Germany: Munchkins & Beer in Munich

December 2007, by Gini

We had a painless train ride from Zurich to Munich but arrived thirty minutes late. tut tut Germany. Paul on the other hand had two flight delays and arrived two hours late. You just can't beat the trains in Europe, enough said.

Starting on the late side of the clock we only had a few beers at the Hostel's pub for a catch up on what has been happening in the world outside our travel bubble. Quite a lot it seems. And of course Tom had some 'quiet time' with his new friend iphone (he hasn't got a name yet - still early days) which paul had brought over from England and now probably wishes he had kept it for himself.

On our first day we took a two hour train to Fussen, which is where Castle Neuschwanstein is based to see a real life Walt Disney style Castle with our very eyes! After hopping off and then on the same train at various wrong stops and being told off by the german train guard we were lucky to make it to the connecting station. With an hour up our sleeves Paul and Tom tucked into a hot german sausage and pomme frites and we all had our first morning beer in Germany at 11.30 am - if the germans do it so can we!

We missed the bus outside the train station because of me, can't take me anywhere! But going off the informational flyer Paul got from the Hostel we had an easy thirty minute walk to the castle or so we thought. After 5 km and it getting close to the ticketing office closing we finally arrived and waited our turn in the tourist pen for the compulsory guided tour.

First thing which has to be said, the tour guide made it for us. He created a creepy atmosphere by just being in the room with his slow hand gestures and mono-toned voice. We were shuffled from one room to the next and told in short what common sense would explain for itself information about the castle.

The temperature grew a bit cold in the early evening, now we know where all the snow came from! and we grabbed some pre beers for the train ride back. We arrived at the Hofbrauhaus ready for a BIG beer & meat meal. The beer hall was just that, a huge hall full of huge germans of all ages drinking huge beers. So we sat down and joined the masses. The menu mainly featured Pork which Paul and Tom happily dribbled over and as for me I went with sausages and mash, a german classic. I wasn't man enough to try a stein litre of beer like Paul and Tom but had a nice wheat beer instead.

We all left happy with the meals and of course the beer was great for the boys. We found another pub on a smaller scale which was still on the big side by NZ standards and I snuck in a white wine, while the boys continued down the beer trail of doom. Paul revealed his green leprechaun side which was the entertainment for the rest of the evening.

The next day consisted of mulled wine for breakfast, a healthy way to start your day and strolling the christmas markets in Marienplatz square. It really gets you into the swing of christmas with the wine making you jolly and the smell of sausages in the air oh and not to mention all the beautiful decorations for your christmas tree. After the sunday madness in the markets we found a few of Munichs' sights which were stunning architecture. The Cathedral Frauenkirche was all brick on the outside and a white glow on the inside.

With only wine for breakfast and it being a sunday we headed for a fine beer pub and had a hot lunch at Augustiner Keller with delicious pretzels and beer. We walked it all off (hopefully) at the English Gardens where there was yet again more Christmas markets. Time disappeared and it was Pauls' time to leave. So we helped the tired wee sole back to the station with a bag full of our stuff in hand and said our farewells until we met again (in two weeks).

G
There was lots of snow!

There was lots of snow!

View from the windows of the castle Neuschwanstein

View from the windows of the castle Neuschwanstein

Side on angle of the Castle Neuschwanstein

Side on angle of the Castle Neuschwanstein

Evil

Evil

Pretzels

Pretzels