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 fusion between the old and the new, paying tribute to a city that is fiercely keen on progressing.

If one were to single out Dresden’s single largest attraction, it would stem from its historical monuments! The airiness of the Zwinger, the proud majesty of the Cathedral (the Hofkirche), the magnificent Opera House built by Gottfried Semper, and the grand Bruhl Terrace with its view of the city on the green meadow-lined Elbe River.
The list also includes Frauenkirche, which after its complex reconstruction aimed at restoring it to its former glory, is an architectural marvel.  Buffeted often in its long history, the Church was burnt out in 1945 and Dresden had been robbed of its most famous landmark. Now restored, it has taken its rightful place in the city’s list of major monuments.  

Dresden’s start on the road to fame came about with the discovery of something the whole world was seeking - Europe’s first hard porcelain, shrewdly hidden from sight below the ‘Balcony of Europe’. Thereafter, the city never looked back. How could it? It  made the world’s first reflex camera, was home to the world’s first mineral water factory, made the world’s first portable typewriters, the first coffee filters, built the world’s first suspension railway, and flagged off the first German engine on Germany’s first long-distance railway. It also invented the first European porcelain, and today has the world’s largest porcelain collection, and is a major micro-ships producer. Oh, and in case you’re interested, it also invented the chocolate bar.

My discovery of the city started at the place in town!  And it was pure, quick seduction! It’s hard to ignore the sweeping grace of Zwinger, the only preserved festival complex of the Baroque epoch. It’s beautiful, immaculately maintained grass courtyard park with its fountain is surrounded by four rectangular and two round pavilions which house a large part of the Dresden Art Collection.  More admiration ensued at the world’s first museum of state treasures, the ‘Green Vault’, with its display items from Europe’s second largest art chamber. Right next door is located the world’s largest porcelain mosaic, the magnificent ‘Procession of Princes’ that’s also recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

The city is replete with works of art that span all spheres and seasons.  From the Old Masters Picture Gallery to topical museum and gallery exhibitions, from the Semper Opera House to contemporary music, from famed institutions like the Staatsschauspiel Theatre Co, the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Operetta, to festivals and small theatres and cabarets, the show just goes on and on.  


Dresden has another famed feature. I didn’t have a clue about what to expect when I stepped into the stunning interior of  ‘the most beautiful dairy store in the world’.  Over the generations, hundreds of thousands of local consumers and tourists have crammed the ornate interiors of the Pfunds Dairy Store. One can be forgiven thinking he’s in a plush restaurant or opulent museum rather than a dairy outlet. Showing matchless unity, the store’s decoration features include a ceiling and floor covered with colourful tiles that show motifs of playing children, landscapes with grazing cows, and butterflies flitting about, and walls with  sunfaces and flowers produced in soft and brilliant colours, and vines with large leaves, colourful ribbons, and winged cherubs holding onto graduated cylinders and milk cans. There is an expansive ceramic counter, a richly decorated refrigerator, candelabra-like columns, a milk fountain, and a profusion of gilded mirrors. There is even a portrait of the Kaiser, and the English and American coat of arms.

The historical ceramic counter offers an exquisite selection of cheese specialties from cow’s milk products to sheep or goat milks’, sliced to hard varieties, cream varieties to fresh cheese. With the belief that only with a glass of wine does the taste of cheese reach its full perfection, and to compliment the international cheese products available, the dairy offers suitably matched quality wines in a ‘marriage of cheese and wine’.

Having seen and absorbed the city’s tourist delights, I decided to venture further out to the region known as ‘Saxon Switzerland’, with its infinitely rich landscape, architecture and culture, with landmarks like the world-famous ‘Bastei’ and the Konigstein Fortress.

Dresden awaits the world. Cradled by its rich history, with careful restoration and reconstruction, the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ remains a tourist powerhouse.

Travel  Facts

Dresden is best approached via Frankfurt, which is connected with several Indian metros by Lufthansa. From Frankfurt, Dresden is about an hour’s flight.

Accommodation options are vast and varied, ranging from deluxe to standard hotels, from guesthouses to dormitories. Tariffs range from 75-500 Euro.

While there are taxis and trams, it is practical and enjoyable to explore the tourist quarter on foot.

The elaborate dining choices include Indian and vegetarian.  A meal for two at a standard restaurant costs from 30-40 Euro.

The best time to visit is from April through November. But with proper clothing, the winter also holds special outdoor charms.

The German National Tourist Office based in Delhi provides full backup information about Dresden and other Germany cities and tourist attractions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

In The Mood For Adventure

-
‘Let’s make India the adventure capital of the world’. That’s the clarion call given by ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India), and judging by their strength and commitment, chances are that this will happen. With ‘Emerging Pathways’ as it’s theme, the 13th Annual Convention of ATOAI, held in Kumarakom, Kerala, from September   18 - 21, 2017, attracted some 300 delegates from all over and India, and presented sharp focus on India’s enormous adventure offerings, and the industry that harnesses it. The convention’s agenda included issues such as policy; capacity-creation; responsible tourism; and marketing. The convention was kicked-off with an impressive inauguration led by Mr. Kadagampally Surendran , Honourable Minister of Tourism, Kerala, along with Mr. Satyajeet Rajan, Director General Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, and Dr. Venu V, Principal Secretary Tourism, Kerala. Spear-headed by Capt. Swadesh Kumar , President ATOAI, and his dy...
Read more

Biarritz: Balancing Basque Headiness

-
A silver necklace of sand along the blue of the ocean, it does what it was always meant to do. Bask in the bright sunshine and unfold its myriad charms. There is a certain savoir foire in this town that begins where the Atlantic Ocean ends. To say that it’s a rather special place is to state the obvious, but it is special. Biarritz was made for holidays! It was the whales and not the elegant 19 th Century ladies who were the first sea-bathers here. A tiny fishing port in the Middle - Ages, it saw dramatic change with the new craze for sea bathing. The Empress Eugenie exalted the town, turning it into Europe’s most fashionable resort. Converging here were the crowned heads of the entire continent, to throw themselves into the waves and into an endless round of sophisticated soirees, romantic promenades and glittering balls.  Following them were the stars of the arts and high society who played hard on the green grass of the golf courses and the green baize of the gam...
Read more

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat

-
By Inder Raj Ahluwalia A mere 8 Kms from the Kolkata Airport, in close proximity to the International Convention Centre, Eco Park and the business hub of Salt Lake & Rajarhat, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat has established itself as a pivotal oasis of service and comfort. A Different ‘Feeling’ By all accounts, this is a hotel with a ‘difference’ as discerning guests learn to their delight. Checking in at the hotel brings quick rewards. The focus on wellness means guests have a choice to be pampered with an invigorating massage at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, indulge in Westin Workout facilities, or just enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. It’s all nice and easy and its all available every day, round the year. Rooms With A View 304 elegantly appointed, spacious guest rooms and suites providing a panoramic view of the city, ensures all guests have the proverbial ‘roof above their head’.  With 27,000 square feet of state – of –the - art banqueting and c...
Read more

The Kikar Lodge

-
  By Inder Raj Ahluwalia Food tasty enough to drive a dieter up the wall; comfort levels you normally labour to seek; service that’s a mere whisper away; and an ambience that slowly but surely gets hold of your imagination.   It’s the kind of indulgence you don’t find easily, but can get very used to. I don’t mind admitting that the couple of days we spent there were a blur of sheer indulgence and epicurean delights. The fact is that The Kikar Lodge is a world apart. 1,800 acres of scrub, shrub, forests, hills, escarpments and valleys ensure you don’t get claustrophobic in a hurry, and can stretch your legs with gay abandon. The lodge itself is also a sprawling affair with its rooms and suites overlooking the swimming pools, lake and forest. The Pheasant’s Nest is what they call the simply-appointed but vast restaurant that dishes out superb food; The Den is where you can sit in a cosy environment and gaze at prints and photos that line the walls; while The Watering Hole i...
Read more

OMAN SPECIAL

-
by Inder Raj Ahluwalia If you’ve been waiting to experience the delights of the Arabian Nights, just cast a glance at Oman. Uninterrupted sunshine bathes a unique blend of magnificent Arabian heritage. And welcoming one is tradition, hospitality, discovery and adventure. Not only will it fulfill your fantasies, you’ll come away relishing the entire experience. SHOP TILL YOU DROP: For a taste of genuine local flavor, visit Muscat’s Muttarah, a busy commercial centre renowned for its cornice, girdle- shaped promenade, bay and harbour with romantic old dhows and visiting cruise ships and naval vessels. Lining the promenade are offices, shops, cafes, trading-houses and souks, notably the Muttarah Souk with some shops the size of a small lounge, others no bigger than a walk-in closet. Meander through the maze of this market souk with its seemingly endless corridors of little shops, wade through stalls of vegetables and dates, and see the day’s catch on display in the busy fish souk. I...
Read more
-
Regensburg Rejuvenation  By Inder Raj Ahluwalia Take a pause before you take a bow. Let the picture sink in slowly, or else it will be wasted. That’s the kind of place it is. Smart shops featuring designer labels peer out of the gothic vaults and narrow medieval alleys, while cafes and restaurants proliferate all over town, especially along the fast-flowing Danube. At the end of it all one is left marveling at the depth of quality retained in such a small urban area. There’s no ambiguity here. It didn’t take me long to get a sense of the quality that defines the city. It’s a centre of history and beauty. From picturesque old alleys you step out into wide streets and squares flanked by splendid castles and patrician palaces that bear witness to almost a thousand years of history. You stroll along the river’s banks and onto the two islands in the river, and gaze at the pretty skyline. Not surprisingly, tourists flock here from the world over, and shopping, dining-out, and old-fashion...
Read more

Simply Stonehenge!

-
In a way, it turned out to be exactly as advertised. Grim, sinister, hauntingly scenic, it loomed up on the horizon, squatting on a gently rolling hill, waiting to tell its story. As if by design, we got the ‘perfect’ backdrop. It was cold and gray, with a fine drizzle and just a hint of sleet. And the wind was the way winds often tend to be. Cruel! I’m convinced that much of the site’s charm stems from its complete isolation, so loaded with suggestion.   And its strong, indelible historical link with harsh, dark days far gone by, when primitive man strove to sustain himself in difficult conditions.   The topography and setting could well be the prop for a Shakespearean tragedy. The monument squats all by itself- a bit awkwardly I think - on the top of a gentle incline, commanding fine views of the valleys and meadows of Wiltshire downland.   Mysterious and desolate,   it reveals the remains of a prehistoric monument that wa...
Read more

‘Kuch Kuch' Kaohsiung

-
It was a quiet, no-fuss entry into a quiet, no-fuss city! I’d arrived from Taipei, courtesy the Taiwan High Speed Rail, and the 96 – minute ride – with a stop at Taichung – was ‘smooth as flowers’. The High Speed Rail network is a marvel of Taiwan’s engineering prowess, and the super-fast trains literally glide across the country. My brief visit made one thing amply clear. Kaohsiung is a city of substance. My hotel,  The Splendor Kaohsiung,  provided a perfect setting. Taiwan’s highest building until overtaken by Taipei 101, the hotel is still the highest in the country, and the view from its Tuntex 85 Skytower is truly stunning. While three corners focus on the sprawling city, one presents a pristine view of the calm, pale blue sea and Kao Port. The Skytower’s got it all – telescopes, seating, signages, and a refreshment counter. All I had to do was get into a special elevator to be whisked up for the visual treats. My city exploration was a continuation of the treat....
Read more