Day 1 in Munich

We FINALLY arrived in Munich! We had an interesting time leaving Atlanta. As a Platinum Delta Sky Miles member, I also seem to get to board flights before most people, including my husband. So, while waiting for Tony and the rest of our group to board, I was chatting with one of our flight attendants, Cheryl, about how much Tony HATES flying and how nervous he gets when there is any turbulence. Cheryl insisted that I identify Tony, and when he boarded the plane, she marched him up to the cockpit so he could me the pilots and ask any questions that might increase his comfort level. She even came back to me and got my camera so she could take his picture with them. (I will post photos soon, but I am borrowing someone else's computer to get you all an update.) Anyway, he LOVED it. Then the plane doors closed, and we thought we were good to go (except the drunk lady trying to board in front of me -- she was too drunk, and they refused to let her on the plane!) Anyway, the pilot (Captain Bob and First Officer Alec, Tony's personal friends now) announced that because of a problem (turns out it was the volcanic ash from Iceland) we needed a new flight plan sooooo 45 minutes later we finally took off.

A few of us were able to sleep, but most were exhausted when we arrived in Munich this morning. Our tour guide, Michael, was hysterial. He described the relatively short history of Munich as basically a "fart" on the historical landscape of Europe. He made sound effects for crusades, hatred, bloodshed and more. We are not sure if he just had too much caffeine this morning, or maybe a little something "extra" with his coffee, but he made the 45-minute drive from the aiport to the hotel fly by. Then we arrived at the hotel only to discover that our rooms were not ready, so we stored our bags and headed out to the Old City to the visit the Residenz.

The Residenz includes a number of buildings that made of the home of the Wittelsbach family (Bavarian monarchs) from the 14th century to the 19th century. It is the largest city palace in Germany. Our first tour started in the Residenz Treasury which houses the crown jewels of the family. There was an astounding collection of crowns, swords, goblets, crystal, relics and jewels. Among the items we saw that we found special were a crown from an English Queen -- one that is reported to be the oldest surviving English crown, and a crown and true cross that belonged to King Henry II.

Among the other places to visit at the palace (we all chose different spots) were the Hall of Antiquities (Antiquarium), which was built in the 16th century to house the antiques of Albert V and the 10 courtyards (like the Chapel Court, the Apothecary Court and the Small Powder Court).

Now everyone is off on separate late afternoon adventures. Some of the guys are visiting BMW headquarters. Some of the girls are shopping and planning to visit the Clock Tower at 5pm. I have visited the shower in our hotel room and may rest my poor old foot for a while -- the swelling on the plane made my PTTD boot most uncomfortable for walking today. Tonight we will cruise our area of town for an interesting place to eat.

Everyone is well, and I am looking forward to posting pictures for you all. Glad to have people following us.

Joanie