Saturday, I disembarked from the Azamara Pursuit and, along with lots of other passengers, transferred to Rome's Fiumicino airport for my flight to Munich. I arrived in plenty of time for my flight. I was very impressed with Terminal 1 - modern and comfortable. You even pass by Roman statues as you head for your gate! It was raining a bit when we arrived and I had certainly left summer behind as the temperature in Munich was forecast to be around 8 degrees, a long way from the 20+ degrees I have been experiencing on this trip.
The flight to Munich was only 1 hour and 10 minutes and, even though it left late, I wasn't bothered. All I had to do was get to my hotel. There were several options for getting there. First, there is a train for about 11 euros and there is also a Lufthansa shuttle bus for about the same price. Uber is also available and, of course, the most expensive option is a taxi. The ride from the airport to the city centre takes about 1 hour depending on the traffic. I didn't want to take the train as I have to fairly heavy pieces of luggage so a taxi seemed the best option. When I checked out Uber, the price was surprisingly about the same. So, I took a taxi and it ended up costing 100 euros but, for the ease of that plus my piece of mind, I was okay with that.
I am staying at the NH Collection Hotel which is located directly across from the Hauptbahnhof which will make departing here on Thursday very convenient. The hotel is modern and perfectly located as it is also a fairly short walk (10 - 15 minutes) to the Altstadt where the Weihnachtsmarkt is located. I am on the 13th floor with views toward the old town and if I look to the right, the Alps are in the distance. There are lots of other hotel options around here - some less expensive and some more. As I will be staying here for 5 nights, I wanted something that would be comfortable, quiet, and a bit newer so was prepared to treat myself to a 4 star hotel.
Sunday, I wandered into the Altstadt and discovered lots of activity as the last minute preparations for the stalls for the Christmas market were being done. All but those selling roast chestnuts were still boarded up except for the occasional ones which were being stocked with decorations, ornaments and other Christmas goodies. I could smell freshly cut fir and cedar boughs which started to put me in the spirit of the season; at least until it started to drizzle and I headed back to my hotel. The official opening is at 10 am Monday morning. I can't wait to see what is behind all those boards!!
For dinner, I headed to a nearby hotel which has a restaurant featuring traditional German fare - and in typical German portions. I ordered the small Wienerschnitzel and it was still two huge pieces served with large bowl of roast potatoes. I couldn't resist ordering the "hausgemachter apfelpfannkuchen" (home made apple pancake) which had to be one of the best desserts I have ever had!
My sister is flying in today to visit the Weihnachtsmarkts with me here, in Vienna, Prague, Berlin and Frankfurt. It should be fun and really get us into the Christmas spirit. We start tomorrow in Marienplatz!
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