View of Marienplatz (Mary's Square) and the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) from St. Peter's Church--after climbing hundreds (thousands?) of stairs up a never-ending, spiralling, narrow, darkened staircase and nearly (possibly?) experiencing cardiac arrest.
A little over an hour by train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the beautiful city of Munich. I love Munich. I would love to live in Munich--if I did, I would refer to it as "München"and then in a very condenscending and patronizing voice would say, 'But you may only know it as Munich.' It's the perfect combination of old and new-- a city with a rich history and a modern outlook. It's a city worth exploring by foot--with stunning architecture and a wonderful pedestrian shopping zone. We spent the day there and had a fabulous time...even in the severe, bone-chilling cold of a German winter.
Pedestrian Shopping Zone
There's so much to see and do in Munich--so I won't waste a minute of your time. Only the most important and historical sights and places will be featured in this blog post.
Let us begin...
Behold!
And, more mushrooms! (See the glamorous people of Munich picking out their mushrooms? One doesn't rush where mushrooms are concerned. )
Here are mushrooms with tiny pigs!
Look! A bowl full of felted mushrooms!
Munich is filled with mushroom love.
Perhaps that is why I felt so at home. And at peace. They are my people, the München-ers.
Beyond mushrooms, another passion of mine was touched upon. A life-long passion. A passion which runs so deep, it is sometimes necessary to spend a day recovering afterward.
Hofbräuhaus, Munich - (In this photo, I am toasting my new friends.)
One cannot and should not ever visit Munich without setting foot (and most certainly, rear end) within the confines of the the Hofbräuhaus (Main or Central Brewery.)
"Thirst is worse than homesickness."
The Hofbräuhaus manages to stay authentic and real--even as a major tourist hotspot. Inside the band plays as the long wooden fest tables all around are filled with the regulars--all of whom make for incredibly amazing people-watching.
I even found a photo of my Doppelgänger hanging on the wall right next to our table...serendipitous! Hallo, me! You are a saucy thing, aren't you?
The Hofbräuhaus is a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds.
Everywhere you look, you are reminded that beer makes everything better. These signs are for reserved tables (Stammtisches) where beer-drinking clubs meet. Beer-drinking clubs? Is this heaven or real life?
Yes, this is what my heaven looks like.
And here are its angels.
Prost!
Zum Wohl!
Beer, you are a lover and a friend.
Mwah!
And that, my friends, is Munich.
Ah, München! I've always wanted to go there. As I read this, I was singing a rousing rendition of "Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier" while the boy child accompanied me on tuba. And we were both wearing lederhosen. Zum wohl!
Posted by: Kathy | February 27, 2011 at 06:43 PM
I'm sorry but I have to mention that, for me, THAT beer would equal at least 4 trips to the ladies room.
I'd be having fun though!
Posted by: blackbird | February 27, 2011 at 07:13 PM
It is a little-known fact that "München" actually means "mushroom". How do I know? It is a family secret, but I feel certain that you needed to know this.
You can repay me in beer, m'kay?
Posted by: kmkat | February 27, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Ah, yes, but do they have cupcakes?
E x
Posted by: Eleanor | February 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
I totally failed to photograph the sights inside (and that sign!!) when we were there oh so many years ago. I must have been distracted by my nursing baby, my own hunger (kartoffelpuree, be still my heart), and the glorious beer I was drinking. I did take a picture of the baby next to the beer... it was nearly as big as him!
Posted by: kcinnova | February 28, 2011 at 03:03 AM
1988, I was 18. I still remember how drunk I felt after drinking one of those beers!
Posted by: driftwood | February 28, 2011 at 02:59 PM
You've found your people! Beer and mushroom people! Eurolush, I'm amazed you surfaced long enough to tell us!
Posted by: green girl in wisconsin | February 28, 2011 at 05:17 PM
LOL @ Bb ...
So this is why we haven't heard from you much. You're still living your dream, uh?
Posted by: Paola | February 28, 2011 at 06:28 PM