As with all blogs, the personality of this can only be decided as I start to write.
I am starting this blog 4 months after moving to Munich for a 1 +1 year assignment for work. Muenchen Germany (pronounced with a long 'u" not like munch-kin) is the 3rd biggest city in Germany with 1.3 million people. It is in the Bavarian region, which is a very significant part of the culture here. Best known for Oktoberfest, Lederhosen and Dirndls, it is actually the history and modern culture I find fascinating.
The short of it: Munich is literally meaning "the place, or city, of monks". The Roman empire sent the monks to Bavaria, before it came under the control of Kings, such as the most famously known LudwigII (Fact: Ludwig II was a shopaholic. He loved castles). It then became integrated into the rest of Germany and it is modern city we now know. Because of this historical Monk tradition, it probably does not surprise you that the Bavarian region on Germany is majority Catholic. The North is mostly Protestant. One North/South distinction, so I have heard, is drinking beer or wine. Believe it or not (and you will hear debate about this), the beer culture started with the Monks! It was almost like food, a very important part of the culture and diet. Beer gardens, like Andechs, is a good example of this. Beer here is not designed for binge drinking (except during Oktoberfest), like in the US, but rather is about the same price as water at restaurants and a regular beverage for all. I am still working on finding my favorite.
German is the official language. Many times Bavarian is also spoken. Apparently Munich has a strong accent, quite different from the rest of Germany. Many people (but not all) know English, but sometimes that really is and sometimes really is not helpful. It is really best I continue to study the language and hope to speak it more frequently. It is hard too after not studying much of anything for a good 6 years!
I am living in the area known as "Schwabing". This is a nice area, with several "expats" known to reside in the trendy area. Biking is not exercise here, but mostly the best transportation option. I bought a city bike to travel around town. If you ever visit, I highly recommend renting one! Although, for rainy days the Ubahn and tram system(s) are quite efficient and nice.
Main city locations from my short experience: English Garden (one of the largest urban parks in the world), The beginning of the Alps (including Fuessen and the famous Neuschwanstein), Marienplatz (the city center with Glockenspiel), the River Isar, and the Olympic Park (2018 Olympic bid pending). Lederhosen and Dirndls are worn as daily wear too...and NO they are NOT "costumes". They are just outfits.
Munich is a great family city, very clean, and sadly contrasts my American tastes- all stores close promptly at 8:00 in the evening. This last part has been annoying and sometimes causes a scheduling challenge, but has started to put me into more of a planning mode. Simplicity is something I am working on, and also trying to master the science and art of "ordnung" (order) and being exactly on time. No wonder I see so many clocks and watches here!
I think something I also enjoy is the focus on the environment. The view, as I have seen it, is not something that is "encouraged" or "needs to be done", but is just done out of respect for one"s own place, and the place for those around them. Generally, just be responsible and do not be wasteful. Example) recycling bins on corner blocks, it is just done. Example) No paper bags really are found at stores (convenience, grocery, etc. Department stores are different), and you are charged for plastic bags. Thus, you bring your own reusable bag, or you pay. That becomes a hassle, so I just reuse a bag or throw a small cloth one in my purse in case I need anything throughout the day. So simple, and I just love it. This is something I hope more people will adopt...not to be cool or trendy, but because it is so obvious and simple, and saves the environment at the same time.
I know some of you are craving more facts and statistics, some more juicy stories. But those will evenutally be thrown in!
This post was mostly as an FYI.... but for now, it is Freitag, and time to go enjoy meine Wochende (my weekend).
Auf Wiedersehen!
www.munich.de
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