Munich, Germany

Our train ride from Milan to Munich was not without excitement. Our itinerary was to change trains at Hanover and from there proceed to Munich. As the time approached for us to arrive at Hanover we asked the train manager if our connection was on time since we had a very short, 7 minute, time between trains. The train manager looked at our tickets and informed us that our train, number 148, did not run on this day because of a one day, one train, walkout by engineers.  We asked how we should proceed and she informed us that we should go to the information office at the station and ask there; not a helpful response.  I think our despair showed because a few minutes later she came back with a new itinerary hand written on a transfer pass.  Three train changes later at some rather small stations, we arrived in Munich only 30 minutes later than planned.  Anyone who says Germans are not helpful and friendly have not met  the train staff.

On the final leg of our round-about trip we shared a compartment, all the trains were compartments seating six or fewer, with a very nice German woman who tried very hard to converse with us even though she spoke as much English as we did German (nil). Her Italian was better since one of her daughters lived in Milan and she would visit regularly. Our Italian was not much better than our German.  We do have translator programs on our phones and we used them to move our words into her language.  We were interested in hearing of places we should visit in Munich and with our limited skills this became almost a game. On several occasions she would call a friend on her phone, speak in German to her and then relay her friends translation to us in broken English. Regrettably we had no German friends to call and so we relied on our translator program, which was not always accurate and never fast.  As we approached our stop she begged off and began to collect her belongings.  I think she tired of our conversation attempt.

Munich proved to be an easy city to get around in. The transit system is quite good and one, two or three day passes are available to ride all forms of city transportation with one pass. 

our train took us by many buildings that appeared to be abandoned. This castle like building sits on the highest hill near a small village. No signs or identification at all.

This building appeared to be someones home from the two cars in its drive.  With the look out tower and the round parapet it would look easy to defend in the event of a public uprising.

As the Italian Alps morph through Austria and finally into Germany they change from soil covered mountains into these granite cliffs.  The presence of such large cliffs make the abundance of stone buildings understandable.

As expected we were able to set our watches by the arrival and departure of  trams and buses. Clean, on time, reasonable (not cheap) a good model for other cities.

This building and its mirror image across the street (behind me) comprise the Munich museum of antiquities. The large grass area appears to be a favorite lounge area for the nearby schools.

This building at Odeonplatz serves as an open theater hosting music events during the summer months and at Oktoberfest.

Open cafe seating near one of the many public parks.  Chairs aligned, tables for two, everyone face front. Espresso 2€ and 1/2 liter of beer 3€ good deals.

Ludwig I, a Wittelsbach king of Bavaria, is honored in several locations around the city. the Wittelsbach dynasty was the last to rule over the whole of Bavaria. Following the reign of the last Wittelsbach king, Otto II, the area was partitioned and sections given to his sons who remained in power until World War I.  Ludwig seems to have been the best liked.

The left side of this road is entirely government buildings.

An example of the city parks

The Isar river runs through Munich and is bordered by walkways on both sides. These paths, suitable for walking or bicycling, run along the river for over 200km, just over 125 miles. Reportedly very popular in spring and summer for treks.

The structure at the end of the road is one of the remaining four gates that led into Munich during the reigns of various kings.

An example of the artwork painted onto several of the older buildings.

This building is offices but acts as the landmark for Karlsplatz which is one of the main transit locations.

Parks department does a great job keeping areas open and inviting.

Flowers were in bloom

Originally one of the many homes previously owned by kings. The Nymphenburg Palace was begun in 1664 as a residence for the pregnant wife of  then elector (effectively king) of Bavaria Fredrick Maria. It was not completed until 1799. It was however opened to the public by then elector Karl Theodor.

This canal was constructed in an effort to make Munich like Venice, Italy

One of the many German sausage plates consumed.

White Asparagus (Spargel) was in season and  this is a traditional serving with a cheese sauce and seasoned potatoes (the grilled salmon was a delicious added option)

This tower was constructed for the 1972 Olympics held in Germany.

A part of the Olympic village/venue constructed for the 1972 games.  It is now a large arena used for concerts and such.

A large, permanent, open air market in middle of Munich.  A wide variety of meat, cheese, spices, vegetables, and household goods are available.  We did not see a market as you would find in the USA and so this market seems to be the place to shop.

Spargel, white asparagus, was just coming into season and displays like this were abundant. At 5€/100g (about 20$/lb) not cheap but very good.

Linda and a maypole. Originally the maypole was a directory of services and craftsmen available in each village market.  The small symbols standing out from it represent the various trades that would have shops present.  In this instance the one on the bottom right shows that there is a beer tavern.

Spices and dried fruit and peppers were readily available.  Sauerkraut, much softer(mushier) and not as tart as that available in the US, was also cheap and plentiful. 

Tomatoes on the left were similar to the heirloom varieties available here.

Beer Garden (At the open market but just one of many around the city)

Old city hall

The interior courtyard of the old city Hall.  Now a cafe/beer hall.

This area on one of the towers of the old city hall contains a glockenspiel and these two levels of animated dolls.  At 11am, 3pm and 5pm this plays a tune and the dolls play out a story.  the full details can be found at http://www.destination-munich.com/munich-glockenspiel.html.  (you may need to cut and paste this URL into your browser)

Entrance to Marienplatz where the old city hall is located

Consistent with most major cities and villages the churches are important structures. While the exterior of this one was not anything special, the interior most interesting for this flock of ceramic doves that hung from the ceiling and drew your attention to the altar area. The beautiful ceiling painting were almost overwhelmed by this art display. 

Statues and decorative trim is to be found on every older building.  It is difficult to believe this city was nearly destroyed during WWII bombing raids.

Bicycles are also a major source of transport in Munich and parking areas like this are found all around the city.

The owners of this store want everyone to be reassured.  I felt much better after reading this.