Cycling along rivers - Ilm and Gera

Such a long time ago that this happened: cycling the area I used to know best. Regions where I lived, before and during my studies. Starting point was Arnstadt, before heading east towards Stadtilm, going through Langewiesen where I spend almost 5 years and Ilmenau, and finally heading north again and back home. Kinda following my own footsteps.

Rotterdam & Brielle - some work to do

Rotterdam has changed a lot. Modern and futuristic architecture, mostly in the city centre around and near the main train station, gives Rotterdam a complete appearance. 

Even though I have visited this city every now and then, there is always something new to discover. Besides the typical Dutch architecture with its brick-build houses with huge windows (and no curtains) and restaurants and shops, Chinatown and other Asian stores are just around the corner.

The dunes and beaches near Ouddorp. Always worth a visit.

The massive Rotterdam harbour streches for miles, more than 30 kilometres from the city to the North Sea. Quite impressive thing to catch a glimpse of the containerships.

And right in between the ports of transshipment and refineries, national preserves can be found.

Before going back home, there still was some time for a little expedition in Rotterdam again.

Dresden

A few days somewhere else, like a break out of the routine at home. We picked a centrally located hotel, with a modern and cozy room, and good breakfast.

We had our bikes with us and rode along the river Elbe, downriver first to Meißen, and back on the other side. Sometimes you find places where time still stands still and seems not to run at all, for years.

Time for a break at Schloss Wackerbarth, with a glass of wine.

And back in Dresden ...