Munich, Germany

 Tony had a quick trip to Munich for work last week.  It was his birthday, so I decided to tag along.  No need for him to celebrate alone! With only one day to explore, I decided to get an overview of the Old Town with a small walking tour. Our guide was hilarious, which was great since I was hanging with him for two hours. I haven't fact checked him, so if my notes with my pictures are incorrect, blame Timmy (or my forgetful brain)! Here are a few of the things we saw on our tour:

This courthouse was completed in 1897. I actually found that pretty "young" for European buildings. 

Karlstor on Stachus Square: One of three remaining "gates" in Munich's city walls.

More than 80% of the buildings in Munich's old town were destroyed during the war. During the restoration, they did their best to salvage any parts of the building. Here is a good example of how they blended the "old" with the "new". Munich attempts to keep restoration as true to form as possible. Timmy even saw them using hand cranked drills.

Frauenkirche: Church Of Our Lady

First construction took place from 1468-1488. The towers of the church remained standing after the war, but the rest of the church was destroyed. Nothing is allowed to be taller than this church. Pope Benedict was the priest here. 

The graveyard next to the church was moved as the city expanded. Some of the gravestones were then placed on the side of the church. 

According to Timmy, the sculpture on the side of this building represents a man who was commissioned by the King to create a ring for the Queen. One day the man entered the tower to work on the ring, but it was missing. The King executed the guy. The next day, the ring was discovered in a crow's nest that had fallen from the tree. Don't know if it is true, but I think it is funny...and very unfortunate for the jeweler. 

Neues Rathaus: New Town Hall

Completed in 1905

Hundreds of visitors gather to witness the glockenspiel.

You, too, can join the crowd at 11 and noon (and 5pm March to October).

St. Michael's Church

King Ludwig II is buried in the Royal Crypt here. He wasn't a very popular king and his death remains a mystery. 

After my tour and after Tony's meetings, we met up to celebrate his birthday. 

Here we are at Hofbrauhaus.

Inside Hofbrauhaus are long picnic style tables where you sit with anyone. 

There was live "German style" music. I was really tempted to have them serenade Tony with "happy birthday", but I refrained. 

We finished the day with an amazing dinner at Ratskeller. The restaurant was in a basement. I appreciated how they had backlit windows so that you didn't feel like you were in a dungeon! 

Until Oktoberfest, Munich...