Munich Day 1

After 8 hours of overnight bus-travel, we arrived in Munich at 8 am on Friday morning. Because it was not yet check in time at our hotel, we went straight to BMW world.

 

The complex itself was very impressive. I guess you could say it was architecturally interesting and it was definitely MASSIVE! There were lots of cars there, and some cool chairs.

This car was new!

After that we went to get lunch. I broke my vegetarianism to try schnitzel and boy am I glad I did it! It was some kind of pork schnitzel that was literally the size of a dinner plate!! It was as stomach-ache-inducing as it was delicious! But it didn’t stop us from catching a free walking tour at 2 o’clock!

The tour was heavily based in history—mainly the city’s relationship with beer, and WWII. It was fascinating! I was most impressed by the subtlety of the city’s war memorials. Most of them are completely inconspicuous, almost made to evade notice. I really enjoyed the tour!

This gold stripe commemorates Germans who were sent to Dachau for passively opposing Hitler. A block away from this gold stripe, Hitler erected a memorial plaque for lives lost in The Beer Hall Putsch. Germans who opposed Hitler would go down the ally pictured here to avoid having to salute the plaque. Eventually the S.S. guards caught on and began sending these passive resistors to Dachau. The gold stripe reminds us of those who died. And the ally has since come to be known as Dodger's Alley. 

This is Munich's Maibaum (may pole), located in the center of the Viktualien Market. It is blue and white, Bavarian colors, and depicts the most important aspects of Munich. Our tour guide was quick to point out that nearly every rung includes beer in some way shape or form. 

This is Juliette, a gift from the Italy to Germany. Rubbing her left breast allegedly brings you good luck in love. I guess only time will tell if it's true or not! 

This is the famous Rathaus-Glokenspiel!

When it was over, three hours later, it was back to the hotel to gather a group for dinner. On the way we ran into some traditional African street performers and tried unsuccessfully to start a Congo line!  

We decided to have a traditional Bavarian meal at a restaurant recommended by our tour guide. It was so delicious! I’m starting to really like Bavaria! And on the way home we encountered a jazz group playing in the street. A jazz group complete with a baby grand piano! In the street! Only in Munich! Exhaustion aside, the day was exquisite! I love Munich!