Dresden

We are on our way to  Berlin from Prague and we call into Dresden for lunch and a look at the damage that was done and the consequent restoration from World War 2.  Dresden was heavily fire bombed rather than destroyed by shells during the war. The fire was so intense that the pavement was melting. The churches, castles and public buildings have been painstakingly restored to original specifications and plan (I must find out where they were stored). When cleaning up the rubble and ruins, each block was marked and stored in choronological order. When restoration was taking place The builders knew where each block had to go. All during the tours I Kept thinking that the statues and decorations for the buildings must have been rebuilt, but apparently when war broke out, all the statues, dedorations, gargoyles etc were removed and stored in salt mines and then buried in water until the war was over. 

Most of the restorations at Dresden and then as we move further into Berlin and Warsaw, the restorations have included new materials as well as the original materials. The difference the original materials may have been burned or have been damaged with bullets or mortar shells and shrapnel. The new materials are clean and a good sandstone colour, as in the centre of this building

This mural must have been at least 40 long. It survived because it was made from porcelain tiles, and porcelain can withstand extreme heat. So after the war it was cleaned and polished back to original glory. Don't ask me what it represents, as there is always some king beating his own drum and picking a war. (Like spoilt little kids)

It was so hot 36* this drink was really appreciated. Cranberries, cranberry juice, lime, mint and soda

Lyn and I had lunch at the Ayers Rock cafe, with all things Aussie,