We switched out our bus for a train today. Usually, our bus driver, Karl, takes us wherever we need to go throughout the day. However, today we had tickets for the train instead. I have taken a train a couple of times in the United States and a few times while abroad in London and Paris. This experience was pretty similar to those. The ticket system seemed to be the only major difference. One ticket counted for five people, and most of the time, they do not even check them. This was very similar to the streetcars we have been using to get around Augsburg.
After getting off the train, we walked to the middle of the city where the Glockenspiel is located. Everyone stood around waiting for the clock to strike 11 since that is when the bells would ring, and the performance would start. Right at 11, the tower began ringing. After the bells chimed for a few minutes, the figurines started dancing. The entire event reminded me of being in Times Square in New York. Even though it was not nearly as crowded as it gets when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, the city square was still packed with people.
As a group, we walked all around Munich. We visited the Residenz, Eisbachwelle, Hofbräuhaus, Brandy Melville, and several other shopping areas, all while stopping for food along the way. Visiting the Eisbachwelle was especially cool to see. It is a spot where experienced surfers ride a natural wave created by the river flowing through the city. There was a large rock on the side of the river that the surfers used to climb out of the water, and I kept worrying someone would hit their head on it if they fell. It was somewhat reassuring that most of them were wearing helmets.
We mainly just walked through the Residenz to get to the Eisbachwelle, but we had to stop and take pictures because it was so beautiful. Walking back toward the middle of the city, we stopped at the Hofbräuhaus. It was packed because FC Bayern was playing later that day. I have never visited the one in Pittsburgh, but I heard this one was around six times larger. Since it was so busy, we split up. Some people wanted to stay and get food, while others wanted to continue exploring the city. I was part of the group that left to do some shopping. Along the way, we stopped in a little deli shop and got some delicious brots before heading to the stores. After shopping, we all met back up in the town square for the city tour.
I really enjoyed the city tour. Our tour guide was amazing. She had so much historical knowledge and was extremely engaging to listen to. Unfortunately, it started hailing in the middle of the tour, which definitely put a damper on my mood. Thankfully, that changed shortly after when we stopped for food. After eating, we took the bus back to Augsburg, and I passed out almost immediately after getting into my hotel room.
