#englishpost

So, my boyfriend found out my blog and he read the letters I wrote for my ex which he thought was his.

Back in the days, I was passionate and eager to write stories about small things and about us. But now, I am lost in the sea of anxiety and uncontrolled feelings. It’s like my hands are too numb to write again.

Well, yeah. I told him it wasn’t for him and, as expected, we fought a good fight during our argument.

What could be more exciting than international travel and writing a blog about it for English 3903: Professional and Technical Writing? Munich, Germany, may be one of the best places in the world for college students to visit, get a lesson in hospitality and culture, and have a blast. While Berlin gets credit for its nightlife and fast paced lifestyle, Munich is more laid back. Late September, however, brings one of the world’s largest parties, Oktoberfest! Although the event has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic, it normally brings thousands of international visitors and over a billion dollars to the city. A seat at a table in a beer tent can be hard to come by but worth the effort. Loud Germans, Oompah music and world-class pretzels create lifetime memories. Munich, like most of the world, is slowly climbing out of Covid restrictions. The city is currently open to fully vaccinated American travelers.

Munich is the capitol of the German state of Bavaria. Bavaria is in the southernmost part of Germany and includes the German Alps. Scenery alone is enough to make this trip worthwhile but let us explore what Munich has to offer.

(Maps).

So, what should one do in Munich one may ask? Here is what I suggest:

History and Cultural Experiences

Dachau Concentration camp sits just outside Munich. It was used during World War II to hold political prisoners, Russian Prisoners of War, and Jewish men, women, and children. A tour of this place is a somber trip through the horrors of man. The oven and gas chamber are still standing to remind us all how fragile freedom can be. Another historical stop that is sure to put a smile on one’s face is Hofbräuhaus. The 500-year-old building became a restaurant and biergarten in the early twentieth century. Today, visitors from all over the world come to this tavern to enjoy German cuisine, hospitality, and culture, and, especially, the beer. Be prepared to make new friends as the seating is communal and you never know who you may share a stein with.

For the Architectural Buffs

In Germany, the Rathaus, or town hall, is usually a beautiful building located in the city center. Not always extravagant, the building is usually very nice. Munich actually has two: the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall (catchy names, huh?). Both are located in Marienplatz and are a tourist draw, but the real star here is the Glockenspiel, the clock tower that is attached to the New Town Hall.

This is the Rathaus glockenspiel in Munich, Germany (alamy).

If town halls are not your thing, do not miss the cathedrals in Munich. Frauenkirche is just down the street from Marienplatz. Frauenkirche is probably the most photographed cathedral in Munich and for good reason! If one would like to see a cathedral off the beaten path, maybe check out this site: http://www.world-guides.com/europe/germany/bavaria/munich/munich_churches.html .

Activities

The English Garden is a large well-maintained park in the heart of Munich. Lakes, beer gardens, walking trails and a river are all there. The Park is well-maintained, safe, and is easily reached by train or bus. Another option includes a train ride or car rental but is well worth the time and trouble. A visit to the German Alps, approximately one hour away, and a trip up the Zugspitze is a memorable experience. Another option from Munich is a visit to the Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau and was built by Mad King Ludwig in the 1870s (euronews).

Traveling and Hotels

Munich is an easily accessed city from the United States. All major U.S. airlines have flights to Germany on a daily basis. Franz Josef Strauss International airport sees over 500 flights in and out on a daily basis, so Munich is really accessible from anywhere in the world if you are traveling by air. However, current travel policy requires that Americans be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. In order to verify one’s status travelers must log into https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de/#/ and fill out the required information.

Accommodations can range from a basic hostel to a 4-star hotel. If sharing a room with strangers is not one’s idea of travel, Munich has many budget-friendly hotels and gasthauses. And, of course, Airbnb is also an option. But a nice, clean hotel room in Munich can be hard for around a hundred bucks. Breakfast is usually included, too. Munich is a beautiful city that should be on everyone’s travel radar. If you are a lover of good times, good food and drinks, and exciting people, then this city is not to be missed.

 Works Cited

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen. “Menu Line:” Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung | Neuschwanstein Castle | Tourist Information, www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/.

“History - Hofbräuhaus.” History - Hofbräuhaus, www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/history.html.

“Munich Churches and Cathedral.”

World Guides

インドネシアのジョグジャカルタから3名のゲストを招いています。2月1日の夜はバサラハウスにて、パフォーマンスやフード提供などを行います。ASPのダイニングのように、訪れるさまざまなおしゃべりする時間になりそうです。 お昼（12：00－15：00）は、おそろしい的中率だというタロット占いも行います。 なぜこのチームを呼んだのか、下に書いてます。 We (yu), artist in residence space and planning team, have invited 3 artists from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We will have the event at night on 1st Feb., including their performance and special fusion foods at Basara House. In daytime, tarot reading session will be held at same place. （つづく↓）