Off to Munich, Germany.....Business Class Baby!
May 9th, 2024
Seattle - Vancouver, Canada-Gatwick, England -Heathrow,
England-Nice, France - Munich Germany
Our 30 hour day of travel started with time in the car up
to Vancouver for the start of a Bucket List item, flying Business Class!
Checked in British Airlines and made use of the lounge. Nice to have a place to
relax and definitely a step up already. Boarded and got setup in our cozy
little pod. Definitely some luxury vibes. Andy said he is fine in coach,
but I'm totally sold on the new digs. After our champaign, a cocktail and
a three course meal, including lobster salad, we stretched out and took full advantage
of the space. Andy got a few nice stretches of sleep in and I just couldn't
fall asleep but loved being stretched out and watching movies. Time definitely
went by faster and landed in Gatwick airport. Quickly headed to Heathrow by
taxi which is around $130 pounds and an hour away. We had a two hour layover to
make our next flight. Made it no problem and even had time to pop into the
lounge and grab a bite.
Two hours to Nice, France and a four hour layover.
There is a Sheraton we can see across the way from the airport with what looks
like a rooftop bar so off we went. The airport is right on the water so we were
able to enjoy water views as well and a nice glass of wine. There is also
a rooftop pool which gave off the vibe that you could buy a pass and use the
pool. Most tables had a bowl of potato chips. I wonder if this is a thing
here??
Back to the airport which for the future we noticed had a
nice outdoor area with restaurants that would be nice. Off for a 90 minute
flight to Munich. Andy was quickly asleep. I think I slept 20
minutes. Over 24 hours with no sleep and feeling it.
Pfronten, Germany
May 11, 2024
Landed around 8:00 at night on the 11th. Andy grabbed our
rental car and I ordered us a bite and we sat in an outdoor beer garden since
we still had more travel time ahead of us. Fun to take a minute to soak it all
in and then suddenly hit by cigarette smoke.
The table next to us were smoking and I realized "no smoking"
in restaurants is not a thing here. Fun
to get some schnitzel in and then hit the road.
We are off to Pfronten where Andy's family lives. It was
dark and fast on the roads. I could barely keep my eyes open and so grateful
Andy got us here safely after a two hour drive. It is such a cute Bavarian
village and the base of the Alps. Stumbled in around 10:30 where we had a warm
welcome and wine started flowing. Barely keeping my eyes open after being up
for 35 hours we crashed hard!
The Bavarian Alps and a Family Reunion!
May 12, 2024
Up and ready to take in the day. A quick connect with Dorothea and Helmut and
we had a plan for the day. Andy and I explored the area. So many bike trails
and hiking paths with beautiful surroundings. We lucked out and had perfect
weather. We went up to the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang castle, Neunschweinstein.
Strolled through Fussen. Such a cute town that looks like a movie set. Love how you can get a great, basic sandwich with the perfect bread, a little meat and some cheese that tastes amazing for $5. Sit at the outdoor table and take it all in!
Explored the area and stopped at Hopfensee which is a
beautiful lake and found our way to the perfect spot with a restaurant right on
the edge. Shared an order of
Schweinshaxe which is a pork knuckle with a crispy pork skin and super moist
meat inside that falls of the bone. So
good! 
Back to meet up with Dorothea and Helmut and off to their
barn where there will be a family gathering. It is right at the base of the
Alps, over 100 years old and the nuns used to tend to the cows there. Around 15 family members came to meet
Andy....the cousin from America. Some
Andy already knew from his time here as a kid and some new relatives. So
special to watch him connect with them. I didn't understand much of the conversations
but loved seeing all the smiles and laughter. There was family as old as 85 who
rode their bikes here....amazing to me! We felt very welcomed and appreciated
everyone taking time out of their weekend to all be together. After rhubarb pie, meat pie and lots of wine
we headed home.
Finished out the evening with the four of us having super
and drinking more wine!
Pfronten, Germany
May 13, 2024
Andy was up early and off hiking with Dorothea. He came in with a big smile on his face and
great bakery treats for breakfast. He
looked very relaxed and settled in. Seems like between the hiking, the bakery
and all this wonderful time with family has brought him back to his early
summer visits here. So happy for him.
Their glass house looks out to the surrounding Alps. It's
like Leavenworth on another scale and completely authentic. We sat outside and enjoyed what felt like a
very German breakfast and good conversation.
Dorothea presented us with a very special gift. A book that has pictures of the family and
the family tree. So amazing to hear stories and now see pictures. I guess this
is a living document that they continue to update and publish so we will be
sending pictures for them to include.
Andy is headed up
to Munich today for business and I will stay back for another night with the
family. Dorothea took me up a gondola and then a chairlift to the top of a
mountain where the views were breathtaking! So much beauty and peacefulness.
The spring wildflowers were blooming and the sun shining.
Off to a restaurant and hotel, Burg Falkenstein, that is at the top of a mountain with a crazy road to get there! At certain times cars can go up and other times they can go down. The owners are friends of Dorothea and greeted us warmly and with a VERY firm hand shake. I said to myself, "don't cry" lol! We enjoyed an Aperol Spritz and more amazing views. Would totally recommend coming here.
Back home and off to a birthday party at the neighbors
for her 81st! More of me not
understanding what everyone was saying but appreciating them trying to make me
feel welcome and being around more laughter! Of course, more wine was served!
Headed to Munich!
May 13, 2024
Up at 6:00 in the morning. A little later but still too
early. Helmut gave me the option of luxury or a sporty drive to the train
station. The convertible Porche it was! We listened to a little Iron Maiden for
him and a little Billy Idol for me. An
easy two-hour ride direct to Munich. The countryside is beautiful with cute
cows and lots of green pastures. A quick 5 minute walk to the hotel, Le Meridan
just across the street from the station. While still in the station there are a
couple stalls selling sandwiches. OMG they have the best sandwiches and they
are only 5 euros. I took a picture and sent it to Dorothea asking her what this
magical bread is called that is a cross between a pretzel and a croissant. It
is Laugencroissant! After a quick google I learned it is dipped in lye and
takes 4 days to make. There is a better chance of me visiting Germany then work
that hard on some bread, but it is sooooo TASTY!
Thoughts on Le Meridan...great location rooms are way too
hot! Hotel said the air is as cool as it gets.
Put my stuff down and was off to find a quick bite. There is a little sandwich shop 10 minute
walk and off I went. Three minutes into
it I noticed I was the only women on the streets. I kept walking and men were giving me a not
so friendly look and still all men.
Finally I saw a women or two but it was such a weird feeling. Then after seeing the stores, cafes and
smells of the food I learned I had landed in the Turkish area. Who knew that
was a thing here!?!
Back to the room and met up with Andy. Andy's boss invited me to join the four of
them for dinner. We went to Guido Al Duomo and had an el fresco dinner. It was
perfect outside, and the setting was next to the church where you could hear
the bells. We had a fabulous dinner with
wonderful gin & tonics and four bottles of wine with just 5 of us. The
first bottle of wine was from Washington and quite good! Dinner started at 7:30
but still at it at 11:00 the waiter asked that we lower our voices because the
apartments around us need it quiet. Me in all my questions all the time asked
how he could serve us four bottles of wine and then ask us to be quiet. LOL! After a few reminders (which quickly
earned him the nickname of Dad) he got us to move along. A super fun evening
and everyone made me feel welcome.
Munich, Germany
May 14, 2024
Andy off to work in the morning and I headed out to
explore. First stop was Viktualienmarkt. A fantastic outdoor market with fresh
food that all looked amazing. Grabbed a brat in the beer garden and sat under
the trees to enjoy it. Found a fun stall
with lots of spices and bought some for home. There was a section that had at
least five different barrels full of different pickles!
A couple minutes walk from there is Marianplatz. At
11:00, 12:00 and 5:00 the bells ring and the tower puts on a show of wooden
figurines on a sort of carousel acting out a performance. Incredibly unique and
fun to see.
Bounced over to Andy's Krablegarten for schnitzel. Not my
Andy BW. Tip....they only take cash and there are no banks around so plan
ahead. They have a cute, but also large outdoor area in back with a beautiful
tree to sit under. I ordered the
schnitzel for only 19 euros and it was as big as my head...no joke! Was only
able to eat half!
Walked the 20 minute walk to the hotel to have a bit of a
break but on the way I found this chocolate shop that had slab after slab of
chocolate! So yummy!
After a nice rest at the hotel I headed out for a doner
since I was right next to the Turkish neighborhood. Andy has been to Altin
Dilim before and suggested it. It was so
flavorful and fresh!
Watch the Surf and Drink the Beer!
May 15, 2024
Andy out to work and I headed to Eisbachwelle in the
English Garden to watch the surfers. This is where they surf on a wave in the
river, surfers jump in off the bank, surf for a bit and then are replaced by
another. Unlike ocean surfing the spectators get a front row seat. I took a
chance going by train and hoping not to get lost and found my way! Another woman who was out viewing the sites
while her husband was working was a big help. The surfers were so fun to watch
and I am glad to have made the effort to see them. Back onto public transport,
this time a bus and I managed my way to the Spatenhaus at the Opera for white
asparagus soup. Andy's group recommended this place and it was perfect! Sat at
an outdoor table and had the most delicious white asparagus soup - it just
happens to be in season. Then noticed I was right next to the Residenzmuseum so
why not. Grabbed a ticket for 10 euros which included a guide box that shares
lots of info about the different rooms. Tip: theater doesn't open until 2:00.
Would have liked to see it, but didn't want to wait.
A 12 minute walk to the Hofbrauhaus where it is
everything you think it is going to be. As you enter you see the long tables
filled with tipsy people and the oompah band keeping things lively. Everyone
seems to be having the best time drinking enormous steins of beer and checking
this off their Munich to do list. So much beer being delivered by the wait
staff in traditional dress it seemed like they were showing off on how many of
the huge mugs they could carry at once. Snapped a picture of the pretzel women
walking around selling them.
Another stop at Viktualienmarkt for some lunch nibbles.
After finding cheese, salami, olives and that amazing potato salad I set in the
beer garten to enjoy my picnic. Tip: you can bring your own food in and enjoy
the tables under the beautiful trees. I ordered a drink because it was just too
weird to not. Food centric continues to be an undertone of our travels.
An underground train ride back to the hotel...yes I
actually got the right one and enjoyed some down time in the room.
Out to dinner with Andy's work colleagues at a nice
Italian restaurant. We had the best of waiters who spoke to us in a mix of
Italian, German and English. It was amazing four courses and great wine! The
last dinner they gave us individual bottles of tonic for our gin and tonics so
we could mix them ourselves. This time they gave us a carafe of gin to mix
from. Love the opportunity to make it just the way I like it. Another four hour dinner with so much
laughing our faces and bellies ached. I may have shared more than Andy would
have liked with his work colleagues. We were the most fun and boisterous table
in the place and in hindsight hopeful we didn't prevent the other guests from
enjoying their meals. At the table next to us there a couple of tough looking
older gentleman that kept looking past our table towards the window and street.
Almost like on the lookout for something bad to go down. It felt very
Soprano-esque, at least that's what we told ourselves. Back to the room around
12:30 and amazingly not feeling all that jet lagged, maybe a hard first travel
day and not sleeping has some merit.
Allez St. JEAN FARRAT,
FRANCE
May 16, 2024
With business concluded its time for vacation. Andy ran
over to the train station this morning to grab us one last AMAZING sandwich and
then off we went. Definitely need to leave your hotel 3 1/2 hours before your
flight. We took a taxi but now thinking
train may be better given the traffic. We went through security and boarded the
plane without ever showing our ID! So basically anyone could board. Didn't know
Germany was known for lax security.
Cindy
Pits: No sleep for the first 30 hours due to travel.
Peaks: Sightseeing the first day with Andy and spending
time with his family. Drinks with Dorothea at the cute little Super fun dinners
with Andy at his work dinners. LOVED our side by side Business Class seats.
Felt like our own little apartment.
Points: Watch for ticks if you go for a hike. Enjoy an
amazing $5 sandwich made on Laugencroissant bread…it is magical! Munich train
station has yummy, fresh sandwiches.
