München

On the first Friday in July, we took the train to Munich to spend the weekend with friends. We'd planned this trip several times and were thrilled when it finally happened. The train ride took about 3 hrs and unfortunately the air conditioning was broken in our car, so we were thoroughly sweaty when we arrived. Not the best first impression. My gopdparents picked us up and we spent a wonderful first afternoon and evening together catching up and tasting some delicious Bavarian beer.

On Saturday morning, after breakfast, my friend Rita picked us up and we spent a fantastic day together. Our first stop was the so-called Tollwood Festival. On the grounds of the Olympiapark there were booths selling handcrafts and snacks. There were many stages with live music, and a large variety of kids activities. Alex enjoyed his time on the trampoline.

We also had a terrific time in the kid's tent. Alex participated in a kids cooking class where a teacher made fruit salad with the kids. It was just darling to watch him take his tasks so seriously.

After they finished 'cooking', the kids enjoyed the fruits of the labors.

Our next stop was the recently-opened BMW-World. Though I was skeptical at first, we ended up having a blast. The huge building (the ceiling is supposedly big enough to span St. Peter's square!) displays BMW cars and motorcycles as well as other luxury brands. Just as we arrived, a motorcycle stunt driver performed for the astonished crowds as he drove his huge bike up and down a steep set of stairs.

Alex and Rita are duly impressed!

We spent some time exploring a variety of motorcycles and had a blast pretending to ride the open road. Here are Rita and Alex,

Alex and Mama,

Alex and Rita's partner Carmen.

The cars were also fun and Alex loved sitting at the steering wheel,

but needed help when "riding" the simulator.

We spent the balance of the day at a beer garden with integrated playground. Perfect!

Sunday was already our last day. We started with a lavish breakfast and Alex wanted to make sure to leave one of his drawings with our gracious hosts.

Before heading back to the train station, we went on a long walk through downtown Munich. Our first stop was the iconic Marienplatz

with the neo-Gothic town hall

and famous Glockenspiel.

We learned that the name München derives from the monks (or Mönche) who used to offer shelter in this location and who are represented on this metal decoration.

Here Alex is considering various souvenirs. Sadly, the shop was closed.

But he he did find an open ice-cream parlor.

We walked on to the Opera Square

where the Opera house was decorated for an Opera festival

and the Feldherrenhalle where a full size orchestra was rehearsing Dvorak's Symphony from the New World for an open-air concert that evening. Awesome.

The Theatinerkirche was our final stop and Alex insisted on lighting a candle.

From there we headed to the train station. On the ICE on the way back to Heidelberg, we were happy to find out that there they were piloting a kids zone on the train. They had games, crafts, and even face painting! Alex chose a pirate face.

All in all a great weekend!