The ski season’s over…

Well, the ski season in Hochfügen came to an end.  Thank you to everyone who came to ski with us, for both adaptive and alpine lessons.  We look forward to seeing you again next year, and, please, tell your friends – we’d love to ski with them too!
There is still plenty of snow up high but most of the ski areas around here are closed now for the summer.  Of course, Hintertux never closes and there’s always a chance that the Ice Men will bring us some snow next weekend.  If they do, we might be tempted to go for a slide on the touring skis, however, it’s really time to start thinking of other things.
For complicated logistical reasons, as well as a bid to broaden our experience, we went to Munich yesterday.  In another life I used to drive to and from Munich airport several times as week.  I spent a lot of time at the airport but I never managed to look at the centre of Munich, which is a shame…  I really wish I’d done it sooner.  If you’ve never been to Munich you should go.
We were only there for an afternoon and an evening, so we didn’t see a whole lot but the impression that we got yesterday was a very pleasant, relaxed, good-natured and clean city.
Also, bizarrely, judging by the photos I took, it would seem that there are a lot of towers!
We arrived at Marienplatz around lunchtime and so went straight to the Viktualienmarkt .  It was quite difficult not to try some of everything, it all looked so fresh and tasty.

Next we went back to Marienplatz to look at the Glockenspiel in the Neuen Rathaus.  We were too late to hear it play (at 11 and 12 every day) but it was interesting to look at the building and the intricacies of the stonework.
The tower of Alter Peter was next.  299 steps to see Munich from above.  And then down again to mooch around at ground level taking pictures of towers and statues on poles!
One of the towers of Frauenkirche being renovated
In Marienplatz
Altenrathausturm which houses the Spielzeug Museum
After a wander through the English Garden avoiding the crazy cyclists and runners who had clearly all been cooped up in offices all day we went to the Hofbräuhaus for something eat and, of course, beer.

The main beer hall, die Schwemme, can seat over 1000 people at big wooden tables.  The room wasn’t completely full, but, nevertheless, it was pretty busy with most people drinking beer out of the typical 1l. Maß glass.  The atmosphere was great, laid back and fun. The Hofbräuhaus is the most famous beer hall which means it attracts the most tourists.  There are other halls in Munich, all, seemingly, with their own unique vibe.  Visiting and exploring some of these beer halls and beer gardens sounds like a good reason to be back.  I can’t wait!