Winter Wonders: Munich

Munich was absolutely gorgeous. And reminded me surprisingly of the German part of Switzerland. Perhaps that isn't too surprising in retrospect but I was slightly surprised at how familiar some things seemed. I even remembered some German words from my Swiss trip last year! Although that wasn't too useful because everyone speaks English. Anyway, sights and sounds: 

Pictured above is the Glockenspiel or the New Town Hall in the main square of Marienplatz. At 11am and 12 noon every day, it chimes, much to the delight of tourists down below. Now you might be wondering why only 11 and 12, well... the guide explained that its because its not automated. They still need a guy to run up and down the stairs and push a button that says GLOCKENSPIEL GO! GO! GO! (Ok, it probably doesn't say that but you get the idea) So yeah, some times its early, some times its late, some times (read: Oktoberfest) it doesn't go at all.

Funny story about the New Town Hall. This is the Old Town Hall which is newer than the above New Town Hall. Because they built the new one, than the old one burnt down so they rebuilt it. Apparently the people of Munich do not like change.

On the left is another famous building, the Frauenkirche, a cathedral with two green, onion-shaped domes (second one is covered in scaffolding). Munich building regulations state no building in the city centre can be taller than those two towers.

Since the other one is under construction, I shall show you this picture of a rather creative Gluhwein (mulled wine) stall instead!

Anyway, this is inside the church. Up above, the architects who built it sculpted figures of themselves into the ceiling so they could forever watch over their creation. This is a reconstruction cause most of the cathedral was destroyed during WWII.

Check this out, the devil's footprint. There's a cool story behind this: They say the devil helped build this church. It is said that he made a deal with the builder to help complete the church within 20 years on the condition that it contain no windows. This was virtually unheard of at that time, most builders would never see their churches complete within their lifetime. However, the builder tricked the devil by positioning the columns so the windows were not visible from the foyer where the devil stood. When the devil discovered he had been tricked, he couldn't enter the consecrated church so he could only stand in the foyer and stomp his foot. 

Of course, the lamer version is that the architect was so proud of his church he left his footprint there.

Viktualienmarkt, just off of Marienplatz. A wonderful place to procure sausages (Omg, the sausages *salivates), fruits, cheeses and of course, beer. In the summer they run a beer garden which features one of the 6 Munich brews in rotation. The Munich favourite is Augustiner which can run out within 2 weeks. The least favourite is Sparten which can stay on the menu for up to 2 months.

Interesting tidbit about Augustiner. Because the current pope is from Munich, that is naturally his favourite beer as well. They refuse to import it anywhere but to the Vatican City, they love it that much. And because it's the pope's favourite beer, it quite naturally has to be God's favourite beer! So it is claimed.

Max-Joseph Platz. A view of the Munich Opera House overlooked by King Maximillian who apparently did not like this statue of him being all kingly but when his son took over, the last thing he wanted was his dad's statue inside the palace so he put it there.

The road to Odeonplatz.

A gorgeous yellow church, Theatinerkirche. You know how I said the people don't like change? Well, I was slightly wrong. They don't mind change as long as everyone agrees on it. Last year a poll was put out to try and decide what new colour this church should be painted. Options ranged from daffodil to mustard.

The Field Marshall's hall (Feldherrnhall) with two lion statues. The one with the mouth open faces the palace and represents freedom of speech against the government. The one with the mouth closed faces aforementioned yellow church and represents silence in the face of religion.

During the Nazi reign, a memorial plaque was erected here to honour fallen Nazi soldiers. All those who passed had to salute it or be punished.

To avoid this, some people would walk through this alley behind the square just to avoid the place altogether. This small rebellion is remembered by the bronze cobblestones. This street is Vicardigasse but it is more commonly known as Shirker's Alley (Drueckebergergasse)

Right next to Odeonplatz was the Royal Christmas Market. This is in addition to the main Christmas Market at Marienplatz and many other little ones around town. Munich Christmas Markets are amazing. So bright and colourful and bigggg. That's me savouring some warm eggnog. Perfect for a cold day. Oh, they give you the drinks in these lovely glasses and cups right but you have to pay a deposit in case you make off with the cup! Its usually about 2 Euros.

Ok, last sight I promise. This is the English Garden which despite my doubts, is gorgeous even in winter time. 

A little Chinese style pavilion which shows that the English garden is all accepting. Its built on quite a steep slope which is used as a ramp during winter time. The surrounding trees are padded with hay bales to act as safety cushions! How awesome is that?

Speaking about awesomeee... Yes, he's surfing... Don't even ask me why.

Anyway, that's enough ramble for now. I leave you with a picture of me lunching at Augustiner Bierhaus. Drinking God's favourite beer! Cheers!

P.S. All my Munich knowledge came from a lovely free tour I took with a lady named Liz who studied German History is part of her degree in English and German. This was with the company NewEuropeTours which I highly recommend.