Rainy Days in East Germany

During my whirlwind European tour, I spent a couple of days in Dresden and a few hours in Berlin.  Even in the rain I was able to enjoy the restored splendor of these two cities.

I was surprised by the memories and stong emotions invoked at the Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie.

All the feelings of unbelief and horror I felt in 9th grade social studies came back to me as I stood at the monument, remembering the stories of men and women being shot in their desperate attempt to cross to West Berlin.

Then, the shock and amazement I felt as I sat with my first newborn watching Berliners tear that wall down 26 years ago; truly an awe-inspiring part of recent history. It was a gift to be able to visit Berlin.

We spent two days in Dresden, another east German city well into the process of restoration.

May 8, 1945 was the official end date of World War II, and almost 70 years later, Dresden is dedicated to the restoration of these cities to their pre-war beauty.

The restoration began at the collapse of the Soviet Union, 26 years ago, and the painstaking and meticulous work is still underway thanks to mostly private fundraising.

It was here, in Dresden where I got my yarn fix for the day.  I fell in love with the newly opened yarn store, The Green Wheel.

Located in Dresden in the arts district at Rothenburger StraBe 7,  The Green Wheel is owned by Anja Lorenz-GroBer and Franziska Horeth GbR.

They feature roving wool and handspun (produced by the owners), as well as yarns of all weights and colors produced by co-ops all over Europe.

I fell in love with the natural DK merino wool from co-ops in the Barvaria region of Germany.  I bought several skeins, brought them home, (more than these!)

and will be making these hats for the boyz for Christmas!  Follow this link to the free pattern

This was my first visit to East Germany and I loved it.   What are your favorite sights in East Germany?