Germany and Austria - December 2024

Munich 

What can you say about the Hofbrauhaus? It’s a must even though it is filled with annoying tourists and HUGE beers. I went for the Raddler half beer and half lemonade (which is perfect because I am half German and half Italian) and there was no way I would ever make it through a liter of beer. Luckily we were seated with some Brits and they had no problems imbibing in several if not too many. Fun times and we had a little parade of Krampus come through the beer hall.

It’s a spaceship vacation home, by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. The Futuro House was designed in the 1960’s and originally produces about 100 of them. They were made of fiberglass and plastic prefabricated, cheap and stylish. It was ahead of its time. I love it. This one stands out side of the Pinakothek deer Moderne in Munich. Sadly it wasn’t open for viewing the day we were there. 

We rode the train from Munich to Dachau town and then a bus to the Memorial Site. It was dreary and raining and we tried to imagine that people arriving by train then had to make the long walk from the train to the Concentration camp. There was a museum in one of the buildings and we could walk on the grounds and see a rebuilt replica of the housing situation. There are no words. 

We lost Swede while we were in Vienna so our time here was not only surreal but also filled with sadness. It was Cafe Ritter that was a saving grace and it warmed our spirits for a bit and filled our bellies. It was a tiny bit worn down just like us but it shimmered in the holiday lights and gave us excellent service and a wonderful traditional Austrian meal. We were lucky to stumble upon it. It was quiet and cozy and you could just imaging all the conversations that had taken place here amongst its patrons. 

Next stop Prague.

The Krampus Run Salzburg Austria

I saw it on YouTube and thought hey why it head to Salzburg in 2024 for the Krampus Run? It was the impetus of the trip and we threw all caution of cold weather and winter to the backs of our memories. It’s an easy thing to do amidst beautiful late summer and early fall midwestern weather. The dread of winter will be upon us soon and we need an adventure plan.

It was freaking cold on December 5th for the Krampus Run. There were crowds and no amount of mulled wine is going to make by travel companion happy. The Krampus come through on a route and it was impossible to see. This was the entire reason I was here! I decided to give up and as we were heading back in the direction of where we can get on the public transport, the “heavens” opened u and the krewes just kept on coming. I even got whipped on my legs by this guy! Yes, It hurt and apparently I was bad this past year to deserve such a lashing. 

More adventure awaits in Vienna, Prague and Munich. Stay tuned.