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Published: March 22nd 2008
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We experience so much in each weekend trip. It seems like every day has 48 hours instead of 24. We get out early and return late.
On Thursday, we left after class and a quick dorm room heating up of left-overs from dinner earlier in the week (a delicious stir-fry that was just as good second time around). After an afternoon of switching trains and stopping by Ulm we made it to Munich around dinner time.
Ulm was beautiful. I may use that word too often to describe things here but its often the first one that comes to mind when I take in these sites. In Ulm, we had just over an hour break in the train schedule. First, the bags got locked up at the train station then we took off, weaving through the peaceful colorful streets filled with bakeries and boutiques. Many of the windows were filled with chocolates, small gifts, cards and flowers in pink, red, silver and gold. I wished I could send some of it home in time for Valentine's Day.
Our final destination in the city wasn't hard to find; we just followed the extremely tall cathedral spires. It was even
more impressive once we reached it: high ceilings, intricate stained glass and statues, like most other German cathedrals, but what set this one apart is that we were able to climb all the way up to the top of it's towering spires. I think it's the highest climbable spire in Europe. There were windows to peek out along the way to look out and see the town people below turn into ants. Once at the top, the sun hung at the perfect spot in the sky. It cast a gleaming golden glow over the angles of the city. My favorite part of the view had to be the milky greenish-teal river running through the city under an multi-arched bridge. Through the river little kayakers paddled and small ships scooted. I felt like I could stare at it until the sun sank.
I couldn't stay and look too long though...we had a train to catch. Once at Munich, we checked into a hotel then headed in the direction of the Marien Platz, one of the main squares in Munich's rich and well distributed attractive areas. On the way we stopped at a restaurant called Augustiner-Keller. It had an underground area--a
coppery brick high ceiling-ed tunnel shaped eating areas. I liked it but it was much different than the golden rooms upstairs, where men sat around in green felt and feathered Bavarian caps. The downstairs must be where they put the loud Americans. The company and goulash were both OK.
We walked around a bit after dinner then headed into yet another restaurant with the waitresses wearing the traditional dresses (very cute!). The next day, I was curious to see how much it would cost to dress that way...one store had a fancy version and I flipped the day: $699! I'll just admire them. 😊
At 11 am on Friday we watched the figurines dance on the world famous coo-koo clock: the Glockenspiel. The the "onion-domed" spires of the Frauenkirche cathedral drew us in. After seeing this church whose Bishop from 1977-1982 was Pope Benedict, we went shop then the New Modern Art Museum. During these daytime excursions I had Caitlin and Micki as sight-seeing companions, but sometimes I get so caught up in looking at my surroundings that I still feel like a lone traveler.
I'm so glad for the opportunity to see all the art. I've
never seen the very varied techniques of world renowned artists up close. In my modern art history class I saw some of these art's works but in person its a whole new feeling. Here I saw Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Klimt....some of my favorites! I even discovered a few new favorites. I have a renewed drive to paint...maybe try out some of these brushstrokes myself.
At night we went to the beer hall, Hofbrauhaus, which has a great atmosphere. I ordered a homemade noodle dish with a brown ground meat and veggie sauce. Good! I passed a few bites around and tried some other Bavarian specialties in return. They must have huge pots of the dishes constantly ready because in this brewery which can serve around 4,000 people at once had fairly quick service! Then after leaving this hot spot we went to a different kind of hot spot...one that was classy and the place of choice for visiting politicians, Ratskeller Muchen, for a few snacks and dessert. Long day.
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Now I'm on the train to Fussen to see the castle used in Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang and was used as a model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty--Neuchschwanstein
Castle. I'm very excited. I love fairy tales.
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