You could say the first city I visited in Germany was Munich since it's where our plane landed.  As airports go, it was impressive–stylish, modern, A-list retailers and easy to navigate.  But it was hardly the Munich I'd get to see when returning three weeks later for a quick road trip–

It began with a two-hour train ride–the first of many, I imagine.  For only €31 ($41.58), up to five passengers can ride on the same ticket anywhere throughout Bavaria for the entire day (including bus and subways).

February 24, 2012.  Munich is the third largest city in Germany, the capital of Bavaria.  According to Wikipedia, München is derived from Old High German, Munichen, literally meaning "by the monk's place;"  Monks of the Benedictine order founded the city.

Steps of Feldherrnhalle in Northern Old Town, Munich.  Sitting in front of a monument to the Bavarian army (designed by sculptor Ferdinand von Miller in 1892) and situated between statues of two stone lions and bronze casts of Count Johann Tilly and Karl Phillip von Wrede, Bavarian field marshals after whom the hall was named.
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Munich's charm, history, energy and distinguished architecture left my jaw dragging, tale-tell mark of virgin tourist.  Best seen on foot, Munich invites a sensory feast, and I walked around like kid in a candy store.  My spirit applauded everything I saw, heard, tasted, touched…and (sometimes) smelled.

I'm going to keep words to a minimum and let the pictures do the talking; if you'd like to know more about them, just mention the number in comments and I'll fill you in on the details.

1.

I didn't get the name of this building but the painting at its pinnacle is stunning; especially against the backdrop of an unexpected gift,
a cerulean February sky. 

2.
Fresh flowers – reasonably priced and beautiful show; always the perfect gift for someone special (even if your someone special is YOU!).

3. One of two statues at the entrance of Deutsches Jagd- und Fischereimuseum, the German Hunting and Fishing Museum located in a former Augustinian church.  Made me think of Pumba. 

 4.

Karlstor (Karl's Gate), western entrance to Old Town. 

 5.

All facing one direction – towards the sun – friends meet and strangers congregate every afternoon for a coffee or drink in Marianplatz.

6.
The Baroque Theatinerkirche, impossible to capture
its magnificence in a photograph. 

7.
In Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus aka New Town Hall, where you can see almost life-size figures enact a joust and perform the Dance of the Coopers.  Very touristy, but you must see this is you're here.

8.
Gorgeous and expensive, I love these pewter cups, mugs and steins. 

9. 
Cuckoo clocks might be kitschy, but goodness…I will *have* to have one before we head home for good!

10.

German bedding is one of the biggest differences we've discovered since arrival; there's no such thing as a king-sized bed in the American sense–there are always two twins pushed together!  At our hotel, we needed two twins, anyway, and their linens were wonderful and mattresses extremely comfortable.  Germans use duvets and covers in contrast to spreads or blankets…another little surprise to learn.

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There's so much to show and tell, I think I'll break this down into a few posts.  If you have questions, please ask!  All of this is a learning experience for me and I'd love to share what little I know with you!  Keep those cards and letters coming (or comments and emails 😉 ); it's nice to know the world IS small after all {smile}.