Munich, part 2

Munich was such an amazing city. We only had the time to explore its inner core, but there was plenty to see. Beer halls, old government buildings and alleyways...








But as a student of modern history, I couldn't pass up touring some of Germany's darker landmarks from the past century. The following pictures were taken at the Odeonsplatz, a very significant place in Hitler's Nazi Germany. In 1923, Hitler tried (and failed) to launch a putsch (takeover) of the government. He was captured and imprisoned, using his down time to pen "Mein Kampf." After his eventual rise to power, Hitler used the Odeonsplatz and it's main building, the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshall's Hall), as symbolic backdrops for speeches, memorials, and armed forces inductions. It is a dramatic public space, framed by giant flagpoles and anchored by statues of German leaders and two iconic lions.


Hitler attended a rally in the Odeonsplatz in 1914; probably one of many.


The Feldherrnhalle in 1923, in the days of Hitler's failed putsch.





Hitler speaking at the Feldherrnhalle during World War 2 and attending army inductions. Very creepy to stand in the same spot as Hitler once did.

Hitler held a memorial each year in the square on November 9 to commemorate his failed putsch.

This is a marking on the side of a wall where a Nazi plaque was once fastened.

On to cheerier notes, then...

Munich, part 1

With our bodies rested and our culture quota satisfied for the time being, we decided to take the train southeast to the heartier streets of Munich. Munich is loved by many, and after visiting, I can see why: the beer, the history, the art, the food, the nature, the architecture, the quaint streets of yore enveloped by a bustling modern city. It's all there and we tried to see as much of it as we could. For only spending a couple of days there, I'd say we did a decent job.

We stayed at a very nice hostel with a great lobby and bar. The bunk areas were clean (but the guests were not) and modern. Unfortunately, I don't think either one of us got a minute's sleep in Munich. We had noisy neighbors and it also happened to be Stanley Cup Finals time (in June?); there were plenty of Canadians causing havoc at the bar, which happened to be situated on the floor directly above our bunks. In hindsight, I have no idea why we didn't just join in the revelry if we couldn't sleep.

We started our visit with a giant lunch at Augustiner near the main old square - the Marienplatz. As we were eating, an impromptu Brazilian drumming parade broke out. These kinds of things seemed to happen with daily regularity. We were kind of used to it at this point, but looking back, it's remarkable how the World Cup created such spontaneous celebration.

Heidelberg, part 3

Note: this is apparently the world's largest wine barrel.