After spending most of the week in Augsburg, visiting Munich felt very different. The city was much larger and seemed more modern, with busy streets, larger buildings, and a faster pace of life. At the same time, Munich still does a good job of preserving its history. Throughout the city, we saw historic buildings mixed in with modern businesses and shopping areas. One of my favorite parts of the day was seeing both the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall. We were also there when the Glockenspiel went off, and it was really cool to watch the figures move while the bells rang out in the square. 

The city felt very easy to move through. There were people walking, biking, and using public transportation everywhere. It seemed like Munich was designed to make it easy to get around without needing a car. Even though it was busy, it never felt overwhelming or confusing. 

One thing I noticed throughout the day was how international Munich felt. Of course, I heard German being spoken, but I also heard English almost everywhere. Many of the English speakers had different accents, including British and Australian accents. I also heard several Asian languages, especially from Chinese and Japanese tourists. It was interesting to see so many different cultures in one city and to realize how global Munich has become. 

There were also many traces of Bavarian culture throughout the city. We walked through traditional markets and learned about local customs from our tour guide, Hildrun. One tradition I found interesting involved the maypole and the rivalry between towns over stealing it and making the other town pay for beer. Visiting the markets and churches made the city feel authentic rather than just a tourist attraction. Even though Munich is a major international city, it still felt like Bavarian culture is an important part of everyday life. 

Another major part of the tour focused on Munich’s history during the rise of the Nazi Party. Throughout the city, we saw memorials and landmarks connected to World War II and learned about individuals who were persecuted for speaking out against the Nazi regime. It was interesting to see how the city openly teaches and remembers this difficult history instead of hiding it. Learning about these events in Munich has made me think more deeply about our visit to Dachau tomorrow. Knowing that many important events connected to the Nazi Party took place in Munich helps give context for what we will learn there. As I prepare for the visit, I expect it to be one of the most serious and emotional experiences of the trip. While I am interested in learning more about this history, I also understand the weight of what happened and the importance of remembering it.