Positioned on the banks of the River Elbe in Eastern Germany, Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo centre. A controversial Allied aerial bombing towards the end of World War II killed 25,000 civilians and completely destroyed the entire old city, which has been completely rebuilt, often using original stones.

Upon waking the first morning, I discovered this magical palace in the Grober Garten, a short run from my hostel.

I ran around this palace most days.

Grober Garten palace lake 2

Grober Garten palace close-up

Finally, it was time to face my doom at the conference. In the end however, it appeared I needn't have worried. The audience was only about 50 strong by the end when I gave my talk, and although they clearly disliked me demonstrating that most of the harm they inflict on lab animals fails to result in substantive benefit, they weren't able to actually come up with any evidence to refute my argument, or any rational criticism of it. It appeared that I had survived once again.

Conference exhibit cellular

Conference exhibit surgical

Conference exhibit surgical model

At night I roamed the beautiful streets of the old city.

I also jogged over most of the old city.

Elbe River promenade 2

Elbe view Theaterkahn

Theaterkahn close-up

Old city mural

Fountain

A door-knocker not to mess with, in the heart of the old city.

In medieval times the ruler of Saxony Frederick Augustus I became King August the Strong of Poland. He gathered many of the best musicians, architects and painters from all over Europe to Dresden. His reign marked the beginning of Dresden's emergence as a leading European city for technology and art. He was also responsible for much of the amazing Baroque architecture.

His statue is gilded with gold leaf.

Fortunately, I was not completely alone there. My extreme vegan runner friend Chloe and her partner Martin live there now. They took me here to the 'Devil's Kitchen', which was very, very red, to try some local vegan food.

My kind of woman... :)

Trying a vegan 'wurst' - traditional german food.

Exploring the artists quarter afterwards, where they have very cool drainpipes :)

Making friends in the Gothic Quarter.