Bye Bye Mountains

Time to say good bye to GaPa and the stunning mountain scenery. We boarded a train this morning after checking out of our amazing apartment, and headed back to Munich. We chose to travel first class again, primarily because it provided more room, less people...and because we could. However, I accidentally clicked on a discount fare for the tickets. When the "ticket checker person" came around, she asked me to show her my discount card - which I did not have. Oops! She was very nice and explained to me what to "click" next time. I was very apologetic and grateful for her kindness. Being polite, patient and smiling does go a long way, perhaps...or maybe it was the gray-haired lady travelling with me! haha.

Today was the coolest day we have experienced during our entire trip...only about 16 degrees Celsius. Glad I had some layers today. It's all about the layers when travelling. Our train journey took 90 minutes and once to Munich Main Station (Munchen), we were just a 4 minute walk away from our hotel for the next 2 nights: Marc Munchen. To our delight, our rooms were ready and it was only 10:30 a.m. - that almost never happens! We got settled in our rooms and then headed out to explore the Old Town area thru the pedestrian walk to Marienplatz and the surrounding area.

It seemed to get more windy and cooler, so we decided to duck into a restaurant for lunch near the Cathedral (The Church of Our Lady in Munich). This was probably the worst meal of our trip. Roasted pork and stuffed potato dumplings with dark beer gravy and coleslaw. Sounds good on paper - but it was not the best, except for the gravy. No worries - gelato helped filled the void.

We then went for a visit to the Royal Residences - which has been a political and cultural centre for Dukes, Electors and Kings from various family dynasties over the years since the 17th Century. Admission to the Residences was 10 euros for me and 9 euros for the senior traveller. The Residences were furnished with 'over the top' opulence of decor and art. I have a "shelf life" when it comes to museums. I am usually "done" around 90 minutes. It was interesting to see all the different rooms throughout the palace, especially the Antiquarium, the Ancestral Gallery and the Grotto Room (look closely - all made from shells)

Busy afternoon considering it was a travel day, so we headed back to the hotel for a relaxation break and chill time. Someone may have needed a power nap...not me! We went to a nearby restaurant for dinner - much better meal this time. It was time to call it a day after that so we could get a good night's sleep and be rested and ready for tomorrow's adventures.

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