Munich last weekend for my 21st birthday was incredible! Such a great city with such nice, friendly, and genuinely happy people. Some interesting things to start: BMW World, Haufbrauhaus, Spring Fest, considered the northernmost Italian city.
We arrived on a Thursday evening and acquainted ourselves with the city. Friday (my birthday!), Jennifer met us and we went on an amazing bike tour! It was our tour guide's first official tour, which might strike apprehension in some, but it was very good. The tour showcased the highs and lows of Munich and Germany's history. There are lions everywhere, marking one of the first rulers of Munich. There are some WWII memorials. Our tour guide actually got choked up at one. The memorial commemorated the deaths of 7 students and their professor who spoke out against Nazi rule. They were found and guillotined in a public square. It was especially poignant for us since these students were our ages, etc. fighting for what was right. The way Germany deals with their history and involvement is very interesting. They acknowledge it and try to move on. On the bike tour, we stopped for lunch in the English Garden, a stunningly beautiful park in the middle of the city. The river that flows through it actually makes a great spot for surfers! There's also a nudist meadow!
After the tour, we decided to search for lederhosen and derndels, the traditionally Bavarian garb. The girls succeeded completely, while I found some knock-off, costume-esque lederhosen for 5 euro. I knew they wouldn't be accepted well, but I had to buy them! We suited up and hit the town. Our waiter at one of the beer halls told me I looked like a jerk, and I said "I know. I'm sorry!" But that was the worst of it. Munich was like Disney Land with lots of beer: the happiest place on earth.
We repeated this routine in our outfits again the next day, meeting some cool people from all over the world in the process.
Sunday met us early the next morning when we checked out. We had most of the day in the city still, so we decided to pay a visit to Dachau, one of the first concentration camps in Germany. That day was the 65th anniversary of its liberation, so some high-up officials were in attendance for the ceremony. Our tour didn't conflict with the ceremony, though. It was chilling. You walk through a small gate with words translating to "Work will set you free" above. Then the processing center where people were documented and showered. The barracks are across the courtyard and are absolutely horrifying. I couldn't stay in them for more than a moment. I was reminded of Elie Weisel's accounts in his best-selling "Night." Unfortunately, we didn't have as much time at Dachau as we would have liked, but I am very happy to have seen it.
We made it back to Florence for our last week of class before finals. Mike was able to find some flights and come to Florence this weekend. It's good timing. I get to play tour guide for the last time just before leaving. Only one more week in the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. :(
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