A little less of meatloaf and a lot more of Schnitzel Part 2

My last day in Munich, I wake up with the same pain. I gingerly try to move my leg around, hoping the pain won’t be as great as yesterday. I am able to move my leg, so it seems like an improvement. I continue sitting on the couch, massaging my leg, willing it to heal immediately. After a while, I get up, pack up all my stuff, take a shower and get ready.

I had planned to go to Starnberger See or Lake Starnberg. Andrea highly recommended this place. And luckily, it was a sunny day. I decide to grab breakfast before I board the train. I had been noticing this little Bakery called Aumüller last few days. It had such decadent looking desserts in their display window and every time I saw it, it reminded me of a friend who absolutely loves desserts and wished I could take some back home for him. I ordered a Kürbissemmel and a quarkbällchen. Kürbissemmel is nothing but a sandwich. The tough part was deciding which one. They had so many varieties. I finally chose one with veggies and salami.  Quarkbällchen is a sweet, doughy ball topped with some sugar dust. While I was sitting there and eating, a pigeon entered the store. My nightmare!! One of the women at the bakery was as scared as me and couldn’t decide whether to scream and hide or to protect all the lovely stuff from pigeon feathers and droppings. Both the women quickly covered all with sheets of paper and went and hid in an internal room.

The poor pigeon was more scared and confused than any of us. Trying so hard to fly out, but bumping into the glass and not understanding what was wrong. Apart from me, there were couple of regular patrons of the bakery in there. I felt they were regulars because of the comfort I noticed between them and the ladies working there. One of them, an elderly gentleman went and grabbed the pigeon and walked out of the store. On his way out, he must have noticed my tiny little eyes which had widened as big as saucers out of fear, and for fun he thrusts the pigeon into my face. I scream so loud that I think the poor pigeon might have gone deaf.  On his way back in, the man ruffles my hair like I am a little kid. The last time someone did that to me was a friend long long ago. Actually, not too long ago, but circumstances make it feel like that. I fall into a gloom thinking about it, but next second I pull myself back up. This isn’t the time to shed tears over anything. ANYTHING. I had promised myself this new year (thanks to an extremely sucky new year’s eve) that 2015 will be about myself. I will go get what makes me happy. Being happy was the only goal. So time to weed out everything slowly but steadily that push me the other way. I do lose track of it sometimes but thankfully not for too long.  So, I smile at the lady and pay my bill.

I was still greedy but all the other desserts were just too big for me to finish. So, I choose a marmorkuchen to take it along with me. A soft gooey slice of chocolate cake. I take the S6 and reach the lake.  It’s a beautiful sight. The lake lies in a glacial hollow and was created by ice age glaciers from the Alps. I walked around a bit, took pictures of the snowcapped Alps, and bought a few souvenirs. You could book yourself in one of those fancy ferries which would take you around the lake for most of the morning and you can wine and dine soaking in the sun. But, I hadn’t known of this and even if I had, I would have not chosen it. I am sure it costed a bomb. Andrea had recommended a restaurant called Undosa by the lakeside. She said the food wasn’t great but its view was the best. She was right. It had a great view. I didn’t bother ordering any food but ordered myself a lemon beer which was one of my favourite discoveries. I know all the beer lovers would hate me for it, but I loved it. So, sue me! A pint of beer was a whopping 3.40 euros. Hopefully I will have a better beer drinking experience in Berlin and Hamburg. Well, it is me who is unable to go out looking for the right places. And, I will probably enjoy it more if it wasn’t emptying my pockets and draining my blood.

 I sat sipping my beer and penning down my thoughts. The sun was warm and bright. First time since I left India, I wasn’t shivering. It was so warm that my legs were burning and I was tempted to take off my stockings. It’s so funny. People back home were jealous that I had escaped the crazy Indian summer, only for me here, to run to the sun every chance I get.

By now I knew that I won’t be able to see all the sites of Munich. But, I wasn’t going to stress. I was enjoying the view so much. Loving the fact that I wasn’t doing anything. A few years ago, a very good friend of mine who has known me for years was visiting us. He had stayed over at my place for 3 days, at the end of which he asked me, “Deepi, have you ever sat down for a minute doing nothing? Not even thinking about what work you have to finish next?” Murthy, in case you are reading this, it’s you. J  And, I really didn’t know what he was talking about. I haven’t really known what it is to relax in life. There have been a few friends, who tend to make me forget all the worries and just enjoy the moment, but then again not for too long. But, now I got what he was asking. Not a single thought crossed my head. Just watching the clear sky, the snow capped mountains, feeling the sun on my skin and tasting the lemony beer on my tongue. So content in the moment. So content being by myself.

After a while I decide to head back. At the train station the ticket vending machine isn’t working properly. I struggle for a while when a lady offers to come help me. While doing that she misses her train. I felt so guilty because the trains to and from Starnberger are only once every 25 minutes. I apologized to her a few times and then sat waiting for my train.  I see sparrows all over the track and the station and I am so so happy. I haven’t seen one in India for years now. These birds who used to nest right outside my house through my childhood have almost disappeared.

I decide to go to hauptbahnhof which is the main railway station of Munich. I had to buy a sim card and a converter plug or whatever that thing is called. You know what I am talking about right? If you don’t doesn’t matter. Don’t have the patience to elaborate. I go pick up a sim card for 20 euros. At the electronic store while buying the converter I have one of the funniest conversations. The thing I wanted was for 40 euros, and I laugh out loud. Tell the guy there is no way I am spending so much money. But, I had to buy something because my surface (stupid Microsoft) had that straight pin like plug and I could not plug into the German sockets which are like our Indian sockets. And, I had to charge my surface because, all my pics from camera will have to go into it for me to free some space. So, he finally shows me something for 12 Euros. I thank, pay and as I am going out, he tells me that I am beautiful. As I am already in a good and hyper mood (which I am almost always in) I tell him that I am not and he just finds my skin colour exotic. He tells me that he knows a few Indians and my skin colour isn’t something new for him, but he really finds me beautiful and has a feeling that I am a very interesting person. Oh you European men!!!! If someone would have said this to me in India, I would have labeled that person as a creep. But, here it sounded so charming. Shame on you Deepika!!! I giggle, tell him that’s something he will never find out and leave.

I take a train and get back to Marienplatz and Hello google maps!!! I go to Altes-Rathaus first. Nothing to see or do much here, except for a toy museum and I wasn’t interested in wasting my time and money on that. Next I went to Peterskirche or St.Peter’s church.  This is the oldest church in Munich and has a viewing platform which can be reached after climbing 306 steps. Normally I wouldn’t have even thought twice before climbing up but thanks to my still slightly aching leg, I decide to let go. If you know me even a bit, you should know how tough that was for me to do. The church itself is beautiful. I sit for a while enjoying the gothic paintings, letting the calm wash over me.

For the last two days I had been noticing this church right next to Altes-Rathaus. I didn’t know which one was it and the door was always closed. Now I noticed they were wide open and my map told me it was Marienkirche. It’s absolutely gorgeous. St.Maria’s church, I lost myself here. I don’t know how long I sat here for. I felt light, like I had nothing inside me. No sadness, fear, self-doubt. I am an agnostic and have literally run from anything religious most of my adult life. Probably because my family background is of hard core religious fanatics which has completely put me off this topic or maybe that’s who I am. But, this place, nothing like what I have felt before. I lit a few candles. One at a tiny altar on the side which looked like it had something to do with kids. I prayed for my son, prayed that I would be a good mother, prayed to take away all the happiness in my life if that would mean making his life the best. I couldn’t help it and started tearing up, all the babies around weren’t helping me feel any better. I decided to get out and grab something to eat.

I wanted to go to atleast to one of the places on my list before I left Munich and thanks to the maps now I could look for them and I decide to go to Andechser am Dom. While walking towards it I come across the official merchandise store of Bayern Munich. I think about picking up some gifts for my football crazy friends but then I remind myself that this trip is about me and I will not/should not think about wasting my time and money on gifts for others. (No offense fellas! I still love you all!)

I reach the restaurant and my luck, my luck. Their famous roast lamb wasn’t available that day. I order a schnitzel with a side of salad and red berry compote and a glass of Lager to wash it down. Don’t think much about the schnitzel, never been a fan of deep fried stuff. The salad and the red berry compote was to die for. I enjoyed the meal for the longest time, slowly drinking, eating while reading GOT on my Kindle.

There was a pair of extremely handsome men sitting across me and after a while, we obviously give each other a polite smile. I get up to go to the washroom and bump into one of them on my way. I get this bright smile and a Hallo! I smile and wish back and then he starts talking. I don’t understand a word. I apologize that I don’t know German. We stand around for another few seconds wondering if there’s a way around it. Nothing. We smile, shrug and move on. Damn! Damn!

I am in my new boots and as always, shoe bite starts troubling me. I am unable to walk, and decide to buy band aid to make it a little comfortable. I go to a medical store and buy the smallest box of Hansaplast for 4 Euros!! That is 280 bucks INR!!! I was kicking myself for not carrying it along with me from India. Well, lesson learnt. Right outside the medical store I see this cute letter box. Love letters only. How adorable is that?!! I think about dropping a love letter to all the people I love, family and friends. But then realize I might end up paying a bomb for the postal charges. So, you all know I love you right? Don't need to waste my hard earned money over it. :p

Move on to Residenzmuseum. It’s already 3 o’clock and the place shuts down at 5. At the ticket counter, the man suggests I don’t take the combination ticket as I won’t have the time to see it all. If you really want to enjoy Residenz Palace, you have to put aside a whole day for it. Then he asks me if I am a student, so that I could avail a discount. I tell him, I wasn’t and give him the money for a ticket. He gives me back more change than I should get, and when I look up to him he smiles and says, “You look student.” I smile and thank him, pick up my audio guide and start the tour.

The Residenz palace was the Wittelsbach’s residence. This was heavily bombed in World War 2 but most of it was restored, well the work continues even now. You can take a look at how the royalties lived. Absolutely worth it. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Everything is just splendid. In the last room I met this Lebanese guy, staff of Residenz and he just won’t stop talking. I guess they are bored standing in one room all day, so I humored him for a while. But, after some time I start getting worried, he won’t let me go. I somehow escape him and head out.

 Last stop Asamkirche. Asam Church was built as a private church by the brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam.  But, due to pressure from the public, they had to open it to all. This place is loud and garish. Bright gold everywhere. A recorded organ music plays in the background which makes it seem even more crowded. Claustrophobic.  I am more than happy to get out and get home.  Couple of months ago when I had decided to do this trip, I had bought tickets for Romeo and Juliet at The Munich State Opera. I need to get ready and be there on time. Germans are known for their punctuality and I didn’t want to miss the ballet I had been so looking forward to. I am hungry now, after the long walk all afternoon, but decide to eat something post the opera.

I rush home, change quickly into a white dress. Andrea and I decide to take a picture of ourselves as there would be no time after the Opera and I had an early morning flight. We set the camera on auto mode and click a few. Andrea offers to walk me to the Opera to show me the way. We just about make it on time. I get in a few seconds before they close the doors.

Like I said earlier, I bought the tickets a couple months before the actual trip. So, I was behaving even more miserly then, than I was at the vacation. I bought the cheapest ticket for 8.50 euros.  The seating arrangement was online and I could select my seat. It was all in German and I asked couple of friends who knew Munich and understood German to help me out. Still. Epic fail. I picked up the Rang or the ring which is on either side above the stage instead of the gallery which is far back but facing the stage. More than everything, I should have spent another 5 Euros and bought a sitting ticket than standing. First, I couldn’t see more than half of the stage, second my feet hurt walking all day and now standing.  But whatever I could see, splendid, splendid, splendid. I could feel my heart soaring with the music and I wanted to jump up with the actors. What an amazing performance. During the interval I want to eat the chocolate cake I still had packed from my breakfast today but am too embarrassed. After the interval, when we go back in, most people have not come back for the show or have been locked out. So, I get a place much higher up and closer to the center and now I can almost see the whole stage. 

But, life had other plans for me. I start feeling hot, not the sexy kind, but the break out into a sweat and pass out kind. And, I know I am going to pass out. I try really hard to clear my head, move a bit and continue. But, after a while I know I am going to faint any moment. So, I get down one step and sit. Can’t see the stage. Missing the performance, so get up and go back to my place again but have to give up soon and sit down. Missed the last 15 minutes of the ballet. I guess that’s good. I would have bawled my eyes out watching Romeo and Juliet die. 

On my way out, I see the others from the audience. Just like in the movies. Beautifully dressed women and men all suited up getting back into their chauffeur driven cars or cabs, which by the way are quite expensive. I walk back home through dingy alleys but didn’t get worried even for a second. My phone is switched off and I can’t check the map for my way back home but I couldn’t give two hoots about that. There is a beautiful breeze blowing and I come across a restaurant full of fun looking young people, almost consider stopping for a meal. But, I think it would be prudent to go home and catch up on some sleep and be ready for the next city and adventure.

Overall I was quite happy with my three days in Munich. I did as much as I could and had a great time. I am looking forward to coming here again. This time for a longer duration. I want to go hiking in the Black Forest, go to the Alps, and visit Dachau concentration camp and Neuschwanstein Castle. 

Till we meet again Munchen. Tschau!!

A little less of Meatloaf and a lot more of Schnitzel Part 1

I hate this!! Sunrise at 3?!!! Day 2 in Munich starts at 3 a.m. for me. It’s too bright and Andrea has thin curtains. I am someone who can’t sleep if there is a single ray of light in the room and this was as bright as a day out in the sun. Dull German day at that. I kept forcing myself to sleep and kept dozing in and out. Finally giving up at 5, I sat down to do the planning for the day. I took snapshots of the map for all the locations I wanted to go today, which were the Dachau concentration camp and the Nymphenburg Palace. And, because I like to overachieve, I would try and see Residenz palace and all the other sites still due.

When I finally get ready to leave, Andrea opens up her cupboard and shows me this whole rack of clothes which she doesn’t fit into anymore. She claims that she has a flabby midriff now and her old jackets don’t fit her anymore. Now, I totally understood the weird looks I get when I talk about working out to get a fitter body and whine about not being bikini ready. Andrea is as skinny as me and tinier.  I had no clue of what flab she was talking about. She wanted me to take all her warm clothing with me as even Berlin and Hamburg, my next two destinations were going to be as cold as Munich.

I thank her and tell her that, even if I would love to take all those stylish jackets, I cannot. I do not have the space to carry them and once back in India, no chance to use them. I pick a simple light brown fur lined short jacket. I am looking great again, only if there was someone to take my picture.

I decide to grab something to eat before I start for the day. I walk down to the main street where I had noticed a Doner kebab or Doner kebap (Turkish) stand. This was on my list of “to dos”in Munich. I was the first customer of the day and the only one at that moment.

 Doner Kebaps are buns or pita bread/flat bread stuffed with slices of meat which are slow cooked on a vertical rotisserie with a few sauces, pickles and vegetables.  Seeing that I am Indian, he automatically made a chicken Doner for me. I noticed it too late. Can’t believe I didn’t ask for the beef Doner. But, this was absolutely delicious. A generous helping of soft slices of meat lavishly doused with sauces and vegetables stuffed in a soft bun. I relished each and every bite of it.

The owner Sabah came and joined me at my table and started asking about India. He wanted to know the cost of living, the rentals and how much he would be able to sell the Kebaps in India for. Well, I gave him a general idea of what it would be like in Hyderabad, which is one of the cheapest metros to live in.  Sabah was ecstatic to hear the differences. His stand is in an approximately 4 by 8 space and he pays €4000 a month which translates into ₹2,8000. For that amount you can rent a fancy space uptown in Hyderabad, and Sabah was sure he would be a millionaire here. I didn’t want to burst his bubble and just spoke about his home and family which was back in Iran. He took my contact details and promised to get in touch soon to open a chain of Doner kebap stands in India. 

After the delicious and interesting breakfast, I walked towards the Isartor subway station and bought a ticket for S2, which goes to Dachau. At the platform, I am confused about which train to take. So, the same train (line) runs in the two opposite directions, that is towards the two last stations at the opposite ends within a few minutes of each other. I forgot to check the last station when I bought my ticket, as that's the name displayed on the board before the train arrives. Now, it's too late. I don't know which train to board and I can't see one happy/friendly face which would make me comfortable enough to ask. I just jump into the one which comes first. Its a long ride and I am absolutely enjoying the view. It's like out of a postcard. I actually saw a flock of sheep grazing on lush green farm. Gorgeous houses. Wish I could live here. (Strike 3) I was recently speaking to a friend about retirement (his, not mine. I am looking forward to a long, active, crazy life) and I think this would be perfect for him. I try taking pictures, but the train is moving too fast. 

After a while, the train comes to a stop and I realize that it is the last stop. Congratulations Deepi Rao!! You got into the wrong train!! Great! Fantastic job! Now, there is no way you can see Nymphenburg palace and Dachau today. 

I continue sitting like an idiot in that empty train. I am scared too because I do not have ticket for the other way. I could have just bought a full day ticket and made my life simpler, but the smarty pants that I am, I decide not to. The train starts again and I alight at Isartor, go back up, buy tickets for S8 to Munchen-Liam, the closest station to Nymphenburg. When I come back to the platform, I realize that the train I had just alighted was the one I could have gone on. I want to kick myself, but as a friend very aptly said, "Trials and tribulations of a new country." Anyways, off I go. At Munchen-Liam, I ask a young girl the way to Nymphenburg, she had one of the most warmest smiles I have ever seen and beautiful brown eyes. She points to the left and tells me to walk a bit and then take a bus.I tell her that she is gorgeous, and has the prettiest eyes. I get a bigger smile and a big DANKE!! Feeling extremely happy I walk down the stairs and into a small but colorful tunnel filled with music played by a street musician. I stop, take a few pics and videos of him and walk on.

The Liam bus stop is around 2 mins walk away. I reach the bus stop and am confused again. You see, I am quite dyslexic when it comes to directions and Germany driving on the other side of the road, left me a mess while trying to figure out which side of the road I have to board my bus on. I ask a man sitting at the bus stop, the first and only unfriendly person I met in Germany. He grunts and points at the board where all the bus numbers were written. It obviously doesn't help because I don't know which bus number to take. I look at his face and decide I would prefer to board the wrong bus than ask him again. Luckily another passenger comes to the stop and I ask him. He tells me I am at the wrong bus stop and need to go to the one a little further away and take bus no.51 to Hirschgartenallee and then walk upto Nymphenburg. I thank, move on and without any further adventures reach Nymphenburg.

The first sight which greets you is the little pond with ducks and majestic white swans with the palace in the background. I was warned by a friend that the birds there were famous for chasing and biting visitors. I prayed to god that I didn't become the subject of such a video popping up in the future. And, if I did, the cameraman would give me a copy so I could share and laugh at it before others do. But, no birds hated me today. I got some lovely pictures (for my capabilities) Unfortunately, the palace was under restoration( most of the buildings in the city were), and so I couldn't get a complete picture of the palace. I walked leisurely and walked into the main building and bought a ticket for 11.50 Euros. This gave me access to the central pavilion, the northern and southern wings, the palace gardens and the garden pavilions.

The palace was the favorite summer residence of rulers of Bavaria. The palace was built by the Italian designer Agostino Barelli in 1664. The central pavilion was finished in 1675 and was later redesigned by Joseph Effner into French baroque style in 1716. Most of the rooms still show their baroque decorations while others were redesigned into rococo or neoclassical styles. 

The Steinerner Saal/Stone hall with its ceiling frescoes and decorations are a breathtaking sight. The central fresco is Helios in a chariot surrounded by other gods. The side walls have murals in rococo style, with their prominent ornate decorations and the use of gold. I might have taken atleast 20 pictures of each painting. None could do justice. This was like my Himalayan trek last year. The best of the cameras, lenses or cameraman cannot compare to the beauty you see with your eyes. Well, I had to choose and delete most of the pictures as I wouldn't have enough memory in my camera. 

The southern pavilion hosts the famous "gallery of beauties", of Ludwig I of Bavaria. Here 36 paintings of the most beautiful women of Munich, from all social classes are portrayed. The painting which caught my eye was of Helene Sedlmayr and Cornelia Vetterlein. I wrote their name down in my evernote so that I can look them up later. Not surprisingly, Helen is one of the most famous paintings in the gallery. She was a shoemaker's daughter who used to supply toys to Ludwig's children and later married his the alet of his royal carriage and HAD 10 CHILDREN!!!!! I tried taking a picture of the painting but the light wasn't good and you can't use a flash.

Gallery of Beauties

Cornelia

Did I just put myself into the gallery of beauty? Humble much?

The Northern pavilion houses the Chapel and The Hubertus Hall which is used for concerts.

Once you have seen the main building, you would come out into the garden. This garden was once Italian, rearranged in french style and then again in English manner. It has a central water channel and is decorated by Greek and Roman gods on both sides and a cascade. Some of the gods present a very disturbing picture. the prominent ones being an extremely emaciated woman and a god with his tongue wrapped around an infant. On either sides of the gardens are the park palaces. On the left side are Amalienburg, Badenburg and Marstallmuseum and on the right are Pagodenburg and Magdalenenklause. 

The Amalienburg was built as a hunting lodge for Maria Amalia in 1739. This has the most deceptive outward appearance. Looks noble and simple from outside only to turn into one of the most exquisite creations inside. The central pavilion is the large salon or "Hall of mirrors". The dominant colours of this room being silver, off white and light blue. A grand chandelier decorates the centre of the room. The alternation of mirrors, doors and windows is very clever and gives the room an appearance of "without any boundaries". 

The bedroom or the yellow room is also richly decorated with wall carvings in painted silver on lemon yellow background. 

I want that bed

The dog and gun room has hunting scenes painted in blue on a white background. The pictures in a group of fours reminded me of the various families of Game of thrones. I present to you, House Baratheon and House Stark. Knowing R.R.Martin's crazy (and so hated) twists, the other two might be the surprise in season 6.

My favourite room here was the Electress's kitchen. The blue and white Chinese decorations give it an exotic air. This kitchen was used for events away from the main Palace. I stood for a while, imagining how awesome it would be plan and cook a meal in here. The beautiful open space outside perfect to have my loved ones gather while I torture them with all my experiments. Well, of course, first I will throw in all the regular gadgets one has in their kitchen nowadays.

Next, I walked upto Badenburg. There are sign posts telling you the way, so its very convenient. The walk through to the garden palaces are as picturesque as they can be. A stream flowing through with nests of ducks and little ducklings waddling around. Beautiful lush green tress on both sides of the walkway. I don't remember feeling so at peace and ecstatic at the same time. Being so content all by myself. Didn't need another person to make me smile.

Badenburg was the bath house. The main hall or the banqueting hall has some magnificent ceiling frescoes. The elector's chambers here are fitted with Chinese wall papers in all the rooms but unfortunately, due to lack of light again, I couldn't really take good pictures.

The bath has dutch tiles and a gallery. Here too, you can take a look at it only from a small area in the gallery.

Next I was confused whether to walk to Marstallmuseum which was on the same side of the park or cross over to the right side to the other two park palaces. There are distances written along with the sign boards. I decide to go to the other side as I can see Marstallmuseum in the end and exit the palace.

It was a long but beautiful walk to Pagodenburg. Couples sitting on benches by the lakeside. People jogging/walking. If I had a Schloss to go for a run in everyday, all the haters wouldn't have had a chance to crack jokes on my non athleticism.

Pagodenburg as the name suggests is built on the theme of a pagoda. The rooms inside too are decorated in Arab. Indian and Chinese styles. The colour scheme of the Chinese wall paper and the background lacquer painting is absolutely breathtaking.

Magdalenenklause was conceived as a hermitage. Its half plastered walls with cracks and crevices gives it an appearance of a ruin from the outside. The interior comprises of a Grotto chapel of St. Mary Magdalene. The interiors of the chapel and the entrance are very peculiarly decorated with conchs and shells.

I am not religious at all but almost all places of worship bring a little peace to my overspeeding brain. But, this place left me with a very strange haunting feeling. There is an  altarpiece with Jesus on a crucifix, I think made of ivory, absolutely beautiful. In the elector's chambers there is another crucifix which feels very spooky. I don't know why. Maybe because of the low yellow-red lighting in the room. It was eerie.

On my way to Pagodenburg I had felt a little sprain in my leg. I didn't think too much of it. Stretched a bit and kept walking. By now, I could feel it getting worse. Just then I noticed a group cycling around and I remembered!! I was supposed to rent a cycle too. I was too involved in just walking in and taking pictures that I totally forgot about it. One of the drawbacks of travelling alone, if someone was with me and we had discussed it, I wouldn't have had to do all the remembering.(Does that sentence make sense?)
The pain was getting worse and I probably had to walk atleast another couple of kilometers to finish my palace rounds.

Next to Marstallmuseum. This is the coach house. The collection of coaches and sleighs here are one of the most important in Europe. This is the personal collection of The Wittelsbachs'. You can see some intricate designs and some major bling. There is a collection of portraits of the royal horses. I mean, come on!! Even the horses got their portraits drawn?!! You can see that these animals were truly loved. The artist has tried to  capture their personalities in the paintings. Some can be seen standing stern and royal and some playful and even a mischievous one who was busy chomping on an apple from a table.

By the time I was done here, the pain had reached insane levels. I cannot believe I still had to almost walk a kilometer before I reached the bus stop. But, as I had no option, I grit my teeth and move on. I buy a 2.50 Euro ticket which would take care of all bus, tram and train tickets for the rest of the day. There was an american family, their first day in Germany and I helped them out with the tickets. Explaining what works for when. The advantages of travelling alone; you learn quick.

I get onto the bus and then alight at Hirschgartenallee. Whaaaattt?!! What did I just do? I am supposed to alight at Liam. And, excuse me! Weird German transport system. Why wasn't the station I boarded the bus at called Hirschgartenallee? After all, that's supposed to be the closest station to the palace. Anyways, now I don't have the patience to wait for the next one plus the overcast sky was nudging me to get outta there. I walk. A long long walk to the train station. I decide to go to Marienplatz and try finishing up one of the churches today. (High hopes)

By the time I come out at Marienplatz, I am in tears. I decide to walk through the length of Marienplatz to Karlsplatz. After all, I had to still shop for some warm clothing. I see a lot of street artists on my way and I slowly stroll/limp my way across. I pick up a backpack (Andrea scolded me later as she had a few which I could have taken) as the camera bag plus the handbag was very cumbersome to carry around. I walked into a few stores, got tempted by the lovely bikinis, fought the temptation and entered H&M only to lose the battle here. Incredible sale and awesome stuff. Bought couple pairs of boots and Keds, a few tights, couple of woven woolen stoles and a few lipsticks(why why why?!!:( ) The lingerie section was tantalizing me with its silky fingers but me being the strong girl that I am (Liar!) I ran. Paid the bill. Walked out. Walked in. Picked up a few more things and decided to let go this time. You know its gonna hurt, but you have to let go. Love like this, YOU HAVE TO LET GO!!

I am exhausted, cold and hungry. I have a list of places I want to eat at but, I am noway in a condition to search for them. I decide that the first place I come across, I will have a meal there. And. the place was Cafe am Marienplatz. Absolutely packed. Inside and out. I go in, literally snatch the last place from a poor couple and sit my butt. The cheapest thing on the menu was "The Bavarian Meatloaf" for 18 Euros. I know, you aren't supposed to convert when you travel and blah blah. Well, in my opinion its absolutely a bullshit advice. How can you not? I live in India, I earn in rupees and when I come back I have to pay my bill in rupees. Yes, some experiences you shouldn't care and you really cant expect a bowl of noodles and chicken 65 for 4 Euros (you can, but not in Munich) and should go all out and have fun. But, others you will have to and you should watch.

I know what an American meatloaf is, so I think this should be somewhere along the same lines. I order it along with a bottle of water and patiently wait. What comes to my plate is two circular discs of salty boiled sausage like dish with a pretzel. It tastes disgusting. I try and force it in. I am hungry and for god's sake its 18Euros. I have never been someone who can or will stick with something unpleasant in spite of it being the smart and right thing to do. Examples, a few exes and a lot of jobs.
I give up after two bites and hobble home.

This time there really are tears in my eyes. The pain is excruciating. I am so lonely and cold. The only time I missed not having someone with me. I somehow make the long painful walk home. Andrea looks at my face and knows I am hurt. She draws me a nice hot bath and I sit in it for a long long time. I felt very guilty later when I came to know that water and electricity were very expensive. I ask Andrea if there was a restaurant close by where I could go and grab some dinner. She shushes me and cooks some spaghetti. We sit eating and talking about India and Germany. Andrea had some very interesting observations on why Germans are an unfriendly lot. (I disagree. They are great) She says if you are from a cold country, you are used to huddling indoors and thus do not have social skills and vice versa. The discussion obviously did come down to India and how the women are treated there. I told her how all Indian men aren't like that. I have been blessed to have wonderful and supportive men through my life.

I cuddle in my bed, warm, hoping to wake up sans any pain and enjoying my last day in this beautiful city.