Full day in Munich with a trip to Dachau

     Today was our second day and a full day in Munich. We ate breakfast at the hostel…I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet what the traditional breakfast is over here, so here it is: cold meat slices, swiss cheese slices, various bread slices, bread rolls, marmalades (my favorite so far is currant), butter, yogurt, cereal (muesli, corn flakes!), milk, orange juice, coffee, water, or hot chocolate! 

     Then we took a short train ride to Dachau to visit the concentration camp memorial site. We saw the prisoner’s camp, including old barracks, a gas chamber, and the crematorium. One of the old office buildings was made into a museum, and we viewed this as well. The trip was saddening of course, but it was good to learn about and see such an important piece of history. 

Prisoners rejoicing after the Americans brought liberation.

     Back in München, we went into the main center of town, Marienplatz. We did some souvenir shopping and watched/listened to the Rathaus-Glockenspiel chime in a new hour. We then went to the other must-see of Munich: Hofbrauhaus. This beer hall dates back to the 1500s I think. It was a very uniquely Bavarian experience. The place was crowded with people, some who would randomly burst out in songs that are traditional folk drinking songs. The place was crowded and the tables are big, so strangers sit with strangers and have conversations, provided that the language barrier isn’t too much of a hindrance. 

     Before heading back to the hostel, we grabbed some delicious desserts from a bakery! Mmm “Berliner”s are the best. They are essentially jelly filled donuts. I’ll admit, I am using the excuse of “trying new things” to eat junk food.  :)