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Travel Journal: Munich

I share my enchantment with Munich, Germany. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, and surprising experiences captivated the writer. From the distinctive scents to the lively spirit, Munich left an indelible mark, making it a must-visit destination.

Hello, dear readers! I’m writing this post from Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of the most beautiful and lively cities in Germany. I’ve been here for a few days, and I’m already in love with this place. Let me tell you why.

How I feel in Munich

Munich has a special charm that makes me feel happy and energized. The city is full of students and tourists who bring a lot of vitality and diversity to the streets. Everywhere I go, I see people smiling, chatting, and enjoying life. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and I feel like I belong here.

What I see, smell, taste, and hear in Munich

Munich is a feast for the senses. The city has a rich and varied culture that reflects its history and traditions. Here are some of the things that caught my attention:

  • The architecture: Munich has some stunning buildings that showcase the influence of the royal family of Bavaria, who ruled the region for centuries. Some of the most impressive ones are the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), and the Residenz (Royal Palace). They are all located in the Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), the heart of the city and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
  • The perfume: Munich has a distinctive smell that I find very pleasant. It’s a mix of perfume, flowers, and spices. I noticed that many young people, especially women, like to dress up and wear elegant and sophisticated fragrances. They add a touch of glamour and style to the city.
  • The food: Munich is a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Bavarian dishes to international specialties. Some of the local delicacies that I tried and loved are the Bretzels (giant pretzels), the Weisswurst (white sausage), the Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and the Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Of course, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous beer of Munich, which is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) and served in large mugs called Maß (literally, measure).
  • The sound: Munich is a city that never sleeps. The city is always buzzing with music, laughter, and conversation. I enjoyed listening to the street performers, the church bells, and the cheerful chatter of the people.

What I learned in Munich

Munich is a city that teaches me something new every day. I learned a lot about the history, culture, and lifestyle of Bavaria and Germany. Here are some of the things that I learned:

  • Bavaria is a federal state of Germany, with its own constitution, flag, coat of arms, and anthem. It has a strong sense of identity and pride, and a distinct dialect and traditions from the rest of Germany.
  • Munich is the third-largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg, and the twelfth-largest city in the European Union. It has a population of about 1.5 million people, and a metropolitan area of about 6 million people.
  • Munich is a global city that ranks high in terms of quality of life, innovation, culture, and economy. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned companies, such as BMW, Siemens, and Allianz. It is also a major center for science, education, art, and sport. It hosts some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the Oktoberfest (the world’s largest beer festival), the Munich Film Festival, and the Munich Biennale (a festival of new music theater).

Exploring the Deutsches Museum

One of Munich’s treasures is the Deutsches Museum — the world’s largest museum of science and technology, with about 28,000 exhibited objects from 50 fields of science and technology.[1] — a haven for science and technology enthusiasts. Nestled on an island in the Isar River, this museum is a celebration of human ingenuity and innovation. As you enter its doors, you’ll be transported into a world where history, science, and technology converge.

  • The Vast Exhibits: The Deutsches Museum houses an impressive collection, spanning various fields such as physics, astronomy, engineering, and more. It’s not just a museum; it’s a journey through the evolution of human knowledge and progress. The interactive exhibits provide a hands-on experience, making it engaging for visitors of all ages.
  • Technological Marvels: From vintage aircraft to cutting-edge robotics, the museum showcases the evolution of technology over the centuries. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll witness the transformation of ideas into reality, gaining a deeper appreciation for the strides humanity has taken in the realms of science and innovation.
  • Educational Opportunities: For those curious minds, the Deutsches Museum offers educational programs and workshops. These provide a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, allowing visitors to interact with experts and fellow enthusiasts.

What surprised me in Munich

Munich is a city that never ceases to amaze me. There are always some unexpected and interesting things to discover and experience. Here are some of the things that surprised me:

  • The Lederhosen: I thought that these leather shorts were only worn during the Oktoberfest, but I was wrong. I saw many people wearing them on a regular day, as a sign of their Bavarian heritage and identity. They are usually paired with a Trachtenhemd (checkered shirt), a Trachtenhut (felt hat), and a Trachtenschuhe (leather shoes).
  • The English Garden: This is one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world, covering an area of about 3.7 square kilometers. It has a lot of attractions, such as a Chinese Tower, a Japanese Tea House, a Greek Temple, and a Monopteros (a circular temple). It also has a river that runs through it, where people can surf on the artificial waves created by a weir.
  • The Hofbräuhaus: This is the most famous and oldest beer hall in Munich, dating back to the 16th century. It can accommodate up to 3,000 people, and it serves about 10,000 liters of beer per day. It is a place where people can enjoy the authentic Bavarian atmosphere, with live music, traditional food, and friendly service.

What I want to remember about Munich

Munich is a city that I will always remember with fondness and gratitude. It is a city that gave me a lot of joy, inspiration, and knowledge. It is a city that showed me the best of Bavaria and Germany. It is a city that I hope to visit again soon.

Here are some of the things that I want to remember about Munich:

  • The culture: The culture of Munich is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, of local and global, of art and technology. It is a culture that celebrates the past, the present, and the future, and that embraces the challenges and opportunities of the world. It is a culture that inspires me to learn more, to create more, and to enjoy more.
  • The spirit: The spirit of Munich is a unique and powerful force that drives the city and its people. It is a spirit of freedom, creativity, passion, and fun. It is a spirit that makes Munich a vibrant and sophisticated city, a city that I love.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you ever have the chance to visit Munich, don’t hesitate to do it. You won’t regret it. Trust me. ?

By Itamar Medeiros

Originally from Brazil, Itamar Medeiros currently lives in Germany, where he works as VP of Design Strategy at SAP, where he leads the design vision for the entire Human Capital Management product line, ensuring cohesive product narratives and establishing best practices.

Working in the Information Technology industry since 1998, Itamar has helped truly global companies in multiple continents create great user experience through advocating Design and Innovation principles. Itamar has also served as a juror for prestigious design competitions and lectured on design topics at universities worldwide.

During his 7 years in China, he promoted the User Experience Design discipline as User Experience Manager at Autodesk and Local Coordinator of the Interaction Design Association (IxDA) in Shanghai.

Itamar holds a MA in Design Practice from Northumbria University (Newcastle, UK), for which he received a Distinction Award for his thesis Creating Innovative Design Software Solutions within Collaborative/Distributed Design Environments.

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