That should be: "anyone <u>else</u>"

The live broadcast on TV (MDR) starts 8.15 pm, the arrival of the VIP guests will be a little earlier, I think, and the fireworks should be at some time between 8.30 and 9 pm.

Thanks! One other question - Coming from the airport, are there taxis waiting outside to take us to our hotel or do I need to order one?

Yes, there are taxis waiting outside. No problem.

Another idea for the evenings: At the western side of Altmarkt square/Seestraße is the former Cafe Prag, now a sort of food court with several stalls offering all sorts of cuisine (go upstairs.) We went there yesterday before opera and enjoyed a glass of wine and some cheese/salami at the Vinothek. Indian food looked (and smelled) promising, too. On Fridays and Saturdays 7 - 11 pm they have live music/dancing (Saturday 8 Feb a Big Band e.g.), mostly for the generation 35+.

Sounds fabulous! Now, in addition to teaching my husband how to waltz in preparation for the Semperopera (outside), I'll have to give him more lessons, this time for the Lindy. Maybe we can practice in the aisle on the plane! You'll read about it in the newspapers: "Couple kicked off flight in mid-air by Captain due to dancing in the aisles".

LOL - you *must* write a trip report that includes the dance lessons!

HI - Just a quick notice that we are back from our Dresden/Prague holiday. Thank you all, especially Ingo, for giving us ideas about Dresden. We could have spent more time there! The Opera Gala was a lot of fun. We were outside watching everyone watch celebrities enter in their finery. It was our first night there so jet lag came upon us and we couldn't stay for the whole thing, but left right before the fireworks. (We heard them as we got to our hotel.)

Thought the Green Vault paled in comparison with the "Neu Vault" (or whatever it's called. Sorry!) We had to wait awhile to get in, even with a reservation, as some VIP was there.

Glad we were in Europe as the weather here in NYC has been pretty bad. We had great weather in both Dresden and Prague and were lucky to fly out of NY the day after a snow storm and fly back the day after one as well. So no delays.

Anyway, fully jet lagged right now so nothing more to report as of this minute.

Nice to hear that you enjoyed Dresden, kenav, and that you avoided some terrible weather as well.

Not all of europe has had decent weather but I'm glad that the bit you were in did.

Glad to hear you had a good time. I am also one who suffers terribly from jet lag :( The VIP who visited the Green Vault(s) was Queen Silvia of Sweden, btw.

It's been a mild winter so far, hardly any snow ... thought you would like that :-)

Hoping for a full trip report, of course.

Saw the Queen of Sweden at the Semper Opera ball (outside of course). Figured she was the one who had taken our time reservation at the Green Vault!!

BTW - The Armory was fantastic!

I only saw her on TV, watched some of the Semper opera ball broadcast. Much more comfy on my couch :-)

Glad you liked the Armory.