Leipzig

The ICE train from Berlin to Leipzig - Deutches Bahn as usual on time, quiet, and speedy.

I knew very little about Leipzig, but after half a day I've decided I like it a lot. Fascinating juxtaposition of old and new, lovely open squares and spaces, Germany's second oldest university (Angela Merkel's alma mater), and loads of culture. The Bach festival is on at the moment (Johann Sebastian was cantor at St Thomas's for 27 years), and there's also a Goth festival - all tastes catered for.

After decades of decline the city is now growing fast - popular with the young and trendy, and it feels like that.

This view is from our hotel room. The hotel has been open a year, converted by an architect - she has good taste, the rooms are spacious, simple in a really good way. Down below people living in apartments who share this space are having their lunch in the courtyard. The extra is the Rathaus in the market square.