Though it's barely begun in the EST, it's lunchtime in Munich. I'm writing from a corner coffee shop very close to the train's drop off point (Hauptbahnhof Central Station). Let me tell you how I got here.
The plane landed in complete fog, such that I thought we were still high up when the wheels touched down...like, whoa! So my prediction of when I'd see the sun rise in flight was off by maybe an hour, but I timed it well anyway. It seemed like the whole plane was finally asleep around 11:30 EST last night, and I curled up on my two seats and slept alright. I woke up to a dark and cozy, quietly humming plane, and looked out the window to see the horizon just barely aglow in front of the plane. From that vantage, and from that of another window off the opposite aisle, I watched as the horizon brightened and broadened, and a sleep orange/red light crept westward. the plane was headed right into the unrisen sun, and it was incredible. I have to say the Tramidol I had taken before going to sleep added something as well.
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With help from Rolf, the German-American fellow behind me, I entered the airport, stored my big bag, used the internet, and tried to get info on my last boarding pass. The airport seemed quaint at first, but between the two terminals there was a beautiful and modern (and commercialized) atrium--certainly impressive. The Germans seem to have a way with organization and design--who knew! I bought a day pass for the train, and took a small bag with me onto the "DB," headed into Munich proper.
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Munich itself is an interesting place. Seems fairly multicultural, with ethncities of all stripes interacting on every block. The train ride into the city passed some normal (familiar?) looking houses, stores, farms, and industrial areas. There was loads of graffiti on almost every concrete surface along the tracks, and not most of it very well done. I wonder if and how people and authorities draw the line between art and vandalism...
Now at the coffee shop, I'm planning to walk east towards the city center (Marienplatz). I had thought a few days ago to find some couch surfers in the area, and hit them up for a city tour. I failed at that, though it's just as well--one of my goals everywhere I go will be to test my theory of common courtesy, talking to strangers as needed, or as not needed. I'll also very much enjoy finding my own way, stretch my legs out a bit, listen to music on the hike, and feel cold weather for the last time in a little bit.
* * *
Quick summary of Munich--did a lot of walking. I have pictures of some very old buildings mixed in with some very new enterprise; some befriended Americans at the Hofbrauhaus beer hall; and the large city park near the unversity known as the English Gardens. I am officially exhausted--and I can attest to the fact as of this writing that I remained more or less in this state for another 4 days. Avita zein!
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| much better in person, half-asleep, nose pressed against a tiny window |
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| in the downtown center of Munich (Marienplatz)--can you spot the mime? |
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| English Gardens--you can walk your dog here |
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| taken from the other side of the cathedral as the last shot |
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| I was sure not to drink alone, so I asked to sit with Noemi, Lisa, Scott. Got free hunks of pork leg from Lisa. Delicious. |
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| Hofbrauhaus--so authentic |
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| an interesting art giant on my walk around town |
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