Munich

Being allowed to stay still in one point for a bit of time has allowed us a little more freedom during the winter. As a result we have been able to go and explore different things that Munich has to offer. We will by no means have covered it all, and as with all cities, will have actually barely scratched the surface. However, Munich has given us the chance to visit the site of the infamous 1972 Olympic Games. Once again, the German transport system got us to the site with great ease and then finding it was easy. And what a fantastic legacy from some 42 years or so ago. Given the snow, some of the options to walk to the top of the Olympic stadium and zip wire from the top to the bottom were not really viable options. Instead we took the rather rapid ride to the top of the Olympiaturm (Olympic tower). The lift to the 186m high viewing platform ( the tower being 291m high) rather messed with the senses. The ears kept pressuring up, the feet and body had the odd sensations of vertical acceleration and deceleration, and the eyes....well the eyes could just keep a close watch on the digital read out to show our speed. 7m per second, which I think is about 15.5 mph upwards. 

Once up at the platform, a full 360 degree glass windowed view of Munich was available. We spent quite some time up there (having deliberately picked a clear day).

The Olympic park looked fascinating, the BMW plant was just below, the alps loomed in the distance looking like some purple jagged cloud on the horizon and then Clare found the Olympic village. Now housing and student accommodation, it was the scene of an infamous scene of terrorists holding hostage some Israeli athletes. I remember watching a documentary once about David Coleman (the famous British sports broadcaster), who had to talk over live footage of the unfolding events for some hours, as all sporting events were halted.

The other major venue we have taken a small trip to was Bayern Munich football club. I am no football fan, I will casually watch and be interested in it, but it doesn't make my blood race like a bit of motorsport. However, the Allianz Arena is only a mile or so from where we are and is worth a good look. We drove to it though which took us some 5/6 miles I think. And it is huge! A massive complex with 3 or 4 lanes in and 3 or 4 lanes out. Nobody was there so it was easy, but actually finding somewhere to stop and nosey about was difficult. So we satisfied ourselves with a quick photo outside, and will then have to watch some Champions League football to say, "we've been there."

I suspect it gets a little busier at times though!