At large in Munich
Werksviertel District in Munich
When the Oldies pitched up in Munich, I soon realised that almost everything here is on a much larger scale than I am used to. For a start, the Werksviertel where we were staying, is an enormous complex of buildings on the old Pfanni factory grounds.
I’d never heard of it before, but this potato dumpling manufacturer is apparently a household name in Germany. The old works are now being converted and many new buildings added. The plan is to create a whole new quarter, with hotels, offices, apartments, restaurants, leisure and recreational areas. Still very much a work in progress, it promises to become quite the ‘in’ place to be.
I was glad to see that there are already plenty of restaurants and bars, some in the old factory works, some in ultra-modern buildings, some in funky, graffiti-festooned containers. It’s all very reminiscent of the LX Factory in Lisbon, but on a much larger scale. And thankfully, with all these eateries offering both local and international cuisine, there’s a lot more than just spuds on offer!
I was delighted with the fantastic views of the city from our 20th floor apartment, and amused to be able to peek into the cabins of the Ferris wheel not far from our windows. But I nearly fell off my perch with shock when I realised that the flat roof of the building far below us was laid out as a farm, complete with sheep and hens! I’d heard of rooftop gardens, but I’d never seen a rooftop farm before.
We also overlooked the Ostbahnhof, so His Lordship, with his passion for trains, was in seventh heaven. In fact, he was like a little kid who had just been given a 1:1 scale train set for his birthday! Her Ladyship and I had quite a job to drag Himself away from his ‘toys’ to go and explore the Altstadt, the old town centre.
I was immediately struck by how quiet the city centre was. There was certainly a lot less traffic than I would have expected. It’s good to see that the efficient German traffic calming measures appear to be working. I also noticed how many buildings have been renovated, giving them the appearance of being ancient but pristine at the same time. But I suppose that’s not surprising, after the bombing of the city in WWII.
The modern facades have a certain appeal too.
Those iconic pepper pot towers of the Frauenkirche are not to be sneezed at either!
The Viktualienmarkt was a feast for the eyes – and the beak. Wow, the smells of all that wonderful food in this lovely old market were tantilising! Predictably, the Oldies just had to grab a drink in the beer garden, and once again, I noticed that things aren’t done by half measures around here.
I think Her Ladyship overreached herself when she ordered this Maß – a full litre of beer. I wasn’t sure if she was going to drink it or go for a swim in it! I wished she’d gone for the extra large-sized Brezel to go with it, though. These wonderful knots of soft, salty bread are soooo delicious!
Being the season that was in it, there was no end of coloured eggs at the market. Normal sized for once – these are hens eggs, hard-boiled then dyed. The poor things!
When it came to chocolate rabbits, though, we were off the scales again.
And you’d be right off the scales if you ate all that chocolate!
