Trip to Munich 2008

Munich is the largest city in the south of Germany and is about an hour and a half drive from the Alps (Mountains). Most of the time the mountains are just a dark unclear shadow on the horizon, but with the right weather conditions - specifically a special wind called the "Föhn", they become crystal and beautifully clear. This is when the postcard pictures get taken. Munich is very close to Austria, Switzerland and after a short hop through Austria, also Italy. It is the capital of Bavaria, sometimes called “Germany’s secret capital“.
It is a mostly flat place and has true continental weather i.e. very warm in the summer, and very cold in the winter. You can imagine how cold it is right now. The summer sees quite a few thunderstorms in the evenings, but far more beautiful sunsets. If you come in the winter, bring really warm clothes, in summer the nights are balmy but bring a small umbrella just in case. Some statistics about Munich, Population: 1,300,000, Area: 310 sq km (121 sq mi), Time: GMT/UTC+1.
Personally, the place is remarkable, as you enter you are welcomed by the beautiful buildings of business world through the main station where we arrived at. It's about 3 hours from Tübingen (where we are currently staying) to Munich. Also Munich is known for its historical monuments that fill the streets wherever you go. In 2008, Munich will be celebrating its 850th foundation day.
When we got to the station, we divided ourselves into groups and everyone started filling the streets of Munich. We were with ladies and of course they had one thing on top of their list of things to do, SHOPPING. So we started with shopping and also at the sametime touring.
Some of the places that we went to are:

Frauenkirche Cathedral – Church of Our Lady in Munich
This is one of the most beautiful and well designed churches in Munich. The church was partially demolished in 1944-1945 as a result of the world War II and was rebuild. The church was first completed in 1488. The church is so big that it can accommodate about 2,000 people. Everyone was amazed by the architectural structure of the church.

Michaelskirche – St Micheal’s Church
The church compared to other churches is on top in terms of capacity and the beauty that prevails there. Some of the group members went to the church and really liked it.

Neues Rathaus: New Town Hall
What is facinating about this building is the central facade that features an 80-m (260-ft) high clock tower, known as Glockenspiel. Each day, at 11am and 5pm, the bells ring out a carillon, while mechanical knights fight a tournament and a crowd dances. People come at this time to witness that incredible display. I was lucky that by 11am I was there and saw the whole thing.
Those are the monuments that we saw in Munich. Personlly the Germany trip has been the highlight of my life. I witness things that I never thought I would. Thanks to the wonderful sponsors who made this trip possible. Most importantly Mercedes-Benz South Africa for offering me this opportunity. I really enjoyed every day we spent here. I also want to thank the team at the "Internationale Sprachprogramme", Barbara Owen, Marion Schmidt and Jan-Moritz Werk, for the wonderful hospitality we got and our lectures and guests. Also Lydia as our group leader, she has been the back bone of the whole group. Most importantly, I want to thank the group for being wonderful and truly representing what South Africa is.
Anyone who likes to travel to Germany, don’t leave without going to Munich!

by Godfrey Letsatsi

Last Update (15/01/08)