Munich: We reached Germany late at night, this not being our first time in the country thanks to the sojourn at Cologne previously on our Benelux trip. It though wasn’t the warmest of welcomes and trust me, we hadn’t even started with our free usage of public transport, ruling that out as a reason for such unexpected greeting. Whoever we spoke to especially the officials, cops or the railway DB staff, there was a rude sense underlining their tone of speech. Either it was simply that they didn’t get enough beer for the night or it had to be the lovely wheatish color which we without a choice carried as baggage with ourselves.
A funny incident happened just as we were leaving the Bahnhof [station], there were two well built guys with marks on their faces which could have easily passed off as scars, were staring at us. I noticed that and very wisely thought it had been a long time in Europe to feel scared of anything in particular, definitely not two ruffians trying to give us the look. Hence I went ahead and did the inevitable: and returned them with the favor with a correct proportion of aplomb and grace. The next 5 mins were a lesson not to be forgotten by any of us. They followed us mysteriously for quite some time and at their correct moment told us to halt. This is the best part. They took out two wallet sized purses and just like Holly flicks flash their identification of being from the “Police”. We were smarter than them thanks to IMDB, and didn’t believe them so I asked them to show their identification again. On confirmation and making their mood even worse when we realized that we were in a badly ordered burnt soup we decided to listen to them. Unfortunately one of us wasn’t carrying his passport and that for some time did cause problems as relationship building wasn’t where we were really scoring enough points.
Out on the streets, looking for a hostel to crash we observed the much heard about partying culture of Germans. Everyone was happy because everyone seemed drunk. That later I concurred was the key and helped in formulation of the German Happy – Happier Theory. There were only two types of Germans, either they are drunk -or -they are not, the ones who are not come across as rude just because they are not drunk or haven’t had the time to have one till that particular point of time. The ones who are luckily drunk are the happiest bunch in the world chilling like the best moving from pub to street and a roundabout.
Our bunks were more like an ancient concentration camp but we couldn’t refuse it thanks to the free shots which were part of the deal. With a “no spread” early morning breakfast we headed out to D.A.C.H.A.U., the first concentration camp by the Nazis an hour away from Munich. This was on reference as a must visit by our Xim friends who had already been to Munich. Open to the public now, the place gives a feel and information of how life was inside the camp for especially the Jews during Hitler’s regime; the Third Reich. On entering, the place actually sends a chill down the spine and one can relate to and feel a sense of sorrow and grief. There were on display the means and tools used by the Nazi soldiers and also a video to succinctly inform us about life inside the camp, all in all “hair raising”. After spending quite some time inside the camp visiting the model bunks, dorms, toilets and the gas chambers we made our way back to Munich. This being one visit we were not going to forget even if we tried.
Our next stop was the Munchen Olympique Arena. This was the site of the infamous 1972 Olympics where the Israeli contingent was attacked and killed. The venue though was highly impressive and we were shocked at the way it was superbly maintained. Now used by the Bavarians for their daily activity the infrastructure has been aptly utilized and is a jewel in the city of Munich. The campus’ green and eco theme was a pure joy and it was more like we were crossing a natural park dipped in pristine flavor. After almost covering the whole of the area and half a million pictures we headed out towards the BMW Welt [World].
BMW or Bavarian Motor Works has its headquarters in Munich and also on display for its customers and admirers world wide a range of automobiles and the works. From simulation drives to state of the art engines and with a classy and suiting décor and bistro it sure was a treat and insight into the developed and industrial side of Munich.
Our next stop was the Aliianz Arena, home to the well-known Bayern Munich Football Club. This stadium was special in its architecture and presentation and hence another must visit especially for football crazy fans like me. The stadium’s outside shell is illuminated in a delightful way changing its color thrice every evening, which being red, white and blue. On reaching there what happened next was destiny. There was a 2nd division match in progress between FC Ausberg and another local team: a derby. 10 minutes were left and came this young chap [ who was going to be christened as our 5th angel] running towards us, not in a very good mood and made our night by throwing his ticket in disgust at us. It didn’t take us long to come back to our senses as obviously time was not on our side. I being the only football fan simply ran with the ticket to the entrance gate and started begging the security to let me in and then other joined me in giving our patent “We have come all the way from India” lines. I would not give up as this would be a dream come true watching a match the Allianz Arena and that too unplanned. After a few minutes of pleading and 4 pairs of folded hands they agreed to let us one by one only. So I rushed in first and the Dream surely came true. My first European football ground…..Live…..Dream…aha…those few minutes passed off so quickly even though it seemed like eternity. After watching a few crosses I ran back and the cycle continued with all four of us managing a glimpse of the pitch. We were ecstatic.
Once the fans trotted outside it got crazier. The winning team fans were on a complete high and the losing one’s trying their best to avoid and ignore them, unsuccessfully though. As the main transport from there was the metro, it got insane, a few fights and crazy football fans battling against each other. The FC Ausberg [winning team] fans lined up against one track and the losing team against the other, no matter if they had to travel to the opposite direction of the city. They couldn’t and wouldn’t travel on the other train. We got on with the jubilant fans who for the entire trip kept jumping in the metro, cheering and shouting, making a noise which could be of parallel to the inside the stadium. A few of the losing fans had to bear the brunt of the others throughout the journey irrespective of age and gender. It all depended on what colors you were of and supporting. Insanity defined, definitely one of the craziest times of Euro trip. I had heard and pictured such activities sitting at home watching such matches but to be there and see it happened in front of your eyes and expectations getting beaten and battered…..it was like Dreaming and Flying at the same time without a parachute on…..That was MUNICH….Wo Hoo!!!
