Tag 7 Scenic Drive into Bavaria
After the breathtaking days we had in Switzerland it was hard to leave! However, we had another much awaited destination ahead of us. Today we crossed back into Germany and headed for Munich (Munchen), the home of Oktoberfest! We were eager to brush off our dirndl dresses and parade around the festive city. Upon arriving the three of us changed into our dresses and met the group downstairs for an orientation walk. Maisie took us to the nearby Viktualienmarkt, or the "stomach of Munich". She also showed us the nearby Marienplatz, home of the Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel. We had just enough time to explore this area before heading back to the hotel to walk to our dinner location.
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At night the city comes alive! We went to a fabulous restaurant at the corner of the Marienplatz, the Donisl. It was a small, safe taste of Oktoberfest before experiencing the real thing tomorrow. There was a live band playing while we were eating. We heard the traditional German drinking song many times. We were surprised when the band started singing a couple songs we all knew very well, Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and John Denver's "Take me Home Country Road." This had everyone standing, clapping, and singing along!
After dinner Maisie took us to the Hofbrauhaus for a peek at the nightlife experience. It was a happening place! We did a |
quick run through the Hofbrauhaus. We lost Maisie inside as she was trying to help get some of our group settled down inside. Valerie, one of our group members, joined up with us and together we found our way back to the Viktualienmarkt, but along the way heard some music coming from the Marienplatz. We followed our ears and had a fabulous, spontaneous experience. There were a couple of Russian men playing accordions and singing. Their voices were deep and strong and carried throughout the square. It was an incredible moment and a special memory!