I traveled to Munich for a weekend in March, and I had an awesome time. I didn't get to see as much of the city as I would have liked, because I was actually there representing my old high school at an information fair for students interested in doing an overseas exchange to an English-speaking country. I’m not sure I was so good at the fair because it seemed to be full of 12-13 year olds whose parents were only interested in sending them to the U.K. or America … but New Zealand is far too far away!
So after a day of explaining to parents that - really it’s only ~48 hours of travel and there aren't really hobbits and dragons there, and they don't have to jump off bridges and out of planes if they don't want to - I finally got to see a bit of Munich! I stayed at an awesome hotel with a fantastic shower (I'm a sucker for good quality bathrooms, they make my life worthwhile).
After the fair and a quick wander around the city centre I decided to tag onto a Beer Tour of Munich, we started with a beer from a street vendor, with this first beer they explained a bit about beer drinking etiquette and the beer culture in Germany. We learned how to Prost! without accruing 7 years of bad sex, and the alleged history behind cheers-ing everywhere.
Once we were adequately educated, we were deemed ready to go to Augustiner am Dom to try the Augustiner Edelweisse, this beer is well known because it is only sold in Germany - with one exception. According to our tour guide it was Pope Benedict’s favourite beer, and upon his request, a regular shipment of the beer was delivered to the Vatican so that he could continue to enjoy it there. I tried a half-litre of the Pope’s favourite beer (review: not too shabby), and then had a half-litre of their Dunkel bier which was more up my alley. Whilst some members of our party were ordering and devouring the half-chicken and chips I found myself sitting next to two Tennesseans, father and son, and we got to know each other.
Next stop was the Hofbräuhaus, which was packed! I got a half litre of their Hefeweizen which was tastyyy and watched my two new friends each struggle through the full litre Maß that they ordered. Seeing some of the older buildings in that part of town was pretty magical, coming from New Zealand, which saw it’s first white man approximately 200 years ago I'm easily impressed by old buildings!
I intend to go back to take a lot more photos and explore a bit more. Though I didn't see a whole lot this trip, I was glad I got out for my free evening, though it was just a quick tour, I managed to try 5 new beers and meet some cool people! I have a place to stay next time I'm heading through Tennessee at any rate :)
When I got myself back to my hotel room I realised that 5 german beers are the equivalent of ~10 New Zealand beers, and I had technically engaged in an episode of binge drinking. I managed to stop feeling sick before I had to take the train back to Berlin the next morning!
Photooooozzzzz
Train trip featured: Germany farms sunshine.
School mascot enjoying a trip to the Hofbräuhaus!
A strange bird-house/bride statue at the Sophie Scholl Gymnasium
Hotel room!
I looked up on the train ride and there was just a castle there! Not quite Hogwarts but still pretty magic!
