80331, Munich

June 8, 2010 by postmarkhere 2 Comments

Munich city hall, Marienplatz

Dear ——–,

One of the first things I learned in Munich is that bikes ride on the smooth part of the sidewalk and pedestrians walk on the cobblestone part. A few aggravated dings of a bell and near collisions quickly schooled me. I arrived in Munich in the late afternoon Monday and quickly set out for a walk around town. I was struck by how green the landscapes are and how flat the terrain is. California makes you accustomed to perpetual drought and dramatic mountains and valleys. I ended up bumping into one of the scientists here for the same meeting as me near Marienplatz, the main square, and we decided to sit outside, in a courtyard of city hall. I decided to tuck into a sausage sampler for my first Munich meal. Even though I don’t like beer, I figured I should try it if I’m at the home of Oktoberfest. I ordered a tall glass of weissbier. It was actually not bad – light, almost sweet. Even though I didn’t come close to finishing it, Bryan was surprised I drank any at all. It was the first time I understood the idea of beer being refreshing.