I think I am being discriminated against with positive or negative implications depending on how you look at it. I'm not sure whether its because I'm English or because I'm a cyclist or maybe they don't like to the look (or smell) of me! Two nights running the hostel staff have put me in a multi-occupancy dormitory but have not put anyone in with me. It could be that they saving other people the misfortune of having to meet me. Am I being kept in quarantine, like Englishness is a disease and someone could catch it if the sleep in close proximity or it could be that as a matter of policy they put all the nutters in the same room but it just happens that I am the only one in at the moment. Personally it is nice to have a room to yourself but it makes it less likely for me to meet other travellers. I will see what happens tonight. I could demand to see the Hostel policy on allocating beds and demand my rights under the Freedom of Information Act etc. it is a serious matter and could go all the way to the Court at Strasbourg (but its not on te route!).
I love these help yourself breakfasts. I think I get a full days calories at one sitting. A leisurely start to the day as I search the Internet to book my accommodation for the next two nights at Ingolstadt and Regensburg.
I decided that I wouldn't use the underground system and I would rather cycle around the city seeing that the streets are well designed for bikes. I didn't have much of a plan other than to ride in to the centre and see what I see. I have taken so many photos and seen so many things it will be very difficult to remember what is on the photos nevermind remembering the names of the buildings and churches. Today is Ascension Day and it is a public holiday in Germany. This means that the main shops are closed but the restaurants and cafes are open. Perhaps there are more German sightseers than normal. The holiday made it feel like an unhurried day with less bustle than you would expect in a city. After not seeing any churches yesterday I have had my fix today. When you see the photos you will see how amazing the buildings are. I am only skimming the surface, in fact I am probably breaking the record for seeing Munch in double quick time. I tend to leave the museums alone because I don't understand things in German and I have a boredom threshold for art. I do appreciate it but I have a limit but even without museums there is so much happening.
The weather by the way has been beautiful again. Sunshine and a pleasant temperature, probably in the low twenties. I thought to myself that it would be appropriate to find a Bier Keller and I wouldn't like to leave Munich without sampling the culture properly. The proper Bavarian restaurants tended to be really busy and there were lots of people in lederhosen of different varieties. I chose a Keller called G Schneider & Sohns Brauhaus, which I took to be G Schneider and Sons Brewery. I wondered if Bob Schneider was related to the owner? There was a band playing in the bar and I managed to sit next to the flugelhorn player. There were several beers on offer all from Schneider Weiss brewery. I had the 'original' which was probably the best bier I have had all trip. I enjoyed it so much I had another and also ordered the Munich Pork for lunch, it was roast pork and a big herby bread dumpling and coleslaw. I sat contemplating the different forms of local male costumes on display. There was full lederhosen, sometimes with trousers above and sometimes below the knee. There was the leather shorts without the braces. Some men wore felt type hats and one even had a fur pelt out of the top of the hat (he must have been important). If they didn't have the lederhosen a waistcoat would suffice and if none of the above a red or blue checked shirt was the absolute minimum that was required for any self-respecting Bavarian man. It was good to see that people are proud of their heritage and it made the experience more enjoyable and distinctive for me.
I managed to get back on my bike despite the two biers. I decided to head to the Englisher Gardens which apparently is one of the biggest city parks in the world. However, I was waylaid by more grand buildings on Maximillian Strasse. I did get to the gardens and enjoyed seeing young men surfing on a fast flowing river in the park. Also there was a pagoda with a band playing in it. The park was really busy with people enjoying the day, strolling and playing games. Again, it was great to see people using the facilities with no sign of any problems anywhere. Loads of people use their bikes. I know it's a holiday and it may not always be like this but I have seen a pretty good picture of life in southern Germany. I thought I may see a brusque and gaudy city but my impression has been a city that is a cultured and pleasant place. It's well worth a city break if you are looking for somewhere to visit.
By the way, Munich is twinned with Edinburgh.
I have booked a meal at the Hostel tonight. It's 6 euros and I believe it's 'gypsy roll' and rice. I wonder what that is. I will keep you in suspense till tomorrow.
I could have trebled the photos for today.
Photo 1, Konigs Platz Arch.
Photo 2, Church number 1. Theatnerk Church.
Photo 3, Inside of church number 2. St Peters church.
Photo 4, Rathaus.
Photo 5, Frauenkirche. The Cathedral.
Photo 6, Busker at Virtualienmarkt. It made me think two things. First, he was a bit like Seasick Steve and Second, the market could have been selling virtual aliens! The market was closed because it was a holiday so I never found out if there were any aliens on sale.
Photo 7, Band in the Bier Keller.
Photo 8, Surfing in Munich. It was none stop entertainment. The men took it in turns and there was never any pause in the action.
Photo 9, Englisher Gardens. Nice woodlands and open grassy areas. Really well used.
Photo 10, What a happy chap.
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