Finally being tourists.... somewhat...

So, I think I will do this a little differently today. Rather than write a whole heap and try to fit in the photos, I will show you the photos, and give you information to with them.

First I must set the scene. Today, Sunday, Michael and I finally decided to be Tourists for the day. After a fast breakfast on the train station stairs, we hired bicycles and headed East, towards the Englischer Garten. We had a beautiful day in and around the gardens. We also rode along the Isar River for a bit. And we located my new job - the playground backs onto the Englischer Garten. I know, this wasn't a very Tourist-ie thing to do, but I now know where to go... and it was very exciting for me all the same to see where it is and what it looks like!

So this was the first stop on the way. The Munich Opera House. Even though there is construction going on, the buildings and architecture are just gorgeous.

When we got to the Englischer Garten, we were very impressed with the beauty of the gardens and the little streams that ran throughout. Suddenly though, we happened upon some no so gentle streams. We found the famed 'surfing' zone that everyone has been talking about.

Yes, surfing. As the water comes out from under the bridge, the water swells with such a strong current, and at least 50 people were lined up on either side of the river with their surf boards, waiting for their turn!

There was even Billabong sponsorship people there. It was brilliant to watch! Dangerous too no doubt, and we did see some people wearing helmets with their wet suits. But it was such a hot day that we weren't surprised to see so many people in the water.

These are just a handful of my favourite photos.

The water was moving so quickly - it was very unexpected.

 Eventually we stopped by the central lake and had a cool drink. This was me having fun by the lake before I got off my bike!

And this was the view by the lake. It was such a nice day.

We were very impressed by the kindness the Germans show their dogs!

Then we continued riding and we found my new place of employment! I may have squealed when I spotted the sign!

Michael insisted on taking a photo of me at the front door!

This is the outdoor play area (photo taken from outside, in the Englischer Garten) which allows the kids to play safely and look out into the forest.

Finally, back on our bikes, we rode back through the gardens, stopping along the way to take photos at various pretty places. 

This was the view from the top of  the Monopteros. We snuck into the photo!

Cooling our feet off in the Isar River.

The water was a little chilly, but after riding all day, it was quite refreshing. Meanwhile, just down stream, the river was packed with locals all cooling off in the 30+ heat! Clearly they were loving the weather. 

Once we had returned our bikes we headed out for a bite to eat. I feel like that's almost all we have done here - EAT. To be fair, the food is amazing. I just have to stop ordering the naughty food. You know, like Kaesespaetzel - Cheese Noodles. This has long been a guilty pleasure of mine, and its not readily available in Australia. Shame its almost everywhere here! Its sooooooo goood! But so naughty.


So, anyway, this was dinner last night at the Ratskeller - No, not the Rats Cellar, its the Council Hall restaurant (Rathaus = Council Hall). It was lovely. You walk inside the Council Hall building, through an archway and into an open air courtyard where the dining is.

Naturally, Michael had a beer! 

I had salmon and rosti! About time I chose a 'healthier' meal!

Michael had a tradition Bavarian dish - Sauerbraten.  Guess what mum! He really enjoyed the red cabbage that came with it!!!!! After all these years of saying no to it - he's finally seen the light!

And we finally shared an Apfel Strudel!

And then it decided to rain! With all the heat we've been having - it wasn't really a surprise!








So - that was our day as tourists. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, despite the sore bottoms (well, mine is sore!). No major accidents to report aside from whacking my funnybone at dinner on my chair. And falling off my bike once when my tyre slipped on the cobblestones. Thankfully I caught myself in time!