Is physical tiredness causing mental underperformance? I hope it is – just to have an excuse for my confusions today.

A signpost at the hotel reads “viewing tower ->”. Not to lose too much time, I asked the local man for directions.

“300m” he replies pointing to a little hill. After five minutes of desperate straying, I meet the man again. He patiently explains for the second time. Then finally I manage to find a viewing tower just in front of my nose. The magnificent view from the top helps to mitigate my self-doubts.

Water runs down the hill is the common knowledge. But I have the feeling that many long sections are up the hill. Not steep, but still going mildly up. Frequently I turn around and the direction against the flow is, in my perception, descending. Simply no clue why…

Last but not least, the city of Dresden. I’ve been here many times in the past, but I do not recognize it now. I am circling completely lost around the centre, not believing it could be Dresden. New buildings, new facades. Only after I have found Prague Street (Pragerstrasse), a bearing point of my young days, I get oriented again. Thanks to Dresner forefathers for giving this main shopping street such an easy and lovely name to remember.

In spite of these confusions I enjoyed 80 km cycling, wonderful views of the Saxon Switzerland and a great spirit of pulsing Dresden.