We deviated from the schedule a bit this morning and went off on our own instead of joining the tour of the porcelain factory. It was raining when we docked in Meissen (after leaving Dresen two hours before), but it cleared up, and the sun came out to make it a glorious day.
We walked into Messien (after traveling down the Elba River from Dresden) and wandered around a bit. We found a lovely paper/stationary store that sold fountain pens. I aimed to purchase a German fountain pen while I was here, and Leroy bought me two. The store owner spoke no English, but we figured it out with the help of Google Translate. This store even carried fountain pens for children learning to write. (Fountain pens are still used to teach cursive in schools.)
We climbed the hill to Albrectsburg Castle and toured the Meissen Cathedral. It was originally a Catholic Church, and building began in 1250 but wasn’t completed until 1410. The diocese was dissolved, and the church was converted to a Protestant church in 1581. Getting to the top of the hill by stairs was a hike, but coming down in the glass elevator was a treat.
I participated in my first “Afternoon Tea” with my British buddies. There were tea sandwiches, scones, macaroons, clotted cream and apricot preserves. But the highlight was learning how to make and drink a proper cup of tea. (Milk first, then tea.) Our British friends pointed out the differences between their rituals at home and what we were doing. They also explained the different protocols for the various regions of The United Kingdom. (The Brits are a bit territorial.)
Speaking of the British, I’ve caught myself speaking and writing in a British accent for the last few days. We’ve been conversing a lot, and their accent is rubbing off on me. I’ve kept a list of some of my favorite sayings, including (but not limited to) “Blot yer copy book.” (which means you’ve done a bad thing or made a wrong impression.) Or “Tara A Bit,” which means goodbye for now. If I’m not careful, no one will understand what I say when I return home.
In the afternoon, we docked in Torgau, Germany, and Leroy went on the walking tour with the cruise director, Kieron. He visited Castle Hartenfels (including the Torgua Bears that live where the mote used to be.) He also saw the monument commemorating the location where Ukrainian and American soldiers met up on April 5, 1945.
Once again, dinner was delicious, but the best part was the company and conversation. They set a seventh place at our table for our friend Jessica from LA. We listened to more of Stuart’s stories and teased him incessantly. We asked for a photo of our table, and our waitress, Vanda (from Fatima, Portugal), included herself.
