An early rise for an early flight.
Germany - such a great country, easily one of my favourites. Everything is so simple, organized, and efficient there - even compared to other European countries that I've been to. The people are quite friendly to tourists, and the cycling is the best I've seen for novice cyclists with an incredibly dense, extensive network of bicycle paths and bike-friendly minor roads. Taking the bike on the train could not have been easier.
The costs were comparable or cheaper than Italy, although much more expensive than Portugal. A wide variety of kinds of things to see and do - from medieval villages to cutting-edge technology to war remnants to large forested areas... something for everybody. Very safe, very friendly... I'm sure I'll be back!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Saturday, May 16 :: Munich, Germany
Saturday, May 16 :: Munich, Germany :: 4km
Early back to the concentration camp, and early on the subway into downtown Munich. We scored a great hotel for 62 euros, got some bike boxes, and were set for a full-on Munich day. We rushed off and walked the sights downtown... churches, Rathaus, English Garden, Hofbrauhaus. All fun, and very crowded on a bright sunny Saturday. Tired but happy, we saw a movie then went back to the hotel to pack.
Central Town Hall (Rathaus) in Munich
The figurines that move, like a cuckoo clock, in the Rathaus
Early back to the concentration camp, and early on the subway into downtown Munich. We scored a great hotel for 62 euros, got some bike boxes, and were set for a full-on Munich day. We rushed off and walked the sights downtown... churches, Rathaus, English Garden, Hofbrauhaus. All fun, and very crowded on a bright sunny Saturday. Tired but happy, we saw a movie then went back to the hotel to pack.
Central Town Hall (Rathaus) in Munich
The figurines that move, like a cuckoo clock, in the RathausFriday, May 15 :: Dachau, Germany
Friday, May 15 :: Dachau, Germany :: 75km
Out early for a long day. Such a privilege to ride in a country that appreciates and caters to cyclists. Today's route was just from point A to point B on the map - no tourist bike routes - but even yet, we were on bicycle paths for much of the day. A solid, well-done ride by Liz, and another personal best for her!
Dachau. The name is a bit ominous to those who know a bit of history, and rightfully so. The Nazi's built their first concentration camp here, way back in 1933, and today the camp grounds stand as a memorial. We made it there with a few hours to spare, quickly grabbed the first hotel we came across, and dashed over to the memorial/camp. Its not the usual kind of place you "dash" to, but we were trying to see it before it closed for the evening.
The concentration camp itself was partially intact with some original buildings (and watchtowers, barbed wire, etc), some recreated buildings, and a museum to explain everything. It was all quite factual and no punches were pulled - including many pictures, anecdotes, etc. I had sort of known what to expect, being a history buff, but Liz was a bit... disturbed by it. We didn't quite make it through by the 6pm closing, and resolved to return in the morning.
The central laneway at Dachau, originally flanked by barracks (only foundations now). The trees were planted by inmates during the Nazi era.
Out early for a long day. Such a privilege to ride in a country that appreciates and caters to cyclists. Today's route was just from point A to point B on the map - no tourist bike routes - but even yet, we were on bicycle paths for much of the day. A solid, well-done ride by Liz, and another personal best for her!
Dachau. The name is a bit ominous to those who know a bit of history, and rightfully so. The Nazi's built their first concentration camp here, way back in 1933, and today the camp grounds stand as a memorial. We made it there with a few hours to spare, quickly grabbed the first hotel we came across, and dashed over to the memorial/camp. Its not the usual kind of place you "dash" to, but we were trying to see it before it closed for the evening.
The concentration camp itself was partially intact with some original buildings (and watchtowers, barbed wire, etc), some recreated buildings, and a museum to explain everything. It was all quite factual and no punches were pulled - including many pictures, anecdotes, etc. I had sort of known what to expect, being a history buff, but Liz was a bit... disturbed by it. We didn't quite make it through by the 6pm closing, and resolved to return in the morning.
The central laneway at Dachau, originally flanked by barracks (only foundations now). The trees were planted by inmates during the Nazi era.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
