One of the key reasons we wanted to stop in Germany was to give the girls a chance to practice their German language skills. Unfortunately, after 6 years of study we’ve established that Emma can ask if someone has a pet parrot, but can’t order from a menu, ask where the toilet is or find out how much something is. Somehow, despite the rest of the GradyBunch having some knowledge of German, I’ve been the one bumbling my way around restaurants and train stations… Sometimes knowing nothing is better than knowing something!
Think Munich, think beer and sausages… and we’ve made the most of both. We’re determined to stick with the local fare, so have loaded up on wurst, sauerkraut, pork, pretzels, dumplings and the local ale. Everything comes super-sized – including soft drink that seems to only come in 0.5 litre glasses. We might to keep walking for months after we get home to get rid of this lot!
The Christmas markets in Munich finished on 24 December (makes sense really!) but we found the Viktualienmarkt in the centre of town. This is filled with various fresh food stalls, and the streets around are lined with other small food shops. At one point there are 8 butchers side by side – more meat and sausage than you’ve ever seen!!!
One of the ‘Top 10 things to do in Munich’ is to see the Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall (“Neues Rathaus” – how apt!). The New Town Hall was built in the late 1800s, so is pretty old by Brisbane standards.
At 11:00 and 12:00 the glockenspiel plays and the wooden figures perform a dance. Marienplatz was packed with tourists, standing in the rain, waiting with bated breath to see the 10 minute performance. I suspect that many were underwhelmed, but it was good to see all the same.
Finally, we stopped at Munich’s most recognisable symbol – Frauenkirche cathedral. The two ‘onion domes’ can be seen throughout the city, and have a very Russian feel about them. Interestingly, while it is a key symbol of the city, there is a relatively new bank building right in front, so it doesn’t have the presence of many other cathedrals in Europe.
As I write we’re on the ‘Alex’ train to Prague – the last stop on our European adventure. We’re really glad we came to Munich – we’ve been able to fit in a huge variety of activities unique to the area and to our trip. Highly recommend a trip to Bavaria!
Love M & theBunch xx
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