A fistful of euro
As soon as we left the airport, a cool breeze hit us. Apparently Germany has had a cold season, so since we've been here, it hasn't gone above sixty degrees- which makes me think that it's late fall and i really should be getting back to school... Anyhow, we're lucky as we've arrived just after two weeks of straight rain here in Munich. Steph and I bring sunshine wherever we go.
It's the little things that are making this trip memorable, and at that, reminding me that this isn't just a dream. When I fish in my pockets, I find a handful of Euro coins. When i sit on the train, i hear german children babbling away behind me. There's multiple bakeries around every corner, and i cannot for the life of me find regular water- carbonated mineral water is the norm, and though i know how to order normal water in czech, my german is lacking, so i suffer in silence.Steph is teaching me important phrases such as "i don't speak German," "Where is the bathroom," "You're welcome," "thank you," and so on. Whenever someone starts talking to me, i tug on steph's sleeve in the hope that she can translate as i politely nod and smile. I'm kind of surprised how much i can pick up from most people though. Their facial expressions, hand gestures, and tone of voice usually tell me what's going on- so I get the gist of it, but i miss the finer points and details. and even though they know i don't speak german, they continue talking to me in the hopes that i will miraculously understand, and i keep speaking english in the hopes that they'll somehow comprehend. It's a gamble, but you just never know.
For the most part, everyone speaks very good english, and i was talking to my hosts about it as we walked to a jazz club nearby. "I just feel so guilty that not everyone has the privelege that i do- to be able to walk around and be understood in my native language without having to be fluent in their's." She smiled and patted me on the shoulder. "It's alright- you can feel a little guilty."
Konrad and Juliane are extremely nice, to the point where i think we're becoming spoiled. They feed us delicious meals, take us out exploring, and continually go out of their way to make sure that we have a great experience. Yesterday, Konrad took us to Englischer Garten, a beautiful park that's used for everything from walking your dog to nude sunbathing. It's gorgeous, and in this kind of weather, was a very enjoyable walk. Then he took us through Marienplatz, a cute shopping center, through Hoffbrau house, and to two castles within the city. He took us to the correct tram stop and we parted there so he could go to his dentist's appointment, and steph and i went on to Nymphenburg, a vast castle about 20 minutes away from Marienplatz. Behind it was a lovely garden full of greek statues and swans where steph and i mused to ourselves rather or not the ducks understood english. After walking around and exploring some local shops, we returned to the apartment for a spicy pasta dish, and then the four of us went to the jazz club i mentioned earlier. I had a delicious kellerbier and realized that if i want to keep my wits about me- at least for now while i get used to german beer- half a liter is plenty.
Today steph and i took a train out to the Alps, which are absolutely breathtaking. the town in the area, which surrounds a calm lake that's perfect for sailing, is very cute- just the kind of houses you would picture when you imagine Germany. However, steph quickly found out that they weren't gingerbread after gnawing on a few.
There were little hiking trails, and after a quick lunch at a cafe on the lake, we hiked for awhile and took pictures of the gorgeous view. i know that i'm using such words as "gorgeous" and "beautiful" way too often, but i'm running out of synonyms, and frankly, words cannot express all the beautiful things that Munich has to offer. and don't worry- I'm scouting out postcards for all of you, and if i don't have your address and you would like a postcard from lovely Germany, just email me with your information, as i didn't get everyone's before i left.
anyhow, the jet lag hasn't affected either of us, oddly enough. i think it's because we lost some time on the airplane, and went to bed when it was night here in Germany, though on the first day we arrived i almost fell asleep on my feet as we walked through the modern art gallery. then again, i could've just been bored with such things as strings on the wall and empty cabinets hanging on display. but, they also had some very interesting pieces, so i'll blame it on a small case of jet lag as well as the strain of carrying my pack around town.
So I've rambled on about my first couple days long enough. Next stop is Tübingen, and possibly Rothenburg- both recommendations from our wonderful hosts.
It's the little things that are making this trip memorable, and at that, reminding me that this isn't just a dream. When I fish in my pockets, I find a handful of Euro coins. When i sit on the train, i hear german children babbling away behind me. There's multiple bakeries around every corner, and i cannot for the life of me find regular water- carbonated mineral water is the norm, and though i know how to order normal water in czech, my german is lacking, so i suffer in silence.Steph is teaching me important phrases such as "i don't speak German," "Where is the bathroom," "You're welcome," "thank you," and so on. Whenever someone starts talking to me, i tug on steph's sleeve in the hope that she can translate as i politely nod and smile. I'm kind of surprised how much i can pick up from most people though. Their facial expressions, hand gestures, and tone of voice usually tell me what's going on- so I get the gist of it, but i miss the finer points and details. and even though they know i don't speak german, they continue talking to me in the hopes that i will miraculously understand, and i keep speaking english in the hopes that they'll somehow comprehend. It's a gamble, but you just never know.
For the most part, everyone speaks very good english, and i was talking to my hosts about it as we walked to a jazz club nearby. "I just feel so guilty that not everyone has the privelege that i do- to be able to walk around and be understood in my native language without having to be fluent in their's." She smiled and patted me on the shoulder. "It's alright- you can feel a little guilty."
Konrad and Juliane are extremely nice, to the point where i think we're becoming spoiled. They feed us delicious meals, take us out exploring, and continually go out of their way to make sure that we have a great experience. Yesterday, Konrad took us to Englischer Garten, a beautiful park that's used for everything from walking your dog to nude sunbathing. It's gorgeous, and in this kind of weather, was a very enjoyable walk. Then he took us through Marienplatz, a cute shopping center, through Hoffbrau house, and to two castles within the city. He took us to the correct tram stop and we parted there so he could go to his dentist's appointment, and steph and i went on to Nymphenburg, a vast castle about 20 minutes away from Marienplatz. Behind it was a lovely garden full of greek statues and swans where steph and i mused to ourselves rather or not the ducks understood english. After walking around and exploring some local shops, we returned to the apartment for a spicy pasta dish, and then the four of us went to the jazz club i mentioned earlier. I had a delicious kellerbier and realized that if i want to keep my wits about me- at least for now while i get used to german beer- half a liter is plenty.
Today steph and i took a train out to the Alps, which are absolutely breathtaking. the town in the area, which surrounds a calm lake that's perfect for sailing, is very cute- just the kind of houses you would picture when you imagine Germany. However, steph quickly found out that they weren't gingerbread after gnawing on a few.
There were little hiking trails, and after a quick lunch at a cafe on the lake, we hiked for awhile and took pictures of the gorgeous view. i know that i'm using such words as "gorgeous" and "beautiful" way too often, but i'm running out of synonyms, and frankly, words cannot express all the beautiful things that Munich has to offer. and don't worry- I'm scouting out postcards for all of you, and if i don't have your address and you would like a postcard from lovely Germany, just email me with your information, as i didn't get everyone's before i left.
anyhow, the jet lag hasn't affected either of us, oddly enough. i think it's because we lost some time on the airplane, and went to bed when it was night here in Germany, though on the first day we arrived i almost fell asleep on my feet as we walked through the modern art gallery. then again, i could've just been bored with such things as strings on the wall and empty cabinets hanging on display. but, they also had some very interesting pieces, so i'll blame it on a small case of jet lag as well as the strain of carrying my pack around town.
So I've rambled on about my first couple days long enough. Next stop is Tübingen, and possibly Rothenburg- both recommendations from our wonderful hosts.
posted by Liz at 2:44 AM
2 Comments:
Beautiful scenery, beer, wonderful hosts, more beer, lots of walking, late nights in jazz bars, great food, more beer and some wine. Stephanie, come home now. love Dad
Sounds like you are having a great time. It is 100 degrees here. So enjoy the weather while you can. Please look for gifts along the way and mail them home. Love Mom
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