To read part one of my winter vacation among the Christmas market in Nuremburg, Germany, click here.
The last time I was in Munich was while I was studying abroad in the Netherlands 10 years ago, and at the time Jacob and I could only really afford about two beers from the famous beer halls there. But oh, what memories! From the Marienplatz (main square) to the Englisher Garden to the lederhosen and bretzels, Munich had always left a grand impression on me, and I couldn't wait to get back a decade later! Although the colder weather this time meant no soaking up the rays and brews in the hundreds of beer gardens around town, Munich is still a lovely place (I'm convinced) all year round!
While anxiously waiting for Jacob to arrive from the States, I had a lovely wander through the Viktualienmarkt, an outdoor, cobblestoned maze of stalls selling exotic fruits, imported wines, artisan cheeses, honey, truffels, and the like. With gourmet prices to match, it's really more of a browsing and strolling experience for me than anything else, but it's definitely tantalizing:
Besides hosting a plethora of Christmas markets (which will be getting their own post following this one), Munich really does know how to bring out the warm-fuzzies of the holiday season:
I'm especially a fan of all of the fabulous window displays to drool over:
First thing on the list after Jacob's arrival: beer halls! First up, the Augustiner Brewery, which was established in 1328 (!!!) making it Munich's oldest still-independent brewery! We'll drink to that impressive longevity (and it's incredible apple strudel with vanilla custard)!
And of course, no trip to Munich is complete without a stop by the world-famous Hofbrauhaus, whether you've been there before or not! This quintessential Bavarian beer hall was founded in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria and has quite the history (including being around the block from Mozart's old residence, as well as hosting some of the Nazi party meetings which resulted in the creation of Germany's National Socialist Program...check out its fascinating history here).
You can't hear polka music and watch dirndl-clad ladies peddling pretzels in photos! That's what this video is for:
For one whole day in Munich, we had snow...
...but then it completely melted...
...leaving some a little confused on how to dress for Christmas Eve tree-gathering:
Speaking of Christmas Eve, I loaded up on some lebkuchen (gingerbread) from the markets...
...and we had a lovely night of presents, snacking, beers, and each other's company:
On Christmas Day, we celebrated with a little vegetarian fare (at one of the few restaurants open)...
...and ended at the Weiss Brewery, where there were plenty of others in the Bavarian Christmas spirit as well:
It was such an awesome experience getting to know this city a little better, and especially at Christmastime, where the hot, mulled wine and gingerbread helped (a little) to make up a bit for the lack of inviting beer gardens! The best part of it, however, was meeting up with my long-departed hubby again...the best Christmas present of all!
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