Munich: the city

The passport control officer at Munich airport MUC asked "Are you traveling alone?", with an overly amazed expression.  I said yes and it was very common for me. Then he asked for my return flight ticket. I was just too lazy to explain my whole itinerary, so I told him I didn't print it out.

"Welcome! Enjoy your stay!" 

From that moment, I knew Munich got nice people.

After spending 2 days here, I liked the people and the city more. The city demonstrated itself as, well, very German. Everything is on time and neat. At the same time, it's Bavarian. You could answer 80% of the questions with " beer". (Still couldn't beat Paris to be my favorite European city though.)

Sandemans walking tour, a 3-hour tour that gives a good overview of the city

This is my first city walking tour, because I don't like following a set schedule and only joined tour when the place was hard to access by myself, such as Hawaii volcanoes. 

Then Munich walkng tour started at the center of the city, Marienplatz. One guide introduced Glockenspiel in such a sacarstic and funny manner that I mentally gave the tour a 5 star rating on the spot. "This is Europe's second overrated tourist attraction, right after the clock in Prague, because this one is marginally less boring." "Look at all the characters moving at the  speed of light. Look away if you have heart conditions." "Oh oh, here comes the grand finale. Pretend you are all excited."

Then the tour fell back to normal. We covered most attractions in old town, without going inside of any. The guide tried hard to be funny and told many stories. But you couldn't get anything deeper in politics, architecture, etc.

Micheal Jackson memorial

In front of the hotel Bayerischer Hof, MJ fans set up this permanent monument because MJ stayed at this hotel very often when he visited Munich. However, What's interesting for me special is the column right next, dedicated to his giraffes and decorated in the same manner. Good sarcastic humer. Sadly, the giraffe monument will be removed soon.

Drink beer and park your dogs, or babies

The first beer garden I went in was Hofbrauhaus, the royal brewery. But to drink and eat in local style, Chinese Tower in the English garden is the place to go. See the "Eat" section later.

To drink beer more efficiently, Bavarians invented quite a few funny things to take care of pets, babies, or toilet situations...

Maffeistrasse Street

Theresa, the physical store of mytheresa.com, is an tourist attraction for me, just like Matches Fashion in London. it feels like meeting a pen pal in person, only this time it was seing the store I shopped online so much. When we passed the street, the guide told jokes about people who spent lots of money there. I was mildly offended as someone who earns every penny, wears both designer and high street, and could travel in expensive way or backpacker way.

Asam's church

It's close to impossible for churches to impress me any more. This tiny church is not impressive, but should be the best decorated one in Munich.

Following are tips/ comments based on my experience. Refer to comprehensive tour guides to plan the trip though. I use Tripadvisor and wikitravel the most.

Eat

Eating in Germany is challenging for vegitarian. I'm just happy to be back to a place where it's safe to drink tap water...

Viktualienmarkt is a huge market to grab a bite. Love the sheer size of this market and the convenient location. But it's very touristy. Waiters dress up and perform, which can add to the experience.

Chinese Tower is where all the locals go. I saw the largest beer mug and pretzel in my life. How on earth do Germans keep their waistline under control?

Chocolaterie Beluga near Viktualienmarkt has many chocolaty treats and drinks. If you love chocolate as much as I do, try the dark chocolate ice cream.

Buying Rimowa 

Rimowa is very hyped up in Asia thanks to stupid celebrities and media. I'm wondering whether its marketing department actually spread al the news about airport workers hate Rimowa in order to build a premium brand image.

The retail price in Germany is at least 20% cheaper than in Asia I think. And there is another +10% VAT refund. I've used all the other major luggage brands except Rimowa, so it's time to upgrade.

Rimowa is available in all the department stores, international airports and a Rimawa store in Munich. However, the cheapest place I found is a chain called Hetzenecker. There are at least three Hetzenecker stores in the pedestrian area between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz. One is right at the exit of U bahn Karlsplatz station. The price is marked ~90% of retail, and extra 10% discount if you pay in cash.

I got a Classic Flight Multiwheeler cabin luggage. Which one to choose really depends on personal preference. I like Alum from Rimowa, 4-wheel, locks not zipper, and the classic look of black leather handle. 

Cash

Deutsch Bank ATM is everywhere, but sadly I didn't have my VISA debit cards from US or UK with me. My Hong Kong debit card only has Unionpay and EPS. Finally the wisdom on google came and saved the day. Sparkasse bank ATM offers Unionpay channel. I didn't find the one at Marienplatz. One subway stop away at Storing Tor, there are Sparkasse ATMs inside the station as well as right outside the exit.

But still, it should be much easier if I had taken care of the cash withdrawal at the airport...