We had
breakfast as a ‘whole family’ today – Hans was home. It was very festive and
even the boiled eggs had ‘hats’ on to keep them warm – some with cute bunny
ears and others brightly coloured pointy elf hats. It was a leisurely occasion and
we even had time to relax (Bray with laptop and Roni with book) for an hour or
so before heading to the train station.
Train into München
(Munich) where we met Ludwig. He is Simon’s childhood friend who came and road
tripped in NZ with Roni, Beks & Simon while Simon was studying at UC. Now a
high flying entrepreneur running his own company out of Munich and travelling
all over Europe at least four days a week.
He met us at
central station and took us on a lightning tour of the town. Including many
varieties of local food specialities of course – it is Bavaria! Sweet roasted
nuts, tasty meat (two varieties) in a bun with mustard, freshly squeezed juices,
and donut-type jam filled buns.
We walked
all over the place, seeing many cool sights; Marienplatz (with the both new and
old town halls, famous glockenspiel and Marian Column), Frauenkirche (the
largest church in town...the women’s church!), Hofbräuhaus and Augustine
(famous beer halls), Viktualienmarkt (daily outdoor market dating from early 19th
century), Residence Palace and garden (former royal palace of Bavarian
monarchs), city gates, Odeonsplatz (HUGE lions, beautiful Theatinerkirche and imposing
Feldherrnhalle on the steps of which Hitler clashed with police in 1923 before
being imprisoned), Maximilianeum (upmarket shopping street close to the
magnificent opera house), Justice Palace (Court House) and Peterskirche
(another famous church) to name a few.
By the end
of our walking tour it was getting decidedly chilly so we set off for the much
talked about giant schnitzel. Ludwig’s girlfriend Rebekah met us there. The
schnitzel did not disappoint – absolutely MASSIVE. Had to be washed down with
local brew of course and by the end of this feast we were unwilling to move
anywhere in a hurry...SO full. We staggered off through the night past the film
school and more monuments on our way back to Odeonsplatz. This walk settled our
stomachs enough to partake in a couple of cocktails at Schúmann’s Bar. This place is
frequented by celebrities (we saw a couple), consistently voted one of the
world’s best bars for its cocktails and owned by Schumann himself who wrote a
cocktail ‘bible’ and stars in Campari ads. He was actually working while we
were there and we enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, warmth on a cold Munich night,
tasty drinks and great service.
After this
we parted ways reluctantly, Ludwig and Rebekah headed home and we caught the
train back to Pfaffenhofen – the ride MUCH enlivened with traditional tic-tac
entertainment (you had to be there...). Once home the boys watched a couple of
episodes of Breaking Bad before bed –
the girls hit the hay pretty much on arrival.
