Staying with Friends in Premnitz, Germany

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Premnitz is situated on the river Havel in the Havelland district, Brandenburg, Germany. It was once an important centre for producing synthetic fibres but now industries more in harmony with contemporary environmental policies are being developed. We were told that the drains from the textile factories ran into the river and, depending on the colour of the dye used on a certain day, the river would run red, green, yellow or whatever. Population peaked in 1971 in the high 13,000s but is now down to 8,000. Our friend said, before the Berlin Wall came down, everyone in the town was employed, child-care was provided for all and there was a highly efficient education system. These things did not necessarily remain once the wall came down. The garden at the house was very attractive and featured a lovely husky, some goldfish and rabbits as well as beautiful flowers. One a walk through the town, we saw some very realistic paintings which transformed various utility and other eye-sores into attractive sights. There are certainly some talented people around.