We are staying in Kaulbachstrasse, Schwabing, which is now quite an up and coming part of Munich. It was not always thus as in the early 1900’s, Schwabing was the centre of artistic and bohemian life. A naughty Grafin, Franziska von Reventlow lived in an old house on the site of our apartment block. Both … More Kaulbachstrasse, Jugenstil and the Englischer Garten

A new museum, the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, opened in Munich on 1 May. It is controversially built on the site of the infamous ‘Brown House’, Hitler’s headquarters from 1931. This museum documents the rise of National Socialism in Germany and the particular role Munich played as the centre of the Nazi movement. The display features documents, letters, … More NAtionalsoZIalismus (National Socialism) – Munich’s take on the rise of Nazism 

The Eisheiligen is known as a meteorological event which occurs in Central Europe in May. The Eisheiligen  or Ice Saints are however saints and are named as follows: ST Mamertus, Pankratius  Serviatus, Boniface and Cold Sophie. Their Saint days fall between 11-15 May and have been observed since before the Gregorian calendar was introduced in the 1500’s but … More Eisheiligen in Salzburg – Ice saints in Salzburg

Practising Christians would know that this day is the 40th day after Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. It normally falls on a Thursday but many countries, including Australia, have moved the day to Sunday, to encourage more people to attend church. The celebration acknowledges Christ’s ascension into heaven surrounded by his 11 … More Christi Himmelfahrt – Ascension Day

Starnberg is a town on the south western outskirts of Munich and sits at the head of Stanberger See. It can be reached by the S-Bahn or suburban train line so we set off with our Munich monthly ticket to explore. Starnberger See is famous for its Buchheim Museum of Phantasie at Bernried and also … More Starnberger See

Neuschwanstein, with its fairy tale Disneyesque reputation, was not really on our bucket list but our local friends convinced us it was worth a trip out of Munich, particularly when combined with other Royal castles built by the Wittelsbach dynasty of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein cannot really be appreciated without knowing something about King Ludwig II, who … More Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Oberammergau

Our efforts to remain fit and prepare for the big bike ride along the Danube, include trying a Pilates class at Leo’s Sport Club in Leopoldstrasse, close to our apartment. As it was raining and we had specially bought our yoga mats, we set off on Wednesday morning to Leo’s, a very flash gym hall … More BMW World, Olympic Park and Yogalates

The first of May in Australia is supposed to be Labour Day, but inconveniently falling just after Easter and Anzac Day, the holiday is now in October. In Europe, May Day is really celebrated as the first day of spring, or the fruitful season. This year, in Germany, the day dawned fine and sunny, if … More Mai Tag – May Day

Did you know that the first evidence of settlement in Bremen was in 787 when Willerad was made bishop and a law was passed by Charlemagne that all residents had to worship a Christian God, not Odin? A large plaque marks Willerad’s term as bishop in St Petrus’ Dom from 787-789. Bremen was established between … More Bremerhaven and Bremen