Weekend in Munich - blog by Joan

K...so last weekend was spent squiring Barnes the Younger 'round Munich. We flew out of London Friday morning and into the beautiful Munich airport (really-its beautiful!). Scott plugged in his trusty Garmin navigational system and off we went! We drove to a gorgeous little Bavarian town (whose name I never quite caught, something with Strasse in it I'm sure!) that was nestled at the bottom of the Bavarian Alps. This ski town sits next to a glassy lake where pedal boats and steins of beer call your name. <Update -- Name of town is Schliersee>

That evening we attended a work function for Perot Systems and a small company they just acquired-it was held on a wee island in the middle of the lake. For those unaware, Scott's 48th birthday was that day (July 18th) and he was presented with an incredible birthday cake, a lovely gift, and the honored task of tapping a large wooden keg; which he did with the strike of a pro! The wine and beer flowed freely and bar-b-que was enjoyed by all!

Saturday morning we drove out to the former Dachau Concentration Camp. This was one of the few requests that Hunter had made prior to coming so we spent a few hours touring and reading. As mentioned in an earlier blog, we had visited the Holocaust Museum in London, this however, really drives home the inhumanity and violence inflicted.

May I mention here that Scott caved and gave in to his Big Mac Attack?

That evening, we had an enjoyable dinner with Bill & Ingrid Brown and two of their children, Clayton and Lana. The Browns moved to this side of the planet 12 years ago with Perot Systems. I'm not sure, but I think their 6 month visas have expired.

Sunday. Lucky us, we made it to Munich just in time to help celebrate its 850th birthday! What are the chances?! We spent a few hours ambling through the streets listening to oompah bands and watching strolling minstrels and brightly dressed dancers. I must say, the German are a happy people!

We missed the toll of the giant Glockenspiel by one hour, so unfortunately, Honk missed the 15 minute clock show. And since we had eaten a late breakfast and had drunken huge glasses of freshly squeezed juice, a full meal would've been painful, but I did take Honk on a quick tour of the world famous Hofbrauhaus. Hunter and I had just enough time to down a couple liters of beer before Scott had to come looking for us.

Although the English language is in limited use in Munich, its a wonderful city with people who have great civic and ethnic pride. The women wear their dirndls, and the men their lederhosen, for special occasions. Hunter wants a pair of lederhosen BADLY! No, really, ask him!

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