Day 3: Munich

München, the capital of Bavaria. We were lucky that our hostel is located near the city centre. Walking around the city sufficed since most attractions are centered close to one another.



First stop Karlsplatz. This is where the entrance to the Old Town begins. The 14th century Karl's Gate guarded the gateway to the city centre. Actually there are a few gates located around but this is one of the few gates which offered access into the city during the medieval times.



Neuhauser Strasse, along with Kaufinger Strasse, make up the shopping belt. This is a really good concept as cars have restricted entry. Comprising of an entire stretch of pedestrian mall, it makes the whole place looks and feels very spacious. This idea is echoed throughout numerous cities around Europe. Have you noticed how narrow the pavements along Orchard Road can be? Especially during weekends and the festive seasons, the pavements are literally choked with scores of people. Somehow I applauded the idea if Orchard Road is closed to traffic since it's huge enough to handle the mass human traffic flow.



Frauenkirche, built in 1488 (or completed construction in 1488), is a prominent landmark with its twin onion-shaped towers. No buildings in Munich is allowed to tower above the 99m high structure.



Located in Marienplatz, the New Town Hall (1909), with its neo-gothic farcade, is where the heart of the city beats. There is a consistent large congregation of people where tourists dine in the al fresco cafes that line the square. At 11am and 12noon (as well as 5pm during the summer), the figures will move around in the bell tower of the New Town Hall. Hence, the square is especially crowded during that time when hordes of people, mainly tourists, gathered to catch a glimpse. Frankly speaking, considering the constant craning of our necks, the whole affair was an anti-climax.




Located near the New Town Hall is the Old Town. To me, the New Town Hall looked much more older than its newer cousin. Initially I was confused but that's what the brochures stated so.



While Singaporeans forge for mua ji and tutu in the pasar malam, the locals go to Viktualienmarkt for their foodstuffs. Some shops sell exotic stuff which I've never seen before. As much as an ang gu kua looked alien to an ang moh, some of the food appeared unusual to me. Other shops sell the usual stuff that you'll find in a flea market such as flowers.



At Odeonsplatz, Feldherrnhalle (1844), with its 3 arches, looked uncompleted to me. The neighbouring church, the serene baroque Theatinerkirche (1675) in Italian style, is perhaps more impressive.



Tucked away in Hofgarten is the State Museum of Egyptian Art. Hofgarten's tranquility is an ideal spot for people to get away from the bustling city life.



Hopping over to the English Gardens, we stopped over for a late lunch. This place is hardly frequented by tourists but a magnet for the locals. At the Chinese Tower (which looks more Japanese than Chinese), typical German meals are served with its famous German sausages.



The Hofbr�uhaus, the supposedly most famous pub in the world, made me flabbergasted as I've not seen and heard of the place before. You'll be the judge.



Say, feeling hungry? This dish must be very salty huh?