Monday morning we took off for the city centre via the tram. It took about 20 minutes to get into the stop by the Sendlinger Tor gate which is really close to the hotel we stayed at the last time we were in Munich. It was so amazing to be walking the same streets we ventured on just a couple years earlier but now with two kids and Kevin's parents. It felt like going home again.
For a new thing for us to see we stopped into the Asamkirche which is one of Munich's most ornate and unusual church's. The church was built by two brothers who intended for it to be their own private church, however, the church hierarchy demanded it be open to the public. The last time we were here we couldn't get in so this was a treat. It is absolutely amazing inside but dark in a sense that it was a bit creepy.
Down the street a bit we discovered a little plaza with a fountain and some stone cattle. The kids were so excited to check them out with Grandpa Mike. They even took a "ride" on them for a while.
We made our way up to one of my most favorite squares in all of Europe - Marienplatz. It's dominated by the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) which holds the famous Glockenspiel that chimes at 11, 12 and 5PM every day. I got a nice picture of Mike and Sally in front of the Mariensaule which is a large column in the square built to celebrate the end of Swedish invasion.
Grandpa helped the kids explore the different sculptures around the base of the Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain).
Harrison wanted to "help" Grandma Sally take pictures of the fountain.
Since it was pretty darn chilly outside we thought we'd check out an indoor site, so we checked out the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) which is the largest church in Bavaria. In continuing with tradition we said a special prayer in the church as we lit a candle...thanking God for the wonderful blessings of being able to be in this place (and for a second time).
One of the most interesting stories surrounding the Frauenkirche is the "Footprint of the Devil." Stories say that the architect promised the devil that you wouldn't be able to see a window from the inside of the church in return for the devil to help him build the church. Of course there are windows throughout the church, but it is said that after the building was completed the architect took the devil to a point in the middle of the church where no windows could be seen eventhough all the church goers were sitting in sunlight. The devil got so mad that his stomped his foot and left a mark still visible in the stone floor. Kevin checked out the theory and it seemed to be true.
I had a boiled beef with sausages and fried potatoes - ohh so yummy!!!
Harrison was so tired that he was throwing a bit of a fit and he planted his face down on the bench at the table. Funny enough he fell asleep like this and laid on his tummy for about an hour!!!
Kevin enjoyed some lovely German stout...this was an amazing place and we stayed for about 2 hours enjoying dinner and drinks.
Then we made our way down to the Viktualieanmarket via the Marienplatz again. There was a little construction going on and of course we had to pose by the little CAT that was out and about.
What a beautiful city! Standing the edge of the market we look back at the Old Town Hall right behind Kevin and St. Peter's church on the left.
Look at all that meat Harry!!!! Love those sausages!!!
All year round this market has some of the most amazing foods and goodies. Addison thinks it's pretty cool.
Eventhough the beer gardens weren't open yet, we got to enjoy running around a bit. It was just a few weeks ago that these streets were jam packed with beer drinkers from all around the world celebrating Oktoberfest here in Munich. That would an event Kevin and I would love to check out some day, but maybe when the kiddos are a bit older.
We made our way down Neuhauserstrasse which is one of the most important shopping streets in the city. Sally found a trendy German handbag to purchase for her boss (not a cheap one by any means - about 125 Euro!!) Here is our whole family in front of the Karlstor gate at the end of that street.
After a pretty big couple of days and big walking morning, we all made our way back to the hotel. Kevin and I snuck back into town for an hour or so to do some shopping. I was pretty set on getting a really nice bread/meat cheese platter, but when it came down to it they didn't have the kind I was really wanting. I did happen to find a little butter press which I had been searching out ones at English antique fairs, but this was new and looked like something I could use to make meals special. One problem I had was that the instructions on how to use it were in German and she didn't have any English instructions left. Guess I am going to have to have Emily translate as she just got an A in German this year.
We stopped by and picked up McDonald's food for myself and the kids to enjoy at the hotel, so that Kevin could take his mom and dad out for a nice "quiet" dinner out.
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