Germany: 20 Dezember 2009

Today we're going to stay in Munich and explore its many offerings. We start first by visiting the Deutsches Museum which is really an outstanding science and technology center located in the heart of Munich. Per Rick Steves' trusty suggestions, we head for the mining exhibit which is elaborate, eerie and quite a bit of fun. Here's a shot from the mining tunnels.

Next we head above sea for the ship exploration exhibit. These impressive vessels were on multiple levels and also included a U-Boat submarine, sample passenger rooms and a mast race science experiment.

The afternoon wouldn't have been complete without a spin through the planes and hot air balloons. One thing we couldn't capture well on film was a cool indoor lightening demonstration. (It certainly was the loudest thing we've done so far.)

The museum also had a nice outdoor sundial garden, but they had closed it for winter. That didn't stop us from getting these two great shots though. The views (from inside the windows) were still fun.

Our next visit was Marienplatz for a little food and the Christmas Market. We stopped and had lunch at the most amazing cafe, Cafe Glockenspiel. (Oh, the food and drinks were just so dreamy. Chad enjoyed the speciality "Glockenspiel Coffee" and we both enjoyed wonderful soup, two great meals and some of the best chocolate cake we've had in quite some time.) It's namesake is the elaborate "play" clock (Rahaus-Glockenspiel) that sounds daily reinacting two folklore stories. This place was packed to the gills and you wouldn't have any way to know about it unless you were a local (it was on the second story of a building tucked away with a random entry), so we have to assume it is a favorite of "zee Germans". (And now, "zeeez Americans" as well.)

After loading our tummies we headed outside to enjoy the market. Here are a few photos of that below. This market dates back to the 14th century. One thing I haven't touched on much, but should, is just how much each market has to offer. While they all have some basic staples, they also have differences and each provides something uniquely memorable. I have to say I've enjoyed them all and am happy I've been able to see so many in such a short amount of time. (So in case you're reading this and wondering if you too should try this trip, go for it! You'll be glad you did.) Remember what I was saying about "something unique?" These local men (one pictured here), paraded through the market streets reminding all the children about the downsides of bad behavior -- a visit from Faust's devil! Their ringing cowbells gave the children (and adults) fair warning of their impending presence. Quite a sight to behold. (Germans don't mess around when it comes to fairy tells.)Since we've been traveling so much by train, it only makes sense that you'd be able to see the station too. This is Munich's Central Station, otherwise known as "Haupbahnhof" or "Hbf". The handy (very hi-tech) electronic boards are a step up from those I've seen in the States. The trains are also very nice, and cleaner than anything I've ever seen before. There are some cities where there isn't a single (no, not one) piece of trash at the stations or on the tracks. Speaking of tracks, that's our german word of the day. "Gleis" is for track, so in this photo I'm on track 2.

A trip to Munich would not be complete (or without its tourist roots) if we didn’t make an effort to visit the Hofbräuhaus. These 1 liter beers require a little dexterity. Here’s a shot of Chad and me trying to navigate the massive amounts of stress on our wrists. My efforts at holding this thing up were obviously entertaining.

Now Chad's turn to hold the big stein. (Not nearly as hard for him.)

This picture certainly doesn't do the HB hall justice, but that's me standing amidst about 500 chairs stacked on tables inside an ennormous room.

Here's a historical marker from inside the building. The "haus" has been at this location since the 1400's. (And has been entertaining some of the same local clubs and groups since that time.)

We also visited Karlsplatz by snowfall at night and saw this beautifully lighted building. It promoted itself as the “Christmas of the World”. (It was a mall entrance!)

More to come later! I've got to get to bed!