After some good 6 hours driving through rainy Germany, the weather forecast was obsolete, as instead of heavy thunderstorms I was awaited by the most pleasant weather in Chemnitz. The day ended with a wonderful red sunset and some 20°C still at night.
First I checked the area around my accommodation, as usual. A bit more intensive than I normally would, because I am here (also) on research for a new service I want to offer.
I was surprised about the large buildings, the wide streets – and how empty the city was. I hardly saw anyone, on a weekday 5pm (and later). Even more surprising as these are the first of not too many warm days/nights in Germany. Too many people unfortunately moved away after the wall came down. The receptionist told me 3/4 of his school mates left to the West.
Previously, Chemnitz had some 300.000 inhabitants. Now it is some 250.000 but that includes more suburbs, so is kinda not a number to compare. Alledgedly, people are slowly returning now. And alledgedly, Chemnitz is the city (of the former GDR cities) with the best economical progress.
It is sad to see this beautiful city with too little inhabitants. Which happened and happens to all the East of Germany. No work here. But I would think that due to that there are more chances for building up own businesses.
I like it here, I like the space, the green, the people, the silence. Never seen such a clean and empty modern train station before in Germany!
Took many photos during the first 2 walks in the afternoon and evening, but as usual little time to proceed. So here is just a first album, from the beautiful neighbourhood of Kaßberg
