Stollberg and Meissen

From Salzburg, we took a 7 1/2 hour train ride to Stollberg, a town near Leipzig and Chemnitz. This journey was long and we had to change train twice. Not so fun when we have 2 kids to carry, a stroller, a backpack, and a luggage. Getting off a train, going to a different platform, boarding another train with short connecting time is definitely not so fun. But we made it. We had a good friend who lives in Stollberg, and we stayed at his house. He had two kids who are in the same age group as Lucas and Chloe. Unfortunately, his wife and kids had gone to spend the Easter holidays with in-laws. So, we did not get to see his wife and kids. But the house was just like home. It has the high chairs and non breakable plates, toys, kids' bed and playground - it was as though the house was specially catered for our kids.
Before the trip, I've already made up my mind on what I want to do or more what I want to buy from here. I told Dominic and reminded him several times on my plan for this town. And, I got them all. :) I went to this porcelain factory called Meissen in Meissen. The porcelain is very fine and has very long history. I have always wanted to buy some Meissen china and I did!! When we arrived, there were a few diplomatic car with China flag outside the entrance. Dominic commented, 'It is ironic the Chinese has to come to Germany to learn to make china'. I took the factory tour and end the trip with some bags. While I was enjoying myself, Dominic took the kids to the playground and eat ice-cream. It it dangerous to take kids to a chine factory. They are better off somewhere else. The other thing on my must buy list is some wood handicraft from Erzbebirge, and I bought some!!  I was very contended after my shopping.
Our friend took us to the biggest playground in Saxony and the kids refused to leave. We climbed a tower and enjoyed some good views and drove around some towns surrounding Stollberg. Very relaxing and peaceful towns. These towns are a stark contrast from Stuttgart

Our friend, Reinhardt with Lucas and Chloe. They were in a playground.

At the same playground. The cherry blossom behind them. There are quite a number of cherry blossom in Germany.

The kids' haven.

While the kids and Dominic were outside, I was at this place - Meissen factory.

Yes, you can tell I was happy after my tour and shopping in Meissen.

Jumping at the trampoline at the biggest playground in Saxony. The kids refused to leave.

Lucas was hoisting the bucket of sand up and then poured them down.

Chloe was busy filling up the bucket with sand so that Lucas can hoist it up.

At the playhouse in the friend's house garden. Chloe especially loves going into this playhouse. Each time we are back from outside, the kids will walk straight into the playhouse, regardless of the weather or wind factor. They will only go inside the proper house after numerous nagging, and I was shivering outside waiting for them to be done.

Eating ice-cream while waiting for me to shop again. This time I was buying some Erzgebirge wood handicraft.

In another playground. I lost count of how many playgrounds we have visited. When one visit Europe, one usually goes to castles or palace or churches. Here, we go from playground to playground. Interesting experience when travelling with kids.

Me and the kids took the lift up the tower. Dominic and friend climbed up the stairs. We had good view of the undulating towns below us.

This is how a typical town looks like in Saxony. Rows of houses/shops paved in cobble stone, and a square.

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