Bear and Marmot in Germany and the Czech Republic From Berlin to Prague, via Görlitz	Up To Overview Previous Next

So, we left behind the madness that is Berlin and headed down the river Spree towards Dresden. Once again, I was in awe of German engineering--our train ride was smooth and fast, none of that jerking and swaying that you get on American trains. Since Chris and I were on a rail pass, we decided on a whim to take a side trip to Görlitz, the easternmost city in Germany. Görlitz (pronounced in American English like "girl-litz") was a pleasant surprise. Being far enough east, it appeared to have survived the 20th century mostly intact, unlike many German cities, and has many incredibly beautiful buildings. The old Rathaus (town hall) was still there, along with old churches, towers, and private homes
After 10 minutes of walking, we happened upon the central part of the city. A bit more wandering around took us past the town hall and down to the river, where we stared across the river to Poland. Wandering south, I learned the names of lots of trees in German in a park overlooking the border crossing; then it was back to the train station.	Marienplatz and the Dicker Turm (Fat Tower)

The interior of the Görlitz train station. Beautiful, but it houses one disagreeable holdover from the DDR days: the pay-to-piss concept. Of course, I refused to submit to this little form of train station robbery, so I nearly peed my pants waiting for the train to pull out of the station so I could take a leak. Silly Interactive Stuff: See what it's like! Pretend you have to pee, then click the little restroom symbol at the left! Chris also thinks the train stations on this line are amusing. The train service is so regular that each station is spelled out in lights. You can even catch a train for Moscow here. It's only a 26 hour trip. Next: on to Prague! Inside the Görlitz bahnhof (train station)

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