Munich Trip

After my manager asked me to go to Munich for some training in a week, there was no time left for preparation. Purchased bag, some clothes and I was ready in no time. But I dint get the credit card, nor any euros for the travel. So I landed in Munich without cent in my pocket.

Characters:

From our site 4 people had went which was unusually big.

Raghuram, who had been to Berlin & other places was there. Even though he will be calm normally he appeared restless and in a hurry as he was to leave to US in a week.

Sandhya from System Verification Janatha, had come for her first abroad trip just like me. Very composed, always walking tall(?!) with measured steps, and a big smile.

Manu who had already visited US, Nigeria which makes 2 difference continents had knowhow of the general abroad visits. But he was also first time in Europe.

I, myself was in a first trip abroad, making a debut in air travel. Very happy in unusual way, very chirpy throughout the trip which is not my normal tendency. Murmuring the songs of all seasons and tongues (known).

The City:

We landed in Munich at night 9.00 on Sunday. It was rainy evening but unlike India the natural light gave a impression of the 6.00 evening. By the time we reached hotel Germany had defeated Australia 4-0 in the FIFA WC. There was the buzz of the WC throughout our stay as Europe follows it eagerly.

In the morning from my room I could see the greenery which is very rare in B'lore

When we walked down the street in the morning we could see greenery all over. Roads are broad as in all over, but the city was noticeably calm, quiet. There was rain in the air and light wind breezing across made the atmosphere cool. And it was summer in Germany so the temperature was above 13 C. Travelling was easy as there were trains every minute on the same track.

The people in the station, in the train were all reading some or the other things while We were the only fellows who were talking. Mocking ourself, applauding the punctuality. There was time for every one and no one was in a hurry. They were ready to help with the very minimal English they know. Every one will wait for the signal in the road regardless if any vehicle is crossing or not. Pedestrians had more respect and all places were virtually horn free zones.

There was a sense of calmness all around the place, reminiscent partially of Mysore. The river Isar was flowing across, which we crossed multiple times. The red blended river was similar my Bhadra river. Most of the buildings were older, except my company and near by places which were new. The buildings said to be re-build in the way it was present pre-WW II era, after the city was destroyed of the war. Munich is the capital of Bavaria. They said that there are very big brewery in the city and it would spread the aroma to entire city, but it was not in this time of year. Also the river would carry that smell along with the color.

We went to the Englischer Garten which was a big park. We were in search of Beer garden which eventually could not find. The place was calm as usual with the river flowing as a stream throughout the garden. There were big trees, which I was very enthusiastic to climb but could not as there was no enough support. We got lost in the park in search of the Beer garden, We stood in front of the Map indicating the places but could not make what is our position itself as it was completly in German .We then went to see the surfing in one of the corners. The river stream was just some 5 feet high, after hitting probably a rock but it was enough for them to make it as a surfers spot. It was amazing how they utilized such a small resource and covert it for their recreation.

Sandhya & Manu were eager to travel in the Tram, as we had never been in. So eventhough there was no need to travel we took the trip to next stop and came back. The only unconquered thing remaining was to travel in the bus. This was one of the Test cases pending for Sandhya which got succeeded when we went to the castle.

Every day (for 4 days) we went around the city and came across some how to Marien platz. We had named it M.G Road as it had many shops. We had actually had our naming to each station we went like Ostbahnhof was the Majestic for us.

The Food:

As all the four of us were vegetarians so we had problem in the city particularly in the afternoon.

Chapathi the saviour:

I had taken some 20 Chapathis to Munich and it was the after noon lunch for 3 days & dinner on the day of arrival.

Ganesha Restaurant:
Raghu had went earlier and booked for us the Ganesha restaurant. It was the dinner place for us which served delicious food. I still cant believe We payed 12.60 Euro for each Tali. But it actually served the days food.

Nane Nala :

I had taken cooker and some ingredients to cook, and I was eager to cook as well. But no one else was interested.Manu had bought electric cooker and these 2 were the only utensils we had, and when I and Raghu requested with the hotel to provide they told us we are not allowed to cook and we silently came back to room.

Some how all the 3 expected the water fall model in this too, where the developer delivers(cooks) while they were ready to test.

I did the rice on the first day and we ate with with the puliyogre mix we had.

The second day I made the rice again, while Manu did the rasam in his electric cooker which was not enough while we managed some how.

The best part of the second day dinner was Manu had bought 'curds' which every one thought will eat. It eventually turned out to be 'flavored strawberry jogurt'. I didn't risk that while Sandhya and Manu te(a)sted with that.

As we dint had utensils to cook & every one preferred the Ganesha so the idea of cooking was dropped.