...my true love gave to me, three guys named Sven...
Ok, I really didn't meet three guys named Sven but everyone has been extremely helpful. Last night I forgot to mention we hopped on a train and a really nice guy and his dog (we'll say his name was Sven) told us we were on a train that had ended. Well, when we went back to look at the train board again it was pretty clear what the German words meant now "zug endet hier". Good thing he told us to get off because as it pulled away empty, at least in my mind, I had a brief vision of a night spent in a cold dark train yard somewhere - with German hobos all sipping gluhwien. :)
Guy fell asleep before me last night, but apparently he was up long before I was. Finally at 9 he told me he was starving so he got up to get ready. He scouted out the restaurant downstairs and we went down to eat about 10:30. Buffet or order off the menu.....it apparently didn't matter....it was 22 euros each. Breakfast at the Sheraton is a one and done. It was good, but I can't eat $25+ in breakfast food. At least our bellies were completely full for our big adventure to the Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) at Marienplatz aka St. Mary's Plaza.
This market (according to the Internet...so we know it is true) is the "Original" and oldest Christmas market in the city. The origins date back to the so-called "Nicholaus Markets" of the 14th century. So excited about our day we bundled up and headed down to the train. (We are still working on getting the trains down, but we got there with no issues or wrong trains. Even if we did hop a wrong train, it wouldn't be a problem to hop off and go back the other way. They run every few minutes and seems to be an incredibly efficient way to travel about the city even tho I am not a fan of subways). As we surfaced, it already smelled of gluhwein. Seems like there was someone selling gluhwein about every 5th shop and it looked like they were in competition for who had the best mug (which you can keep if you'd like...or return it for a refund of your deposit). For me today...just smelling it was all that was necessary, but it did smell quite lovely.
I separated from Guy and we used a gold monument in the middle of the Plaza as our meeting spot. I needed time to shop at my leisure and check out what I thought I might like to purchase later. Something this exciting takes time, even for the professional shopper, to soak it all in. I made it around the shops, and though the crowds were big, it was NOTHING like last night. I'm still recuperating from that one. The shops were all decorated a bit different and they were selling anything from ornaments and Christmas trinkets to homemade goodies and beverages of all kinds. (So far the only Christmas song I've heard was Bing Crosby in the nearby Starbucks). As I met back up with Guy he pointed me to a neat little glass shop that had beautiful ornaments. Can I get them home without breaking? hmm.....gonna think on it.
We chatted briefly with the Hop on Hop off bus gal and got the low-down on the city tours on the bus. We actually enjoy them as they are informative and it gives us a chance to see more things around the city than we would see on foot. Since we are only here a few days it seemed like a good option and we are planning on it tomorrow or Tuesday depending on weather. We thanked her for the info and asked her for directions to the Hofbrauhaus, the enormous beer hall that is famous for being the location of Hitler's first big speech. The Hofbrauhaus was originally built in 1587 and the public was not admitted until 1828. In the bombings of WWII, everything but the ground floor was destroyed. Although considered to be "commercialized" it is popular to both locals and tourists. They have all kinds of Bavarian dishes and during regular hours they play traditional Bavarian music. (thanks wiki) We started to eat lunch there, but just weren't quite hungry enough. We did take lots of pictures and recorded the music being played. It was beautiful inside and a really interesting experience.
We headed back to the markets and Guy found a spot to warm up while I made a few purchases. When I met up with him he was standing at the bottom of the stairs of this huge gorgeous restaurant called Ratskeller. No restaurant that starts with "rat" is probably a good idea, but in this case we opted to check it out. I can't really explain it except it reminded me of Patti's restaurant where there were all these little nooks and spaces that were all part of the same building but looked completely different. I almost got lost going to the ladies room but did find my way back. As we sat at our fabulously unique table we were given English menus that had photos. Those always look cheezy, but are really helpful. I took a picture of the menu and of my food and it was pretty much on the money. The food was traditional and delicious and it was a good opportunity for a break. There are several photos of the restaurant in the blog today. It was pretty spectacular. I went to the website to get some information on its history but the English translated site was just the menu. I'll have to check it out further as it seemed like it used to be part of a cathedral.
So feeling a bit tired from lack sleep, Guy opted for a quick nap and I thought I'd get started on the blog. It is just after 6pm and we are not sure of the plans for tonight. I'd like to go back to the market from last night, but I'm wondering if Monday night would be our best bet for fewer people as I can't do a repeat of last night. :) I must be a Christmas market sissy, but I can't do another evening of being a sardine - Germ invasion #60,000.... Have I mentioned yet the booths at the markets do not take credit cards? Oy. Hate to let go of our cash as we assumed they'd take plastic...note to self...never assume.
So stay tuned for more market blogging tonight...or it might be movie night in the room. The jury is still out. :)
Yep, we decided to brave the same market we tackled last night just outside the Theresienwiese station. Sunday night was much better!! We could actually see stuff this time. We bought some rosemary potatoes with sour cream sauce, deep fried apple slices and perused the shops. There were a few fun items we may go back for and since it is so close to our hotel we can go back anytime. Still the no credit card thing is a bummer. :) We were only there for about 1 1/2 hours but got what we went for and a good time. Again today it is a misty fog and no sun at all. Tomorrow looks to be foggy but no mist. :) We will probably do the hop on hop off bus to see the highlights tomorrow just in case there is something we want to go back to on Tuesday. Apparently there is a Christmas market at the English Garden, so I'm ready to take in another opportunity to smell gluhwein all day in GLORIOUS Munich! On a side note before I forget, for anyone wanting to visit the Christmas markets in Munich, the Sheraton we are staying at is perfectly located over a subway stop. So traveling around the city is a snap! Especially on cold wet days! Highly recommened - and the staff is really nice!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
On the second day of Christmas Markets...
...my true love gave to me - two warm gloves...
Yep it is pretty chilly here in beautiful Munich. As our plane was coming in for a landing the sun was shining and I could see mountains in the distance and what I thought was a blanket of thick snow on the ground. But with a closer look, it was just low clouds ... aka dense fog. As the plane landed, my first sighting of the ground was immediately as our plane touched the runway. Only one other time have I ever experienced landing in such a soup of fog, in London I think, but it is kinda scary once you think about it. The tower couldn't see us and we couldn't see it (or the ground). Kudos to our pilot.
We bought a ticket to ride the train from the airport to Munich. We went ahead and bought a 3 day pass so we can hop on and off the trains as we pleased. The lady at the ticket counter was very helpful. So as we got on the train we started figuring out the routes. Looked like spaghetti to me, but Guy was on it and had our final destination mapped out in a jiffy. The train ride was about 40ish minutes and we stood the entire time as the train was full, but it felt good to stretch the legs after the long flight. As we came to our final train stop, we lugged our suitcases up the stairs of the train station to see our hotel on the other side of the tracks. So down we went and back up the other side. As we came up the stairs, viola! there was our hotel. Pretty darn handy being right above the train station.
When we checked in (about 11am by this time) our room was ready and we went up to check it out. Conveniently located on the 4th floor (could do the stairs if necessary) we unloaded our things and decided to get some lunch. The really nice guy at the desk (who also happened to be quite funny) gave us directions to a nice place for lunch, "a nice stretch of the legs through the park" he said. Well that was fine for me as I had my big coat on, but Guy on the other hand wasn't quite prepared for the misty cold we were walking in. But just like he told us, up the street and through the park. It was a lovely walk and the little park was cute. I'm sure on a warm beautiful day it would be packed with kids and families and sweethearts on blankets.
So for lunch we were given menus translated into English. I chose the "meatloaf" and Guy had pork schnitzel. Both of our dishes came with potato and cucumber salad. When it arrived it looked fantastic. We were expecting the potato salad to be hot, but it was indeed cold. However, being a big fan of German potato salad, I loved it! My main entree was a bit trickier. The menus we were given were translated into English and I ordered the "Meatloaf". German meatloaf is more like a few thick slices of bologna that had been seared and had a fried egg on top. Not ham, not bologna. Either way, it was quite tasty and the apple struedel at the end topped of a delicious lunch.
The walk back to the hotel was again a bit chilly, but we felt sleep coming on and it was only about 1pm. The funny guy at the desk asked how lunch was. We were explaining everything we had (he explained the "meatloaf" as a very traditional Bavarian food and called it something in German) and after we told him we ended it with struedel he said "Well, you can get back on the plane and go back home now" LOL. - When we got back to the room, we took long hot showers, brushed our teeth, set our alarm and out we went for about 3 hours. I know you aren't supposed to do that, but it seems to work ok for us. However, when the alarm went off at 5pm it was a struggle to get up. So a phone call to home and a chat with the parents got us awake and moving.
So tonight was our first Christmas market experience. I guess we were not thinking about it being Saturday night - and I suppose it was kinda cool to see one of these markets in full swing, but my goodness, it was packed. For those with issues of being in big crowds, Saturday night at the Christmas market is NOT for you! We really just got a taste of what was happening, went in and out the some of tents, got some food (potato pancakes, kraut, and a pretzel) and gluhwein (yes it is as delicious as everyone says it is) then headed back to the room. All in all we were there just under 3 hours and I couldn't take the crowd anymore. We went into the one tent with music playing and you literally were smashed up against someone else from all sides. It was unnerving. Two words: FIRE CODE. There obviously isn't such a thing at the market. I did stand in line for a crepe for 45 mintues. It was ok for a couple of reasons... they smelled soooo good and it was nice to take a break from the crowds. So we totally understand it was a Saturday night and Guy was amazed by the crowds, but we are looking forward to checking out some of the shops during the day and experiencing it again on a Monday night. (and perhaps a few other smaller markets) I've already spied a few items I'd like to purchase, but tonight was not the night.
My photos are slow to load, so I'll add them in the morning. Even tho I'm not really tired, it is almost 12:30 pm, so I better work on getting my internal clock straightened out. Good night from Munich, will report back tomorrow.
Yep it is pretty chilly here in beautiful Munich. As our plane was coming in for a landing the sun was shining and I could see mountains in the distance and what I thought was a blanket of thick snow on the ground. But with a closer look, it was just low clouds ... aka dense fog. As the plane landed, my first sighting of the ground was immediately as our plane touched the runway. Only one other time have I ever experienced landing in such a soup of fog, in London I think, but it is kinda scary once you think about it. The tower couldn't see us and we couldn't see it (or the ground). Kudos to our pilot.
We bought a ticket to ride the train from the airport to Munich. We went ahead and bought a 3 day pass so we can hop on and off the trains as we pleased. The lady at the ticket counter was very helpful. So as we got on the train we started figuring out the routes. Looked like spaghetti to me, but Guy was on it and had our final destination mapped out in a jiffy. The train ride was about 40ish minutes and we stood the entire time as the train was full, but it felt good to stretch the legs after the long flight. As we came to our final train stop, we lugged our suitcases up the stairs of the train station to see our hotel on the other side of the tracks. So down we went and back up the other side. As we came up the stairs, viola! there was our hotel. Pretty darn handy being right above the train station.
When we checked in (about 11am by this time) our room was ready and we went up to check it out. Conveniently located on the 4th floor (could do the stairs if necessary) we unloaded our things and decided to get some lunch. The really nice guy at the desk (who also happened to be quite funny) gave us directions to a nice place for lunch, "a nice stretch of the legs through the park" he said. Well that was fine for me as I had my big coat on, but Guy on the other hand wasn't quite prepared for the misty cold we were walking in. But just like he told us, up the street and through the park. It was a lovely walk and the little park was cute. I'm sure on a warm beautiful day it would be packed with kids and families and sweethearts on blankets.
So for lunch we were given menus translated into English. I chose the "meatloaf" and Guy had pork schnitzel. Both of our dishes came with potato and cucumber salad. When it arrived it looked fantastic. We were expecting the potato salad to be hot, but it was indeed cold. However, being a big fan of German potato salad, I loved it! My main entree was a bit trickier. The menus we were given were translated into English and I ordered the "Meatloaf". German meatloaf is more like a few thick slices of bologna that had been seared and had a fried egg on top. Not ham, not bologna. Either way, it was quite tasty and the apple struedel at the end topped of a delicious lunch.
The walk back to the hotel was again a bit chilly, but we felt sleep coming on and it was only about 1pm. The funny guy at the desk asked how lunch was. We were explaining everything we had (he explained the "meatloaf" as a very traditional Bavarian food and called it something in German) and after we told him we ended it with struedel he said "Well, you can get back on the plane and go back home now" LOL. - When we got back to the room, we took long hot showers, brushed our teeth, set our alarm and out we went for about 3 hours. I know you aren't supposed to do that, but it seems to work ok for us. However, when the alarm went off at 5pm it was a struggle to get up. So a phone call to home and a chat with the parents got us awake and moving.
So tonight was our first Christmas market experience. I guess we were not thinking about it being Saturday night - and I suppose it was kinda cool to see one of these markets in full swing, but my goodness, it was packed. For those with issues of being in big crowds, Saturday night at the Christmas market is NOT for you! We really just got a taste of what was happening, went in and out the some of tents, got some food (potato pancakes, kraut, and a pretzel) and gluhwein (yes it is as delicious as everyone says it is) then headed back to the room. All in all we were there just under 3 hours and I couldn't take the crowd anymore. We went into the one tent with music playing and you literally were smashed up against someone else from all sides. It was unnerving. Two words: FIRE CODE. There obviously isn't such a thing at the market. I did stand in line for a crepe for 45 mintues. It was ok for a couple of reasons... they smelled soooo good and it was nice to take a break from the crowds. So we totally understand it was a Saturday night and Guy was amazed by the crowds, but we are looking forward to checking out some of the shops during the day and experiencing it again on a Monday night. (and perhaps a few other smaller markets) I've already spied a few items I'd like to purchase, but tonight was not the night.
My photos are slow to load, so I'll add them in the morning. Even tho I'm not really tired, it is almost 12:30 pm, so I better work on getting my internal clock straightened out. Good night from Munich, will report back tomorrow.
Friday, November 28, 2014
On the first day of Christmas Markets...
...my true love gave to me - a ticket to Munich Germany. I hope you sang this as you read it. It will count down the same way every day. Cheezy? Yep!
We drove to STL to park at Rosalie's house (she is cheaper than the Parking Spot). Since Rosalie's house was locked and we had no key, I had to visit the ladies room at the Walgreens by her house. Seemed like a good idea until the restrooms were located next to the little urgent care clinic. Germ invasion #1. So as we arrived at her house the cabbie was waiting for us in her driveway. He said he had been there on 40 seconds - the meter must have been running for him to be so precise! But as we loaded into the car he said "This place reminds me of my ex girlfriend". Hmmm...I looked at Guy with a look of I hope he isn't looking for revenge but I'm not sure he picked up on my expression. So as we headed for the airport, our driver was quite talkative and told us of all the local "Celebrities" he had given rides in his cab to. Mostly sports figures, so he and Guy talked baseball and other sports talk. When we arrived at the airport I went ahead and walked on in as he and Guy we still chatting it up. Luckily he was laughing as he came in and wasn't mad I abandoned him with chatty cathy.
Check in was nice and the lady behind the United counter came around to help us as the kiosk and basically said "you don't need to answer all this stuff" and buzzed us to the end. I'm pretty sure it was the part where we were supposed to say we didn't have explosives, knives, guns, we packed our own bags and haven't accepted any packages from strangers. We must not look too suspicious today. As we went down to the gate we got to go through the express lane because we recently applied for Global Entry. We didn't have to take our shoes of, take our electronics out or our liquids. Ok...well kinda. I did have to take my boots off because my fancy buckles did set the alarm off. Note to self - fashion gets me stopped. So we went to our gate and made a few calls to the big guys, Verizon and Chase so they knew we'd be out of the country and not send us warnings or heaven forbid put a block on our credit cards!
So we boarded the plane, one of those tiny little suckers, and that is when sneezie suzie began her series of uncovered sneezes. Germ invasion #2. I held my breath for what I thought was the appropriate amount of time, but as the 3rd and 4th sneeze flew past me, I figured either I needed to let it go and just take my chances or hold my breath til I passed out. I chose option 1. Note to those reading this blog COVER YOUR MOUTHS WHEN YOU SNEEZE AND COUGH. But it could have been worse, one of the little germ factories that were everywhere on the plane could have been yaking. So I considered it a win.
As we got to Chicago we thought we'd hunt up a big deep thick cheezy Chicago style pizza as our last big meal for hours and hours. Pizza Uno is in several locations, but only little kiosks, so we were told of the closest sit down restaurant that had pizza was called Tuscany. They are bound to have Chicago style pizza, right? As they brought out our cracker with cheese on it we chuckled and sighed and ate. Oh well, we will get plenty of food in the next 12 days. Plus we knew the United club would have cookies and other kinds of snacks. Guy is filling up on some cheese and crackers as I type. Almost forgot to mention this, but the couple sitting behind us at the restaurant were visiting with the waiter and they were telling him they were getting ready to fly to Germany to see the Christmas markets. :) I think they'll probably be on our flight.
To my dismay, a friend of mine, who is a medical professional, said new findings are showing a possible link of Alzheimers from the use of Xanax. Hm... so ya'll come by and visit me in the home, even though I won't know who you are. I just don't think I can pull off the long flight without it! Oh yes, the long flight. 9+ hours of sneezing, coughing and who knows what other kinds of airborne contagions. Germ invasion #3-10. :) Excuse me for a second while I chew on a few of my a
Airbornes.
Well I'm going to sign off for now. I need to go back to my Tuscany blog and re-read the instructions on how to correctly power up my iphone to connect to European phone companies. Looks like we should be boarding in about 30mintues. For those of you who are aware of my redneck airplane pillow, the answer is yes, I did bring my beach balls. I'll snap a selfie before the Xanax overcomes me. ;) And as always...prayers have started for safe travels, but feel free to join in at any time over the next two weeks! We are truly blessed and look forward to this excellent adventure.
We drove to STL to park at Rosalie's house (she is cheaper than the Parking Spot). Since Rosalie's house was locked and we had no key, I had to visit the ladies room at the Walgreens by her house. Seemed like a good idea until the restrooms were located next to the little urgent care clinic. Germ invasion #1. So as we arrived at her house the cabbie was waiting for us in her driveway. He said he had been there on 40 seconds - the meter must have been running for him to be so precise! But as we loaded into the car he said "This place reminds me of my ex girlfriend". Hmmm...I looked at Guy with a look of I hope he isn't looking for revenge but I'm not sure he picked up on my expression. So as we headed for the airport, our driver was quite talkative and told us of all the local "Celebrities" he had given rides in his cab to. Mostly sports figures, so he and Guy talked baseball and other sports talk. When we arrived at the airport I went ahead and walked on in as he and Guy we still chatting it up. Luckily he was laughing as he came in and wasn't mad I abandoned him with chatty cathy.
Check in was nice and the lady behind the United counter came around to help us as the kiosk and basically said "you don't need to answer all this stuff" and buzzed us to the end. I'm pretty sure it was the part where we were supposed to say we didn't have explosives, knives, guns, we packed our own bags and haven't accepted any packages from strangers. We must not look too suspicious today. As we went down to the gate we got to go through the express lane because we recently applied for Global Entry. We didn't have to take our shoes of, take our electronics out or our liquids. Ok...well kinda. I did have to take my boots off because my fancy buckles did set the alarm off. Note to self - fashion gets me stopped. So we went to our gate and made a few calls to the big guys, Verizon and Chase so they knew we'd be out of the country and not send us warnings or heaven forbid put a block on our credit cards!
So we boarded the plane, one of those tiny little suckers, and that is when sneezie suzie began her series of uncovered sneezes. Germ invasion #2. I held my breath for what I thought was the appropriate amount of time, but as the 3rd and 4th sneeze flew past me, I figured either I needed to let it go and just take my chances or hold my breath til I passed out. I chose option 1. Note to those reading this blog COVER YOUR MOUTHS WHEN YOU SNEEZE AND COUGH. But it could have been worse, one of the little germ factories that were everywhere on the plane could have been yaking. So I considered it a win.
As we got to Chicago we thought we'd hunt up a big deep thick cheezy Chicago style pizza as our last big meal for hours and hours. Pizza Uno is in several locations, but only little kiosks, so we were told of the closest sit down restaurant that had pizza was called Tuscany. They are bound to have Chicago style pizza, right? As they brought out our cracker with cheese on it we chuckled and sighed and ate. Oh well, we will get plenty of food in the next 12 days. Plus we knew the United club would have cookies and other kinds of snacks. Guy is filling up on some cheese and crackers as I type. Almost forgot to mention this, but the couple sitting behind us at the restaurant were visiting with the waiter and they were telling him they were getting ready to fly to Germany to see the Christmas markets. :) I think they'll probably be on our flight.
To my dismay, a friend of mine, who is a medical professional, said new findings are showing a possible link of Alzheimers from the use of Xanax. Hm... so ya'll come by and visit me in the home, even though I won't know who you are. I just don't think I can pull off the long flight without it! Oh yes, the long flight. 9+ hours of sneezing, coughing and who knows what other kinds of airborne contagions. Germ invasion #3-10. :) Excuse me for a second while I chew on a few of my a
Airbornes.
Well I'm going to sign off for now. I need to go back to my Tuscany blog and re-read the instructions on how to correctly power up my iphone to connect to European phone companies. Looks like we should be boarding in about 30mintues. For those of you who are aware of my redneck airplane pillow, the answer is yes, I did bring my beach balls. I'll snap a selfie before the Xanax overcomes me. ;) And as always...prayers have started for safe travels, but feel free to join in at any time over the next two weeks! We are truly blessed and look forward to this excellent adventure.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Twas Two Weeks Before The Trip
So we are about two weeks out before the trip. Last night I made my first snow angel of the night, at our ACUI conference, to get my body ready for chilly sight-seeing. I think I'm going to re-think my packing. Fashion, of course, is important...but I don't want to be too cold. So after a quick 10 day forecast check closer to the day, I'll fine tune my wardrobe.
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