BIRTHDAY WEEKEND IN MÜNCHEN

by Bandile Nhlapo, Stellenbosch University

I remember when I wished for the snow to come. I wasn’t coping with the weather as it was, but having to experience European snow was a must! It was an experience I could take back home and not forget. But I would have to wait for the week of my birthday weekend. In hindsight, it turns out that it was planned accordingly. Have the experience of snow at the best place I could possibly be in Germany.

Travelling overnight didn’t do justice to the German landscape, as I wasn’t able to absorb its beauty. And then we arrived in München and the snow hit me! Coupled with getting lost for an hour, I was sure that I would not have the best experience here in München.

But taking a stroll around the city centre and the Fünf Hofe, coupled with some retail therapy, I grew to love my surroundings and enjoy the experience. Fünf Hofe is a beautiful building and architectural masterpiece. A day well spent and fully enjoyed. Strolling around the many stores and seeing the variety of tastes.

And in true South African fashion, instead of exploring German cuisine and food market, I found a KFC franchise and felt right at home to order and sit in and enjoy the memories of home and the warm.

This was all after a day of seeing beautiful buildings and sites for a tourist, within the radius of Fünf Hofe.

The highlight of my birthday weekend in München, would have to be going to Allianz Arena to watch the match between Bayern München v Werder Bremen. On a late afternoon kick-off, the excitement was not easy to hide. Walking towards the stadium amongst thousands of supporters, made me realise how fortunate I was to attend this event. In what would be a 6-goal thriller of end-to-end football, in an electrifying arena, the match did not disappoint.

What made the occasion even more special was that Thomas Muller, their star forward, reached 100 goals for Bayern München in the Bundesliga in this very game. I am happy to have shared that will everyone in the arena, including him.

Throughout my whole experience of München, it is such a wonder that a diverse and busy city like this could have places of joyous celebration at places such as Allianz Arena and on the other hand have places of quiet reflection at Michaelskirche.

Going back home, I’m leaving the snow behind and taking München with me in my heart.