had a panoramic view of all the bridges, there must be nearly a dozen, including the famous Charles Bridge which was covered with tourists as thick as runners at the start of a marathon. We didn't mind since we were so far away.ANN ON THE CHARLES BRIDGE
Early the next day (10/10) we started our trip back to Berlin. It was a rural route back, through the Ertzgebirge (mountains) where they make the wonderful wooden Christmas ornaments and smokers. In Germany they drive on the right side of the road (e.g. the correct side of the road) so this wasn't nearly the harrowing experience as the drive through the English countryside. Then back on the autobahn, into Berlin for one last currywurst and a set of discs for the philosopher, back out the Holiday Inn which was conveniently located right next to the Schoenefeld airport for our early flight the next day.
BACK IN KENNSINGTON GARDEN
Back in the Liverpool Road station. We both know the language and the tube stations and it 
almost feels like coming home. We checked into the Westland right around the corner from the BYU center, had a little rest, then headed out for walk in Kensington Gardens. It was a glorious day that couldn't even be spoiled by the inexplicable exhibit at the Serpentine Gallery (whaling boats and whale fat, technical climbing, and plastic). We had a look at the Queen's Gate which was manufactured by the Coalbrookdale iron factories (where we saw the Iron Bridge). Ann was hankering for a burger and fortunately, because McDonald's is simply NOT an option, London has a chain called the Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) that fit the bill and was delicious. Then a reunion with family at the center.
almost feels like coming home. We checked into the Westland right around the corner from the BYU center, had a little rest, then headed out for walk in Kensington Gardens. It was a glorious day that couldn't even be spoiled by the inexplicable exhibit at the Serpentine Gallery (whaling boats and whale fat, technical climbing, and plastic). We had a look at the Queen's Gate which was manufactured by the Coalbrookdale iron factories (where we saw the Iron Bridge). Ann was hankering for a burger and fortunately, because McDonald's is simply NOT an option, London has a chain called the Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) that fit the bill and was delicious. Then a reunion with family at the center.We have a few more days to get our fill of London, and then we are looking forward to returning to our own cozy little cottage.
5 comments:
Well what a fun trip you are having! The graffiti is CRAZY!
The food all sounds delicious and the sites wonderful, too.
Welcome back to London.
D.
What a load of fun. I look forward to your return and hope to hear more of your tales.
Dale has asked me the last two weeks at church how ya'll are getting on and when you will be getting back.
You are missed.
I would love to see the rebuilt Dresden. It sounds fun. I heard you got a dog crazy uncle. Is this one going to end up on a farm??
Thanks for the discs. And you can keep referring to me as the philosopher. It makes me sound like an old, bearded, mysterious character in a 19th century German story.
Sounds like more good tripping you did. Not too long or too strange.
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