Dresden

 March 30, 2026

It’s not that I’m not having a good time, but at any point, if some djinn had appeared and said, “You can continue on or be delivered home this instant,” I would have done some real consideration.

A narrow channel of turbulent water lies between my window and a stone wall. Moss grows on the square stones but not (or less) the long rectangular ones. 

Rations on the Viking Alstrid are beyond superb.   

Tour of Dresden with the best guide yet. Zwinger. Palace. Bus tour of the historical spots. August der Starke’s green diamonds and priceless toys. Maybe the best city yet. Then cold rain and wind. Not long enough in one place to do justice.

Sweet young trio (2 violins, bassoon) from the Opera doing Mozart, Hayden, Joplin in the lounge. Sweet. American audiences can’t be prevented from clapping between movements.  

Likely, if the djinn came now, I would say, “Take me home.”