Dresden Dream
Sailing upstream under the ‘Blue Wonder Bridge’ aboard one of the world’s oldest paddle-steamers, taking in the beauty of the Elbe Valley, was definitely my kind of holiday, I told myself snugly as I settled down on a seat that was strategically placed to provide pristine views. And indeed, the views were pristine. Grand city monuments looked down on expansive green steppes that tapered down to the river on both sides, as we chugged along. It didn’t take me long to realize that they don’t call Dresden the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ for nothing. Set against a scenic background is an inexhaustible potential of art, science, and dynamic industry; reason enough for ranking the city as the ninth largest international tourist centre. It is one big panorama, that makes for one big adventure. Their domes and steeples piercing the sky, imposing old structures greet one at every turn. And the first timer’s first impression is shaped by the skilled architecture that’s created a f