Munich

We finally got to Munich this weekend. We had intended on going last week for a couple of days but the weather kept us home. So we just went for the day to see the city center it didn't help that we forgot our little guidebook of all the things we were supposed to see, so we ended up just roaming around.
This is our car in a parking garage. Notice how VERY little space there is between cars. Macen and I had to get out before James parked the car because there wasn't enough room. Germans have very small cars so these small spaces are everywhere but I have to say every single car I saw pull in had a hard time parking and numerous people let their passengers out before parking, it wasn't just us. James uses this to remind me that it was a good idea to get rid of the truck and get the Edge.

This is the Siegestor, a monument originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian Army during the Napoleonic Wars. It was partially restored after being damaged in World War II with an inscription that reads "Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war and a reminder to us all". Read more about it here.

This the National Theater in Munich. It is the home of the Bavarian State Opera and the Bavarian State Ballet. As much as James isn't a fan of those things I'm sure I'll expose him to a little culture there before we leave.

The building straight ahead is the famous Hofbrauhaus. James hoping to have a beer here but it was very crowded so we couldn't find a seat. There was Oompha band playing polka music, bar maids in traditional dress, and Munichers with those funny little alpine hats with the feathers in them.

There was a mime outside of the Hard Rock and Macen took an interest in him. And then he kindly took a pic of us.

We'll call the street above - Major Retail Therapy Dr. It is home to all the high end shopping stores like Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, etc. If you can name it, it was probably there.

Here are some more beautiful buildings in the city center. I'm not sure what the top one was but the bottom one is the New Town Hall or Neues Rathaus. There are certain times during the day when the glockenspiel or carillion on the facade springs to life and puts on a show. We didn't see it but we'll look for it next time.

We roamed up and down some of the streets and found this outdoor market. There were a lot fruit and vegetables stands along with a few wine and cheese ones. On the opposite side of the street there was a row of fresh meat stores meaning lots of raw sausage.

We had a good time and got a feel for the city. There is so much to do there though so we can't wait to get back and take in some museums, landmarks and even take Macen to the zoo and circus.

Oh and we refrained from endulging in the bakery goods. We actually didn't see as many as we normally do. But since we have mentioned the restroom you had to pay to use, I'll mention a rotating toilet. A plastic piece came out from the back of the toilet started squirting liquid into the base as the toilet seat rotated around atleast a full circle. And it could have been my imagination but the seat appeared to take on a distorted look as it rotated. which is why it could have rotated for more than a complete circle. I'm sure it was just the shape of it but it really messed with my vision. Emilie or Shannon, you might need to explain this one to me. Ha ha!

James got his picture taken in the countryside courtesy of the German police. He will be receiving a speeding ticket in the mail very soon. They told us in the driving class that you'll definitely know when they take your picture and they weren't kidding.