Radeberg or Radeburg or Radebeul?

Sometimes things just fall into place......

We had planned to leave Berlin on the 12th but decided to stay another day. So now we are looking for accommodations in Dresden on the 14th which turns out to be a national holiday in Germany, Ascension Day, who knew? Finally late last night we gave up on Airbnb and found a hotel outside Dresden, the AaRa Hotel in Radeberg, not to be confused with Radeburg or Radebeul. 

The bus ride to Dresden was very nice. So much better than the overnighter  from Arnhem to Berlin. 

Norm started the day with a Berliner, jelly filled donut at the busy bus station, ZOB, where we had arrived five days before.

The bus was full mostly of young people. Behind us sat two women who talked for two hours straight on the two and quarter hour trip, amazing! 

Once in the Dresden train station we inquired about Radeberg at the info station. The woman said no train today. But guess what, she was looking at Radeburg not Radeberg which was leaving in 13 minutes by train. Getting train tickets proved a test of patience because every time Norm typed in Rade the machine jumped to Radeburg. But he did it and we caught the train with minutes to spare. We are now about 20 km out of the city in a peaceful small non English speaking village staying at the AaRa Hotel known for its beer garden, restaurant, spa and .....bowling alley! Yes bowling alley. 

It really is quite nice, real down duvets and pillows, windows that open and quiet at least when the bowling isn't happening. 

Once checked in we went to explore the town. Nothing is open today, it's a holiday. But we found the centre platz and of course Norm discovered the Schloss Klippenstein Museum, open! 

What a great find. I reluctantly agreed to tour a museum where not a single word of English is found. But to my amazement it was really interesting learning what went on in the Radeberg region in years past. They made furniture, tvs, glass, beer, and more. The photo shows the Rembrandt and Durer models, and the Leningrad 2 television.

The castle had beautiful doors, archways and towers. Apparently there has been a castle here for 800 years.

Can you see Norman way at the top waving? All this for 4€ each and nobody there.

Back to our room and ready for dinner. Since we are in Germany we both had schnitzel, excellent! 

And of course a Radeberger beer.

Sometimes the best plans are no plans....