I. LOVE. Art.

I went to the Alte Pinakothek the other day. That’s the big art Museum here in Munich. It was so great! I forgot how much I love looking at art. There’s just something about seeing it right there in front of you that is incredibly satisfying. I love to look at the brush strokes, the portrayals of emotions, the use of light… I didn’t realize I actually learned something in those humanities classes! It was so nice to wander around the museum at my own pace, headphones on, digesting and enjoying the work of all these famous, skilled painters. I highly recommend it. Once I got past the little bit of loneliness, it was so nice to walk around and form my own judgments about everything. It was an awesome day.

Here's some pics of some of my favorites:

Raphael

Da Vinci!!!

Durer

Durer

One of my favorites.

I loved the little boys in this.

Rembrandt

People Watching on the UBahn

Today, while I was sitting on the Ubahn (I love the Ubahn. Have I mentioned that?) I was people watching. So many people.

Four women sitting together who didn’t know each other. Everyone avoided everyone else’s gazes, but I looked at them and thought they all looked like they had something in common. I have no idea what it was, but I would love to read the book that connects their lives. Socks with sandals lady, handmade sweater with the tired eyes lady, frizzy hair with the layered clothes and book with child’s eyes on it, perfectly coifed lady who couldn’t wait to get out and smoke.

There was another lady on the train with thin lips and totally Utah poofed hair. She had to be from Utah or Idaho, she just had to be.

There was a blond American girl in a short skirt talking way too loud with food in her mouth who everyone stared at. “One time I had my birthay at the aquaaaairuhm”. “St. Louis has everything, yuh know?”

There was an African-looking guy with a scar under his eye who looked like an athlete and made me think of the world cup, and where he’s been, and why I think about where he’s been.

There was a beautifully saggy old woman with a cane and a candy-striped shirt that brought out the blue in her eyes. When she got on the train, the tired looking business man gave her his seat and they exchanged sincere smiles. She watched the two year old girl in the fisherman’s hat burrow into her mother and tried to hide her sad smile.

I really don’t know anything about these people, except that they are beautiful, and full of life. One lesson of the summer so far: The world is really big and full of people, and they all have lives and loved ones and pain and joy and all of that motivates them to do whatever they do every day. That was wordy, but I know what I meant.

A Sunny Day In Munich

Munich is beautiful.

I went to the Viktualen Market today, beautiful. Fun. Touristy, but also not. Flowers, wreaths, food food food. Such delicious food that I probably spent 45 min wandering around trying to pick something with the following qualifications: authentic, shopkeeper who could understand me, and cheap. In the end I got my first real Bavarian pretzel, and it was delish. Waaaay better than “ready time” or whatever. I think they actually do boil them. They taste like the mini pretzels, but big, and a little softer (but not too soft). It was great. Plus some yummy chicken and potato salad.

I walked around and tried to not feel a little lonely as I saw things and thought of my family- yarn shop, dad would love that, pretty wreath, I’d love to get that for mom, it be fun to send Matt that postcard. I really do like being on my own, picking everything (although honestly, I was about to go get Subway because I was so indecisive), choosing how to spend my time, having my own experiences to learn from and talk about, but I almost wish I had someone to analyze my experiences with. How drunk were those guys who told me to take a picture of them as I walked by? What language were those people speaking? Why is spargel (big, white asparagus) so popular?

I really am happy though. I’m so happy that I’m finally DOING something real, something great, something unique, something I’ll talk about with the people I love for the rest of my life. It will be my experience to compare all other experiences to. Not only do I get to live this now, but I get to bore my future children with it FOREVER! Bahaha! I really am happy, I really am. Just doing things on my own is new for me. Its good for me.

There. Proof I was there. Proof its awkward to take pictures of yourself. Proof I'm not good at it. But hey, I'm doing my best.

I also saw the glockenspiel on the nues rathaus. Its cute, but chintz and touristy. I should’ve taken a picture of all the people taking pictures, but I was too busy taking pictures of what everyone else was taking pictures of myself. :)

Day 2: Munich

Today I woke up feeling way more rested. I was exhausted yesterday. So exhausted I didn't even realize it.

We got the kids off to school, and then Paula and I went into Munich. Bus+Subway+Us with no German skills=and adventure in and of itself. We made it, and it really wasn't that hard, so now I know how to do it. I just need to find a way to get a cheaper pass. 6,50 euro for a day pass is steep!

I was marveling and gawking just at the countryside and the nice train, and the lady with the soothing voice telling us which stop was next (whats with me and ladies with soothing voices?) But then we came out of the station right in Marienplatz. THIS is Marienplatz. Wow. I've seen so many pictures, but it was so cool to be there in person. Wow.

We walked all around, but it unfortunately it was really rainy. We shopped a bit, I bought a really cute umbrella, and I got my first German Bratwurst! I know, thats so touristy of me, but it was worth feeling touristy. It was DELICIOUS. Mmm. Craving another already.

Notice the dirndl and Bratwurst!

Paula was cold (and so was I, I was just too absorbed in everything to notice I was wet up to my knees and down to my shoulders) so we headed home a little early. Don't worry though, I'm going to have a million chances to explore the city. :)

I love this whole area already.

Coming Soon: "Culture Shock", "The Dang Cute Kids", and "Working Out the Details"