Despite the motto: "Neither rain nor
sleet", the Post Office could not enjoy the snowy weather as much as we did.
From lush greenery to snow capped mountains, Switzerland was very good to us and it was with a bit of saddness that John and Dimitri ushered (in some cases, pushed) us back into the bus.
Loaded with various chocolates we had picked up along the way (a chocolate bar filled with cereal? Who knew it could be so good! Oh, it won't become a breakfast staple but still. . .)
Again, it seemed that we were blessed with guides who only knew the scenic routes - or is all of Europe that beautiful? Whether it is castles tucked into hillsides or vineyards, we did nothing but pass miles and miles of interesting sights.
By early afternoon, we had left the snow behind and were again feeling wonderful warm and summery weather. Our first offical glimpse of Germany was a delightful seaport town where we were awed by the soft palette of colors. Everywhere we looked were quaint buildings and churches. Lunch was consumed quickly - who could think of eating the delicious, fresh fish when Germany was right there?
All too soon we back on board and soon we were on the famous Autobahn - reknowned for not having a speed limit but merely a suggested top speed (80 mph). Anywhere else in the world, this might be an invitation to a major traffic jam but Germany seemed to consist of the best drivers imaginable (outside of our own man).
sleet", the Post Office could not enjoy the snowy weather as much as we did.
From lush greenery to snow capped mountains, Switzerland was very good to us and it was with a bit of saddness that John and Dimitri ushered (in some cases, pushed) us back into the bus.
Loaded with various chocolates we had picked up along the way (a chocolate bar filled with cereal? Who knew it could be so good! Oh, it won't become a breakfast staple but still. . .)
Again, it seemed that we were blessed with guides who only knew the scenic routes - or is all of Europe that beautiful? Whether it is castles tucked into hillsides or vineyards, we did nothing but pass miles and miles of interesting sights.
By early afternoon, we had left the snow behind and were again feeling wonderful warm and summery weather. Our first offical glimpse of Germany was a delightful seaport town where we were awed by the soft palette of colors. Everywhere we looked were quaint buildings and churches. Lunch was consumed quickly - who could think of eating the delicious, fresh fish when Germany was right there?
All too soon we back on board and soon we were on the famous Autobahn - reknowned for not having a speed limit but merely a suggested top speed (80 mph). Anywhere else in the world, this might be an invitation to a major traffic jam but Germany seemed to consist of the best drivers imaginable (outside of our own man).
Our first glimpse of Munich (the capital of Bavaria) was
one of a quiet, clean city filled with modern buildings and interesting looking shops and stores. After a very brief stop to unpack and check into our rooms, we had some free time to explore before the first evening of fun would begin.
Although quite late, there was still a party feel with the last few people exploring the Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz, the market square. Complete with a maypole, it was a garden setting of tents selling spices, flowers, handcrafted goodies and baked delights. Everything was so fresh and clean and the people were smiling and sweet. If it weren't for the
occassional glimpse of leiderhosen one might forget that this was foreign soil. Butler's, across the street from our hotel, had a rather fun series of coffee bars but Dimitri promised us a treat and so we all assembled and made our way to an authentic German restaurant. Situated on the second floor, we were treated to loud and friendly people - most in traditional garb even though Oktoberfest was a few weeks away. Everywhere we looked, we saw and heard
laughter. It wasn't soon before we joined in and our group - happily squeezed into a private room - were enjoying German hot treats and tankards of dark beer.
A stroll in the clear moonlight through the plaza followed. There we heard the street musicians - quite a cultured group too! Complete with a grand piano, they played for our enjoyment under the clear,
starry night.
After a hearty breakfast, we walked the quiet Sunday morning streets and explorded the many treasures of Munich.
Churches? Did somebody ask if Munich had churches? Yes, they did. And some of the largest, and most beautifully decorated ones imaginable.
We boarded the bus after a vigorous walk and were whisked to the majestic splendor of Numphenburg Palace. This is nothing short of a beautiful throwback to the time of the mad king Ludwig. It was slightly reminicent of Versailles in its stately beauty. The ceilings, the murals, the ornate trappings - all of them were priceless jewels and we enjoyed them immensely. Then it was some free time before we set out for our biggest endeavor yet!
one of a quiet, clean city filled with modern buildings and interesting looking shops and stores. After a very brief stop to unpack and check into our rooms, we had some free time to explore before the first evening of fun would begin.
Although quite late, there was still a party feel with the last few people exploring the Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz, the market square. Complete with a maypole, it was a garden setting of tents selling spices, flowers, handcrafted goodies and baked delights. Everything was so fresh and clean and the people were smiling and sweet. If it weren't for the
occassional glimpse of leiderhosen one might forget that this was foreign soil. Butler's, across the street from our hotel, had a rather fun series of coffee bars but Dimitri promised us a treat and so we all assembled and made our way to an authentic German restaurant. Situated on the second floor, we were treated to loud and friendly people - most in traditional garb even though Oktoberfest was a few weeks away. Everywhere we looked, we saw and heard
laughter. It wasn't soon before we joined in and our group - happily squeezed into a private room - were enjoying German hot treats and tankards of dark beer.
A stroll in the clear moonlight through the plaza followed. There we heard the street musicians - quite a cultured group too! Complete with a grand piano, they played for our enjoyment under the clear,
starry night.
After a hearty breakfast, we walked the quiet Sunday morning streets and explorded the many treasures of Munich.
Churches? Did somebody ask if Munich had churches? Yes, they did. And some of the largest, and most beautifully decorated ones imaginable.
We boarded the bus after a vigorous walk and were whisked to the majestic splendor of Numphenburg Palace. This is nothing short of a beautiful throwback to the time of the mad king Ludwig. It was slightly reminicent of Versailles in its stately beauty. The ceilings, the murals, the ornate trappings - all of them were priceless jewels and we enjoyed them immensely. Then it was some free time before we set out for our biggest endeavor yet!
The free time started interestingly enough - another walk through the fascinating town. Today, on a
beautiful Sunday, the streets were thronged with happy, smiling people who - despite the fact that
most of the stores in the area were closed - seemed
to just be enjoying life. In the square, near the Municipal Building, we waited and saw a wonder that Bavarians wait for - the wonderful spectacle of the
Marienplatz Glockenspiel.
But as fascinating as the clock was (SPOILER ALERT - Bavaria wins the battle each time!), it was our trip
to an authentic German beer hall that really ighlighted an already fascinating time in Munich.
The Hofbrauhaus Munchen cannot be described any other way than being a real, old fashioned beer and pretzel beer hall - and I do mean BEER and PRETZELS! While you are there, you will see
a cross-section of nationalities that fill the entire planet. It seems that you have not lived until you hoisted a beer here and all the corners of the earth do
while the bands play on.
beautiful Sunday, the streets were thronged with happy, smiling people who - despite the fact that
most of the stores in the area were closed - seemed
to just be enjoying life. In the square, near the Municipal Building, we waited and saw a wonder that Bavarians wait for - the wonderful spectacle of the
Marienplatz Glockenspiel.
But as fascinating as the clock was (SPOILER ALERT - Bavaria wins the battle each time!), it was our trip
to an authentic German beer hall that really ighlighted an already fascinating time in Munich.
The Hofbrauhaus Munchen cannot be described any other way than being a real, old fashioned beer and pretzel beer hall - and I do mean BEER and PRETZELS! While you are there, you will see
a cross-section of nationalities that fill the entire planet. It seems that you have not lived until you hoisted a beer here and all the corners of the earth do
while the bands play on.