We arrived in Munich late Monday afternoon which didn't leave much time for sight seeing so we had to settle for having a wander in the very busy and bustling streets as well as the Christmas markets.
With Christmas lights tracing every building and the fragrant smell of Gluwein hanging in the air, we maneuvered our way through the thousands of people to the Paulaner beer house to have a traditional German dinner and the original beer.
The restaurant had the feel of family gatherings as well as if you had gone to your grandparents place for dinner. The entire place was decorated for Christmas and with the combination of dark wood and merry diners, the place really exhibited the Christmas spirit. I ordered the pork knuckle, not quite aware at how large this dish actually would be, while the others had the schnitzel. The meal were not only rather large, but they were incredibly delicious. It kind of felt like Christmas dinner.
We then rolled out back into the streets to have a look at the hundreds of Christmas stalls and displays. Gingerbread houses, carefully carved out nativity pieces and twinkling Christmas tree ornaments were on offer as the people drank beer and Gluwein out of the special German cups.
The next morning we were able to stop past one of the concentration camps which was actually the first concentration camp used in the Holocaust. The experience is one that is difficult to describe because I couldn't say it was enjoyable, but rather uncomfortable and incredibly awakening. The extent to which these people suffered is hardly portrayed in the exhibitions which they have, but it does go to show visitors one thing, which is that something as catastrophically devastating will never ever happen again. I would say that it was worth going to see a concentration camp from a historical and human perspective, I wouldn't say that it should be done with the right kind of attitude.
We then made our way to the Rien Valley which is set along the Rein river which is one of the most important rivers for exports and trade in Europe. There are tall houses situated all along the river as the barges carry their heavy loads through the valley. There are also many castles situated on the steep slopes overlooking the river. We were lucky enough to stay in one of these castles which was converted into a youth hostel. On arrival, I was admittedly disappointed when it didn't quite feel like castle living with their bunk beds and lockers, but the confusing layout and small windows as well as the view, made up for it. We also got to sit outside, play games and have a few drinks with a beautiful castle perspective of the small village beneath us. "I'm the king of the castle" was finally relevant!
We then went into the small village for a quick stop before heading to Amsterdam,our final stop. We visited a famous cuckoo clock shop which holds the largest hanging cuckoo clock in the world. The intricate handmade little clocks chimed and cuckooed away as we were told about the different aspects of these clocks.
One more stop at the beer stein shop where we were told about the difference between the glass and porcelain beer glasses which was interesting and helpful.
With tinsel hung in the back windows of the bus, we drive through to Amsterdam for Christmas Eve and probably the strangest but most different Christmas day we will ever have.
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