Home of the Monks

München, literally translated (“Home of the Monks”) is the capitol city of the German state of Bavaria in Southern Germany.  We spent several days exploring this beautiful city.

Beer at breakfast? Yes, a malty wheat beer served at breakfast, and before you think scandalous, think about mimosas at brunch. Serving beer at breakfast alongside white sausage (A mixture of finely minced veal and back bacon with parsley, onions, and mace) and fresh crusty bread or pretzels is a Bavarian tradition.

Frühlingsfest is Munich’s other beer festival held in the late spring. A three-week festival which is the lead up to the main event “Oktoberfest” with the same features German beer, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere.

This was our first time experiencing anything like this- A live band, a oom-pah style sing alongs, and a killer version of Sweet Caroline sung by two thousand beer drinking Germans, a majority swinging beers in their traditional Bavarian lederhosen and traditional dresses call dirndl. Who says music does not bring the world together?

A nature lovers dream was a day trip to Wallberg mountain in Southern Bavaria, part of the Bavarian alps. A peak at 5,650 feet, and wide forest pathways makes it ideal to hike in the summer, and it is a popular area for skiing in the winter. Although, we enjoyed a couple of hours walking the beautiful pathways, we opted for the tram bucket to the summit. We would be kidding ourselves, if I wrote we weren’t feeling skittish about ascending the Wallberg mountain in a bucket tram. We did!  We could see the peak of a nearby mountain through the clouds as  our cable car continued its climb.

On our return to Munich we stopped by the most beautiful alpine dairy farm for a late lunch. Fresh milk, fresh grassy cheese, brown bread and the most fantastic coffee.

Our bodies were filled with crisp, fresh clean mountain air. Our bellies were full of fresh cheeses, breads, jams, and meats. I would visit this place everyday for breakfast or lunch, who am I kidding I would come for only coffee and pastry too.

We spent a month in Europe there is a lot to share! Next stop, the Hague.