We have done so much touring, where the boys have been fantastic and covered incredible distances. They have learnt to be really seasoned travellers, so this holiday we had planned something extra special for them.
We travelled by train to Munich, April in Berlin has been really lovely Spring weather, so we packed the same sort of clothes. We got off the train in Munich and it was snowing. So, we wore as many layers of clothes that we could and walked fast to keep warm.
We had our tour plans pretty well organised when we arrived, after speaking to some friends. We checked into the hotel, we had a massive hotel room (the wheelchair-friendly suite) and the boys had to be instructed NOT to pull the emergency call cord whilst sitting on the loo! It was huge, and comfortable, and perfect for us. After checking into our hotel (close to the train-station, but still far enough to freeze on the way!) and putting on more clothes we ventured out.
We took a city bus tour to help us get familiar with the city, so we were ready for proper touring the following day.
The "mascot" of Munich is the Lion. Now that explains the song in Hansel and Gretel, "Lions are roaming the woods of Bavaria". It was the boys mission to find as many lions as they could! They found heaps, and we took photos of every one we found.
The hotel proved to be very comfortable and we all had a great night's sleep. The breakfast in the morning was basic, but hearty. Very continental, the only hot things were boiled eggs, coffee and hot chocolate. After that, it was cereal, cold meat, cheese, rolls and the like. Just what you need before heading out into the sleet and snow!
Alexander was given the job of getting us to the Olympic stadium so we could go up the Olympic tower. After consulting the maps, he took us back to the main railway station, onto the underground. changing trains once, and straight to the Olympic Park. With the ground covered in snow, we made our way to the tower and went up for a look over the city. There was almost no-one there - only one other family, and it was a bit grey and foggy, so we really didn't see too far (but the kids still loved it!).
We went to the BMW museum. It is currently in temporary accommodation, due to renovation, and only a small selection is on show. However the boys were really interested in all the cars and motorbikes and afterwards were continuously pointing out BMW's on the streets of Munich (which, by the way, is a lot!).
We then caught the subway back to the middle of town, where the town-hall has the world's largest glockenspiel that chimes at certain hours. We got there a bit early and looked for cafe for a late 'morning tea'. We found a large cafe opposite the Glockenspiel. It was so full we knew we would not have been served before the Glockenspiel show on the hour. Instead we went to the front of the Town hall and found a tiny cafe that served probably the best coffee that we have had in Germany. We were served fairly quickly, and we had enough time to wander back to the Glockenspiel for the show.
We had a good spot on Marionplatz - far enough back that we could see the Glockenspiel and at the right angle so the sleet didn't get us in the face... and we waited patiently for the famous Glockenspiel show. The clock struck the hour, the church bells rang, and we waited. A few minutes past the hour, the glockenspiel started up. Perhaps it was the weather, but we were underwhelmed.
We headed inside the Town hall to warm up. We climbed the tower and had a look around the city. It was a great view. It was possible to see a lot of the key city sites from a different perspective.
The Catholic Frauen Church.
Being outside, and up high in the breeze, this was also cold but certainly worth doing.
We walked through the markets, where you could buy any type of stein you wanted, then down to one of the 3 remaining city gates.
Then to the Hofbrauhaus, the famous beer hall in Munich. With long trestle tables, Oom-pah music from guys in lederhosen, and great beer. This was certainly a welcome place to visit on such a cold day.
We had a afternoon tea here - German Sausages and beer for Phil, Apfelstruedel for Nicole and ice cream for the boys (I don't think it is ever too cold for these guys to eat ice cream!).
It was warm, and had a lovely atmosphere. We finished our day with some more touring, finding a nice Italian place for dinner near the hotel, then back for a well earned sleep.
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