The Commuter in Munich, Germany: A Neighborhood Walk

In the summer of 2009 (in Europe at least), I had the opportunity to go around selected cities in Germany. It has been a long time dream of mine to visit the country. In this first city that the choir and I have visited (see my previous blogs regarding this choir), I looked forward to a walk around the neighborhood.

Welcome to Munich!

What else could be neighborly than this sign located near the arrival exit of the airport in Munich. The choir and I have gathered around this sign as marking our first ever trip to Germany. We've had lots of pictures taken around this sign and so much more when we exited the terminal building.

Taken just outside the terminal building

Everyone wants to get a shot at the first plaza that welcomed us just outside the terminal building. You see some members of the choir and our luggage scattered almost everywhere. Not that we would want to abandon anything. But you know the feeling of being so excited to come out of the airport, of a country that you've never been to, that you simply want to go around and take pictures of things that are seemingly ordinary? Click, click, click!

A tram terminal similar to a bus stop

Of course, we had to be on our way. So we boarded a train from the airport to our first destination here at Rosenheimer Platz. Why did I take a picture of what looks like an ordinary bus stop? Well, it ain't a bus stop. It is a terminal where people wait to get on board a tram.

Tracks of the tram

Well, the tram hasn't arrived yet. So I took this picture of the neighborhood around the terminal. Here you can see the tracks of the tram. When the tram did arrive however, I had to get a handle on my luggage (we came from the airport, yes?) That means I can't miss this tram! When it did arrive, my hands are full as I was holding on to my luggage, one big and one small. So I missed taking a picture of it.

Beautiful rows of trees, surrounded by a flower bush along a footpath

Instead of living in hostels or paid lodges, my choir and I were hosted by a group of German families. This is thanks to the connection of our German friend, Ralph. My host family escorted us to their apartment, which was walking distance from the school where we were picked up. It was a delight to me. I could see a lot of things and this has truly become a neighborhood walk.

Town Plaza or a roundabout

We met our hostess' hubby here. He came to us riding on a bike and he actually came from work. As our hostess was taking us around, she told us that everything that we need is within walking distance: grocery stores, restaurants, drug stores, bakery, and so much more. One can actually go to work on a bike. Meanwhile, I took a picture of this fountain. Love it!

Looking around the Platz (or town plaza), I happen to see a familiar sight. In the Philippines, you'd normally see this bank in one of the high-rise buildings. Here, it's part of the neighborhood.

The Bakery! Those breads look absolutely appetizing!

Grocery store! Let's take a look inside.

Berries of various kinds: you wouldn't want to miss this before coming into the grocery store.

Food stuff: the interior of the grocery store

Fresh vegetables!

Curiously enough, when we passed by the bakeshop (or the bakery?), my friend and I wanted to take a peek inside. The owner was gracious enough to allow us to take pictures inside. The breads are huge and really enticing to eat. The smell is just awesome...hmmm...freshly baked bread! Moving on we came across a grocery store. It was quite small, but well packed with a lot of fresh items: meats, deli, fruits and vegetables. Wish we had time to actually shop, but we had to go home as our hostess beckons us since it was already time for dinner.

Well, this is the way home to our host family's apartment. See that person with an umbrella? It's suppose to be summer when we went to Munich. Yet the weather, like in Austria, remained cool and also rainy. It didn't actually dampen my spirits at all. Because of this short walk around the neighborhood, I grew to appreciate the new atmosphere and almost looked forward to the prospect of visiting more sights, more places around Munich--rain or shine!

The Commuter in Austria: Serenity at Millstatt

In this third of the series in Austria, my friends and I were taken to Millstatt. Still in coordination with the activities of the Internationaler Chorwettbewerb, we were asked to sing at a Sunday mass in Obermillstatt. After that, we were taken by bus to Millstatt, where we would sing in a friendship concert at the Castle of the Knights of St. George.

Capture it! The scenic mountain side on the road to Millstatt. I was in a bus when I took this picture.

This is our first destination: Obermillstatt. We were asked to sing for a Sunday Mass.

Signs that tell you the location of establishments in town. This was just outside the church.

The church's steeple, taken while walking towards the church. The road was kinda uphill.

Th interior of the church of Obermillstatt

The altarpiece

Scenic views of Millstatter See (Lake)

The trees, the mountains, the lake, are all contained in this beautiful scenic view from the bus ride

This was our ultimate destination. This was where the choir groups sang in a friendship concert. This is the former castle of the Knights of St. George.

After the concert, we headed towards the park. These flowers were adorable, especially...

...when these tiny little bumble bees came along and pollinated. They were quite difficult to capture because they'd hop from one flower to the next quite fast. But they are so cute!

A stage and concert platform at the park

Across the lake from the park, I saw what looks to me like a group of houses. I asked myself if this could be a little village by the lake or another town. Whatever it is, they simply looked serene, simple, and quite a relaxing sight. I hope it truly is.

And here I am, just looking out the lake wondering what was going on back home. I think there are people by the pier relaxing too. This place is really a change from a buzzing city life.

I could only think of one word to describe my trip to Millstatt--serenity. I could use serenity right now. I've had a busy week and the coming weeks would be just as busy. At work, you'd rarely have the time for yourself, to simply take a breather and relax. I'd do that over the weekend, but it's simply a time off from work. You wouldn't get to do other things simply because you are tired and you feel like doing nothing at all. That's why when I look at this place and see all the wonderful pictures I've taken, I'm wondering if I'll ever get the chance to come to a place like this, go around, do the things I'd like to do (like singing in this case) and simply be worry-free, at peace--serenity.

The Commuter In Austria: The Charming Spittal an der Drau

Charming was indeed one of the first few things that came to my mind when my friends and I were given the chance to go around Spittal an der Drau. We didn't have to ride a train again nor go from one place to another by bus or taxi. Just a few blocks from our hotel, we come to the venue of the annual Internationaler Chorbewerb. It was a pleasant change from commuting by train to simply walking around. Aside from the Portia Castle, there is also the park, the churches, and of course, our own hotel looks like a charming, cozy, cabin set against a background of green and snow-capped mountains.

Our hotel in Spittal an der Drau

The side of the hotel

Interior of our room, three of us share this room. My friends are just getting settled on our beds.

The balcony outside of our hotel room

The river, bridge, and roundabout as seen from our hotel room

Close up shot of the roundabout

Schloss Portia

Interior of the Schloss, taken during the opening concert that officially starts the choral festival

The coat of arms

Exterior of the Schloss

The Tower

The Park, located beside Schloss Portia

Flags of the different countries being represented in the choral festival

Here is the Philippine flag, on a windy day like this, the flags get folded and twisted

That's me, enjoying the flowers. Didn't I say the place was charming?

The Crucifix within the church grounds of Sankt Maria

Interior of Sankt Maria, or the Church of the Annunciation of Mary

Trees and snow on the mountains

So that's the second installment of my trip to Austria. This is really a place that's good for walking and relaxing. Being a commuter, walking is a regular exercise. But as a commuter who goes to work, walking to work is truly different from a recreational walk. What's nice about a recreational walk is getting to commune with nature: the trees, the flowers, the bushes...they all offer a source of sanctuary from the usual busy, busy world. I was truly charmed by this place.