I just realized that I never posted any pics from our day in Germany on our way back from Israel.
There's not terribly much to show. The scenario unfolded as this......after enduring out exhausting last day in Ein Gedi and staying up the entire night, we flew outa Tel Aviv in the early am, landing in Munich mid morning. Rediculously tired, we managed to find the right train to get from the airport to the city thanks to wonderful Christian German lady I got to sit next to on our flight.
Exiting the train station, with patience and alertness levels at a dangerous low, we tried desperately try to find our hotel. As we walked and walked and walked, up and down the streets, over and over, frustration begins to rise to peak while the merciless cold, windy and spritzing weather compounded the situation. All while we are lugging our very heavy backpacks. Perfect.
Thankfully, eventually we found out hotel, and even though we love exploring new cities, we simply had nothing left in us. So we crashed. It was dark by the time we woke up, but with spirits much improved, we decided to start our exloration and get some food.
We found one little cozy restaurant, but after being seated and quickly abandoned by a non-English speaking host who gave us only German menus, we decided to abort, and try again. :o)
Wandering a little further we found the busier side of town, with beer halls and restaurants abounding. So we ducked into one, fairly timidly though as we were semi-scarred from our last attempt.
Our waiter this time was a very pleasant and helpful man wiht competent English who fit my mental picture of Germans: a stout shorter man perhaps in his fifties with gruff hair and accent, his Bavarian outfit reaking of beer. ;o)
Every table had appetizers of the famous Bavarian pretzels.
The restuarant was very cozy, all dark wood with amazing intricate detailing. The stag heads on the wall became usefull though when the waiter pointed at them to explain to Jacob what his choice for dinner was, venison stew. :o)
The supper was sooooo incredible. It still always kills me when asking for water in European countries - they ask if you want gas or no-gas. :o) What they mean is carbonated or not. Just cracks me up. :o)
The savory food, cozy atmosphere, and finally the chance to relax did us immense good. :o)
Liking the warmth of the indoors, Jacob announced "let's go a-coveting" and we ducked into a large department store. Yeah, I know it's lame to just wander through a store when you're visiting a new country, but we had fun anyhow :o)
The weather improved so went awandering some more.....
It's kind a funny, as the people, smells, food and atmosphere, felt a lot like back home in our Pennsylvania, probably thanks to all our "Dutchy" communities and heritage.
An amazing cathedral we just happened upon. It seems that very easy to do in Europe, just "happen upon" a colossel cathedral. :o)
They have meat markets in seems at every corner, and this scene just cracked me up as the lil puppy just stood there looking wistfully.
That night storms hit Germany, especially the north, with very destructive winds that did much damage. Even when we leavin the next morning, a snow storm kicked up out of nowhere that delayed out flight, beginning a very long day of travel for Jacob and I.
