Three Days in Munich

Continuing with the trip recap...our next three days were spent in Munich. 

Munich by far was one of my two favorite cities. The scenery is simply beautiful and the people were very friendly. Though we didn't visit any museums, we walked around the city A LOT, took two bike tours and visited Neuschwanstein Castle using Mike's Bike Tours - a definite must-do if you're ever in the area.   We also took a trip to Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp to open in Germany.  I have no words and many words.

On with the pictures...

We found a pizza joint that sells gluten-free pizza.  Though it was jam-packed with people, the food was worth the wait.  Oh yeah, gluten now gives me problems. I really miss donuts!

 

On our second day, we took a bus out to Neuschwanstein castle.  The trip included a 2-hour bike ride, lunch at a local restaurant, and a tour of the castle.  To get to the castle, you can either take the bus or hike.   I chose to hike and man, let me tell you, that hike was NO JOKE.  The first few hundred feet were nothing.  But once you turn this "corner," it all goes downhill (or uphill?) from there.   We did this after lunch too!  Had I known what I was getting myself into, I would have had ALL the ice cream.

When we set out on the bike ride, I was cold and decked out in a hat and scarf.  I dropped that nonsense halfway up as the sweat was pouring down my face.  

More pictures from the top.

We couldn't take pictures inside the castle.  In fact, time inside the castle was strictly limited to 30 minutes.  Get in, admire, get out.  

After returning to Munich, we had dinner at Hofbräuhaus.  Hofbräuhaus is one of Munich's oldest brew halls and is owned by the government.  I can't speak on the beer quality because (a) I never liked beer and (b) wheat issues, but there were plenty of liters going around so I assume it is pretty good!  

 Translation:  "Work sets you free."

Main entry gate at Dachau concentration camp.

 Left:  one of the few remaining barracks preserved

Right:  crematorium

There were many other buildings and placards describing their purpose.  I chose not to photograph much more than what is seen here.  It didn't feel right.  The one thing I can say is that Germany does not hide from its past.  Our tour guide said that it is mandatory for every child to learn the country's history - unabridged and with acute honesty - so as to not  repeat history.

Our tour guide (from the second bike tour) said that government buildings are often constructed with glass façades as a show of transparency.  On this building, bullet holes are still visible on the columns.

On the second bike tour...

 New Town Hall at Marienplatz.
I missed getting pictures of the Glockenspiel.  D'oh.

 Left to right:  Bavarian flag, German flag, Eurozone flag.

At the garden, people can go 'river surfing.'

Very cool to watch.  I'd be terrified out of my mind!

That's it for Munich.  I would love to go back and visit more of the city.  It is really unique and rich with culture.

Up next in the trip recap:  Vienna, Austria.

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On the sewing front, I finished one of my three works in progress:  the denim skirt.  I will take pictures today and write the blog post tomorrow.

Until next time, peace!

2016 Travels: Germany, Austria, & the Czech Republic (Part 1)

Y'all know I like to get my travel on.  So this year, my friend and I put together a trip to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.  Initially, we were thinking of doing a bike and barge tour similar to the one I did in The Netherlands in 2011.  This tour would have started in Passau, Germany and taken us along the Danube River to Vienna, Austria.  We attempted to contact the company to ask questions about booking and to clarify prices, but were unsuccessful.  So we decided to just go anyway and bike in each city.  Flexibility is awesome!

Our trip started in Frankfurt, Germany and continued by train to Munich, Vienna, Prague, and Berlin.  I'll spread these posts over each city and share some of my favorite photos/highlights.

Frankfurt (17 May - 19 May)

We left Detroit late Monday evening and arrived on Tuesday, 17 May at around 9a.  Our hotel was conveniently located directly across the street from the main train station as well as a city tram stop.  Getting around Frankfurt was very easy; it is very walkable with lots to see and do near the city center.  We only had two days here - one of which included an jet lag and no sleep.  Needless to say, we didn't do much. =)

Hauptbahnhof - main train station

 The international bird.  Pigeons are everywhere.  EVERYWHERE.

 Interesting trees.  They looked like life-size Bonsai trees.

 Classic-styled buildings at the center square.

 

 Pictures of the city skyline from our river cruise on the Main River.

 

Edited to add humble thanks to Rory Fanklin who explained the meaning of this mural.

While I read stories of the Syrian child who washed ashore, I was not aware that this was a painting of him.  As expressed by Rory, the red eyes and horns are likely political commentary against Germany's welcoming of many refugees.  Thank you Rory for correcting me.  Here is a link to the story shared in the comments by Rory:  http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/09/im-sure-this-little-boy-brought-only-joy-look-at-how-the-world-repaid-him-warning-distressing-image/

I am sorry for any hurt I may have caused.

 I have an irrational fear of heights, but I like climbing tall structures.

On short flights, I also always get a window seat.  Weird, right?

Don't look down.

 

 Views of the city from atop the cathedral.

 Frankfurt's Love Lock bridge.

That's all I have for Frankfurt.  We didn't visit any museums or special sites.  We were all tired from the flight and mostly wanted to get settled in.

Up next:  3 days in Munich.  

Until next time, peace!

L