Adventures of NaDave: Dave Germany: 43-50 (Sat

It was a direct train ride from Innsbruck to Munich, and I arrived to the Munich Hauptbahnhof at 12:30pm. The sun was shining, and I had mapped out a walking plan around the city to see several sights.

Since it was near the main station, up first was walking over to where Oktoberfest takes place. The grounds were empty, which was actually neat to see. When I hopefully come back here in September, it will be fun to juxtapose this view to the mayhem.

I then headed for the Old City, and came across the Munich Gay Pride parade. Always fun to see a colorful parade! Then I strolled on into the Marienplatz, the famous square with the Glockenspiel with figurines. Since it was a sunny Saturday, it was packed. And the whole town square was full of enchanting buildings with old bell towers and structures.

Then it was onto a river, where surfers ride a standing wave in the city. I had to see urban surfing for myself, and sure enough, it was pretty sweet. I sat there for a bit in the shade, and relaxed. I still had plenty more to explore.

From there I took a subway train up to the Olympic Park. Most famous for the Israel athletes that were taken hostage. A memorial was out in front of the exact apartment. I sat there for a few minutes, thinking about athletes having a dream come true by being at the olympics, and then the unexpected terror and tragedy.

From there it was over to the pool, where Mark Spitz famously won 7 gold medals. Pretty cool for me to see the North Sydney pool & this pool, all in a few months. I thought about Tanya, as she swum in this pool 13 years ago. Then my thoughts went to family (which is all of you), and how I missed yall. I got a little emotional, but realized that I am pretty blessed to be having these amazing experiences.

I then quick popped into the nearby BMW museum, to cool off and see a few neat cars. From there, it was onto the Reichenbach, where Hitler was thrown in jail, and went onto to write Mein Kampf.

Then it was onto the place that is special to our family...The Hofbrauhaus! Dad started a tradition many years ago, by sneaking a mug out of there, in his pants nonetheless. Tanya kept the tradition going by grabbing her own glass during her visit. And now it was time for the youngest to make the pilgrimage (Mom & Dad also went there together in 1980). I strolled on in, and all I could do was smile. The environment was great. The uhm-pah band was playing, people were drinking & singing. I grabbed a seat and ordered a meal and of course, a beer!

As I looked around, I realized sneaking out the mug wouldn't be as easy as I thought. An old German guy sat across from me (he paid for his beer with exact change, so you knew he was a regular). He was friendly, but just kept looking at me. I had my back pack with me, so I cleared out room, and waited for the moment to pounce. When the coast looked clear, I finished off my beer, put it straight into my backpack, and got up to leave. Well remember the old German guy, he pointed at my overly-stuffed pack, and started saying something to me. My heart start pumping, so I just made a B-line for the door. I heard him saying something louder, but I walked brisky out the door (no one stopped me) and out onto the street. I kept walking until the coast was clear. Phew! I had completed the pilgrimage, but now had to carry the mug around for the next 24 hrs!

From there I went to straight to my hostel. I checked in and got the key to my co-ed 6 bedroom room. The room was empty, but I saw the open top bunk. I prepped my bed, dropped my stuff, and headed out for one more stop. I heard that the Augustiner Beer Hall was a more local experience (compared to the touristy Hofbrau). When I walked in, it was smaller, yet cozy. I loved it. I found an open table, and order a cold one. Then two guys sat down next to me, and they were from Australia! HA! We chatted for over an hour about Oz, and then I walked back to my room.

My Saturday in Munich was a success! My legs and feet were exhausted, but all the beer in my belly helped the pain. I needed sleep, as I was headed to Dachau Concentration Camp on Sunday, before heading home.