Munich

August 26, 2018 to August 27, 2018

Walking, cycling and munchin in Munchen .

August 26 Sunday, August 27 Monday 17kms

Walking, cycling and munchin in Munchen .

Sunday: Our current residence, Unterre Grasse, is ‘upper Eastside’, on a hill. Down below used to have the canalisation of Venice at one time and was an important area of industry. We decide to walk into the city and head down to the bridge across the Isar. It’s another sunny day but there’s a hint of morning cool. Along the banks of the clear water of the Isar, locals sit and soak in the sun.

Decorative building facades on our strasse.

The Isar. Clear rather chilly looking water.

Happening on a kebab cafe proves a temptation too much for us, and in a short time we are ensconced within, marvelling at the intensity of flavour a lamb kebab can offer.

kebab heaven - on our way to the centre.

Onwards into the city, we arrive at Marienplatz and enjoy the sight (47 figures each around 70 Kilos) and sound of the carillon. The platz is busy but there’s plenty of space and this part of the city is completely pedestrianised. There are several churches near the centre as well as countless eateries. Conversations around us attest to every European nationality’s presence among the tourists.

Street musicians provide interesting costuming as well as great music.

Our goal is the Alte Pinakothek museum of art. We enjoy a pleasant few hours viewing the examples from Giotto, Fra Angelico, Rembrandt, Durer and Murillo. We break for lunch, glad we’ve brought our own, as all stores are closed on a Sunday.

Elsheimer’s detail of the starry sky is based on observations by Galileo Galilei and Frederico Cesi using the telescope they’d just invented.

We just have time for a quick look around the gallery of modern art (Picasso, Beckmann, Dali) before we race back to our ‘home’ in the early evening and head up to our host, Gernot’s apartment on the top floor.

Tatra 87- 1937 dorsal finned Czech car. Powered by a 3 litre air cooled V8. Only 3000 were ever made. it was popular with the German army during WW2, but was known as the “Czech secret weapon’ because it killed so many Nazi officers.

He entertains us with soup, spaghetti, a fresh fruit salad and great conversation. He has cycled in far places- Africa, Myanmar and Thailand and he also hikes. He has a great sense of humour, knows a little of New Zealand and has a wonderful fund of stories. We finish the evening having negotiated one more day for a city cycle tour (a bonus for visiting the art gallery!) and feeling greatly entertained.

Monday: We spend our bonus day cycling into the city centre and out to the Olympic stadium and BMW centre. This part of the city is spacious and green with several ponds and mini lakes. There is a steep hill of green grass formed from the wartime rubble. Cycling Munich streets is wonderful with the protection of cycle lanes and as always one holds hopes for similar city organisation in New Zealand.

On our way home we find ‘Globetrotter’ a massive store fore outdoor gear. Here we find gas canisters and a guide for the Salzburg- Venice Route. No polypropylene though- let’s hope the cold hold off!

What the best dressed Bavarians are wearing.

Lederhosen- a very practical garment for any occasion.

Gernot invites us out for a goodbye ice cream and gives us a brief tour of his ‘hood. We sit on a park bench as night descends and discuss living, home ownership and architecture. He then shows us how to find the route out of town and we part. Our visit to Munich has been truly enhanced in an unforgettable way by this charming and committed host.

Today's ride: 17 km (11 miles)
Total: 3,444 km (2,139 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	1
Comment on this entry	Comment	0