Dresden

This is a perfect example of re-bulding Germany. This cathedral was not directly bombed. However, near the end of the war, there was a tremendous push to just bomb the bejeepers out of even non-military targets in an effort to force a surrender. There were so many bombs that the heat actually singed even rock and concrete. A few days after the bombing of Dresden, this church had been weakened enough that it just fell down. You can see the interesting checkerboard look to it. The lighter color blocks are new. The dark ones are salvaged and re-used. What a giant puzzle to figure out how to put together!

During the holiday season in Germany nearly every city has at least one Christmas market. It's an outdoor assortment of booths containing food and items for sale. They often even have a ferris wheel- too chilly a ride for me! We liked this giant size replica of the decoration we set up each year in our home. The candles create warm air which causes the wheel on the top to spin- but not on this one because the candles are electric.
This church was started in the 13th century. It went through some renovations but is basically the same as it was in 1702. That is before our country was even formed! It is called the St. Thomas church, has Catholic services and concerts. It's beautiful!