Adventures in Munich, Amsterdam and Brussels
Mar 1st, 2006, 08:16 AM
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Adventures in Munich, Amsterdam and Brussels
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Europe. I got so much good advice from this forum before I left. I thought I would share my experiences.
DH and I left on Friday, February 17, from Houston. We had a short layover in Dallas and then we were off to Frankfurt. We flew American Airlines and had no problems. Our flight arrived on time and we were off to catch the train to Munich.
I had already purchased all of our train tickets for the trip so we just hopped on the train. We were glad we booked seat reservations since the train was completely full. It seemed like everyone on our train had decided to go skiing for the weekend so it was very hard to find room for our bags. Overall, it was a pleasant ride but the time change was starting to effect us so we were happy to get off the train in Munich and be able to walk around.
MUNICH
We arrived in Munich around 12:30 p.m. and walked about two blocks from the train station to the hostel. We stayed at Wombat's Hostel and really enjoyed it. We had never stayed at a hostel before and decided we should experience it once. We had a private double room with a bathroom and shower so we weren't roughing it too bad.
We checked in and dropped off our bags and we were off to explore Munich. It was a beautiful day and not as cold as we expected. We were on our way to explore the Marienplatz area but first we had to stop to get a beer. We stopped at the Augustiner Großgaststätte for a liter of Dunkel Hefeweizen. This was a huge place inside. We sat next to some guys that appeared to be about 18 and seemed to have had quite a few beers.
Now that we had drunk a beer, we were ready to explore the Marienplatz and Karlsplatz area. We took in the beauty of the buildings and people watched. Next, we decided to stop at Schneider and Sons for an Eisbock. We met some really nice people there- a couple from Seattle and a couple from Austria. The Austrian couple were in town for a Alice Cooper/ Deep Purple concert and were hilarious.
Next, we went back to the hostel to shower and get ready for the evening. We were determined to stay up until at least 9 p.m. before we gave in to jetlag. We had two free drink tickets for the hostel bar so we stopped by there. Then, we were off to the Hofbraeuhaus.
The Hofbraehaus was great fun. It was very touristy but we enjoyed the oompah band and DH enjoyed some drunk girls flashing. We each had a liter of Dunkel and the mixed sausage plate. We should have listened to the people who said not to eat here. The atmosphere and beer was good but the food was not very good. After that, we were ready to go back to the hostel. We had a Panorama tour scheduled for the next day and retired for some much needed rest.
Sunday- Tour to Linderhof and Neuschwanstein.
(more to come)
DH and I left on Friday, February 17, from Houston. We had a short layover in Dallas and then we were off to Frankfurt. We flew American Airlines and had no problems. Our flight arrived on time and we were off to catch the train to Munich.
I had already purchased all of our train tickets for the trip so we just hopped on the train. We were glad we booked seat reservations since the train was completely full. It seemed like everyone on our train had decided to go skiing for the weekend so it was very hard to find room for our bags. Overall, it was a pleasant ride but the time change was starting to effect us so we were happy to get off the train in Munich and be able to walk around.
MUNICH
We arrived in Munich around 12:30 p.m. and walked about two blocks from the train station to the hostel. We stayed at Wombat's Hostel and really enjoyed it. We had never stayed at a hostel before and decided we should experience it once. We had a private double room with a bathroom and shower so we weren't roughing it too bad.
We checked in and dropped off our bags and we were off to explore Munich. It was a beautiful day and not as cold as we expected. We were on our way to explore the Marienplatz area but first we had to stop to get a beer. We stopped at the Augustiner Großgaststätte for a liter of Dunkel Hefeweizen. This was a huge place inside. We sat next to some guys that appeared to be about 18 and seemed to have had quite a few beers.
Now that we had drunk a beer, we were ready to explore the Marienplatz and Karlsplatz area. We took in the beauty of the buildings and people watched. Next, we decided to stop at Schneider and Sons for an Eisbock. We met some really nice people there- a couple from Seattle and a couple from Austria. The Austrian couple were in town for a Alice Cooper/ Deep Purple concert and were hilarious.
Next, we went back to the hostel to shower and get ready for the evening. We were determined to stay up until at least 9 p.m. before we gave in to jetlag. We had two free drink tickets for the hostel bar so we stopped by there. Then, we were off to the Hofbraeuhaus.
The Hofbraehaus was great fun. It was very touristy but we enjoyed the oompah band and DH enjoyed some drunk girls flashing. We each had a liter of Dunkel and the mixed sausage plate. We should have listened to the people who said not to eat here. The atmosphere and beer was good but the food was not very good. After that, we were ready to go back to the hostel. We had a Panorama tour scheduled for the next day and retired for some much needed rest.
Sunday- Tour to Linderhof and Neuschwanstein.
(more to come)
Mar 1st, 2006, 08:34 AM
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Well, you aren't supposed to keep count on vacation, right
DH works at a brewery and homebrews beer. He studied the Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich for months before we left. So you will definitely see that the trip was somewhat focused on finding good beer.
DH works at a brewery and homebrews beer. He studied the Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich for months before we left. So you will definitely see that the trip was somewhat focused on finding good beer.
Mar 1st, 2006, 10:40 AM
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Sunday- Tour to Linderhof and Neuschwanstein.
We woke up to another beautiful day in Munich. Our tour started at Hertie's across from the train station so we grabbed some coffee at the train station and went to meet the tour.
We found the tour very informative and the tour guide was great. First, we were off to Schloss Linderhof. Being from Houston, we were really impressed with the snow and the mountains as we approached the castle. I was glad I was wearing my snow boots.
Schloss Linderhof is a really beautiful castle (or King Ludwig's villa). The inside of the castle was so ornate and the attention to detail was impressive. The fountains outside were obviously not running but we thought the castle looked beautiful in the snow.
After a short tour of Linderhof, we were off to Oberammergau for shopping. Since it was Sunday, only two stores were open. These stores were only open for the short time we were there and then closed again after the tour buses left. If you collect cuckoo clocks or Hummel figurines, these stores are the place to go. We wandered around the town a little and then it was off to Scholss Neuschwanstein.
When we got to the castle, first we stopped to get some lunch. Only one restaurant was open since it was winter. It was nice and we got to know some of the other people on the tour.
Next, we walked up to the top of Neuschwanstein for our tour. The walk up wasn't as bad as we had expected and there were several lookouts to take pictures on the way up. The tour inside the castle was somewhat disappointing. After seeing the beautiful rooms in Linderhof, Neuschwanstein pales in comparison.
At the end of the tour of the castle, DH and I both said, "That's it?" So though the castle is gorgeous from the outside, I don't think you would be missing much if you skipped the tour of the castle.
After that, it was back down to the tour bus. The tour ended back at Hertie's and we went back to the hostel to freshen up for dinner. DH wanted to go to the Hard Rock Cafe which he has to go to in every city we visit. So we went to Hard Rock, drank a couple more liters of Dunkel beer, and he looked at all the stuff on the walls. After that, we were tired from the long day and headed back to the hostel.
Monday- MUNICH
We had planned on doing a day trip to Salzburg or Andechs Monastery but we decided to explore more of Munich instead. We got up and did some souvenir shopping. We were able to make it to the Glockenspiel by 11 a.m.
For lunch, we walked down to Augustiner Keller. This was definitely one of our best experiences in Munich. There was excellent beer and the best food we had in Munich. I actually got to use my limited German and enjoyed some more people watching.
After that, we walked by the Spaten brewery so DH could take pictures. We stopped back by the hostel and met an Australian and a guy from New Jersey. They were going to the Hofbraeuhaus and asked if we would like to come along. We decided to go and had a great time sharing stories and drinking beer. We headed back to the hostel to pick up our bags for the night train to Amsterdam.
In closing about Munich- this was our favorite city of the trip. The people were so nice and everything was so clean. I was amazed by how many people smoke yet there were few cigarette butts to be seen.
Monday- AMSTERDAM
(more to come)
We woke up to another beautiful day in Munich. Our tour started at Hertie's across from the train station so we grabbed some coffee at the train station and went to meet the tour.
We found the tour very informative and the tour guide was great. First, we were off to Schloss Linderhof. Being from Houston, we were really impressed with the snow and the mountains as we approached the castle. I was glad I was wearing my snow boots.
Schloss Linderhof is a really beautiful castle (or King Ludwig's villa). The inside of the castle was so ornate and the attention to detail was impressive. The fountains outside were obviously not running but we thought the castle looked beautiful in the snow.
After a short tour of Linderhof, we were off to Oberammergau for shopping. Since it was Sunday, only two stores were open. These stores were only open for the short time we were there and then closed again after the tour buses left. If you collect cuckoo clocks or Hummel figurines, these stores are the place to go. We wandered around the town a little and then it was off to Scholss Neuschwanstein.
When we got to the castle, first we stopped to get some lunch. Only one restaurant was open since it was winter. It was nice and we got to know some of the other people on the tour.
Next, we walked up to the top of Neuschwanstein for our tour. The walk up wasn't as bad as we had expected and there were several lookouts to take pictures on the way up. The tour inside the castle was somewhat disappointing. After seeing the beautiful rooms in Linderhof, Neuschwanstein pales in comparison.
At the end of the tour of the castle, DH and I both said, "That's it?" So though the castle is gorgeous from the outside, I don't think you would be missing much if you skipped the tour of the castle.
After that, it was back down to the tour bus. The tour ended back at Hertie's and we went back to the hostel to freshen up for dinner. DH wanted to go to the Hard Rock Cafe which he has to go to in every city we visit. So we went to Hard Rock, drank a couple more liters of Dunkel beer, and he looked at all the stuff on the walls. After that, we were tired from the long day and headed back to the hostel.
Monday- MUNICH
We had planned on doing a day trip to Salzburg or Andechs Monastery but we decided to explore more of Munich instead. We got up and did some souvenir shopping. We were able to make it to the Glockenspiel by 11 a.m.
For lunch, we walked down to Augustiner Keller. This was definitely one of our best experiences in Munich. There was excellent beer and the best food we had in Munich. I actually got to use my limited German and enjoyed some more people watching.
After that, we walked by the Spaten brewery so DH could take pictures. We stopped back by the hostel and met an Australian and a guy from New Jersey. They were going to the Hofbraeuhaus and asked if we would like to come along. We decided to go and had a great time sharing stories and drinking beer. We headed back to the hostel to pick up our bags for the night train to Amsterdam.
In closing about Munich- this was our favorite city of the trip. The people were so nice and everything was so clean. I was amazed by how many people smoke yet there were few cigarette butts to be seen.
Monday- AMSTERDAM
(more to come)
Mar 1st, 2006, 10:48 AM
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StLgrrl-
Our favorites were the Augustiner Keller and Schneider and Sons. If you are going in May, there are a lot of beer gardens that will be open which we obviously couldn't experience. I'll check DH's beer guidebook tonight to give you some more recommendations.
Our favorites were the Augustiner Keller and Schneider and Sons. If you are going in May, there are a lot of beer gardens that will be open which we obviously couldn't experience. I'll check DH's beer guidebook tonight to give you some more recommendations.
Mar 1st, 2006, 11:50 AM
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We were in Munich a few days before Christmas. The Christmas market was in full swing and the city was hopping. We stopped in the Hofbrauhaus long enough for my kids to buy mugs for their boyfriends. It was too crowded to find any kind of seats. We ended up at Ayinger (just across the way) where we enjoyed the winter brew and the food was very good.
Mar 2nd, 2006, 06:27 AM
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Tuesday- AMSTERDAM
After a long night of trying to sleep on the night train, we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal about 9 a.m. We decided to try to find our apartment. We stayed at Amsterdam Escapes which is basically a group of apartments off of Niewmarkt. We found the apartment easily using the directions provided.
We were then informed that the apartment would be ready about 1:30 p.m. So we left our bags and went off to explore the city. It was very cold and cloudy in Amsterdam that day so the beauty of the city didn't really strike me at that time. We walked around Nieuwmarkt and down to Dam Square. By that time we were pretty cold and decided to stop for some coffee at a cafe. By the time we were finished with our coffee it was time to check-in to the apartment.
We absolutely loved the apartment in Amsterdam. It had a great canal view and was equipped with beer, soda, water, and snack foods. After unpacking our bags, we decided to go to the grocery store (Albert Heijn)across the street. I love going to grocery stores different places. We picked up some groceries and stopped at the bakery for some bread. We went back to the apartment, we ate some lunch, and then we were off to see more of Amsterdam.
We headed back to Centraal Station and caught a canal boat just to see kind of an overview of the city. By that time we were getting pretty tired, so we went back to the apartment for some dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday- AMSTERDAM
We woke up and decided today we were going to see the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum. We got out our Amsterdam map and decided which way to go. Well, it seems we did not have a good grasp of the city yet so we kept getting lost.
We did find the Van Gogh museum and I enjoyed it very much. DH isn't really into art but I am a fan of Van Gogh which is why I wanted to go here instead of the Rijksmuseum. After that we decided to try to find the Heineken Experience. We did find it but unfortunately we arrived 15 minutes after the last tour.
We headed back to the apartment, ate some dinner and decided to experience the Red Light District before it got too late. We did not enjoy this at all. We probably weren't there 5 minutes. I think we were both expecting it to be more like New Orleans and less really seedy. We felt kind of bad vibe from this guy who seemed to be following us and after the second time someone asked us if we wanted hard drugs, we were out of there.
We went back to the apartment and decided to get some sleep for tomorrow.
Thursday- AMSTERDAM
Today was our last full day in Amsterdam and we had a lot we still needed to see. We woke up early and I once again figured out directions to the Anne Frank House. This time we made it. This is something that I think everyone should see. It was depressing but I think we need to be reminded of these things so we make sure nothing ever like the Holocaust ever happens again. Okay, I'm off my soapbox now lol.
Next, we walked down to Hard Rock Cafe. As I said earlier, DH must visit the Hard Rock in every city we visit. This was a nice Hard Rock though with a nice canal view. We had lunch and then we were off to the Heineken Experience. We made it in time and really recommend this. You get 3 beers and a souvenir glass for 10E. If you are interested in brewing beer at all, you have to see these huge copper fermenters they used. This is the equipment from the original Heineken brewery. It is not actually a functioning brewery now.
We had seen all the main things we both wanted to see in Amsterdam so we went back to the apartment. We decided to go to a wonderful Italian restaurant downstairs from the apartment called Gusto. We had a lovely romantic dinner and the tiramisu was to die for.
Friday- BRUSSELS
We were leaving for Brussels today so we packed our bags in the morning and checked out of the apartment. We headed to the train station to catch our train to Brussels.
We arrived in Brussels about 3:30 p.m. and took the subway to the Renaissance Brussels. This was a gorgeous 4-star hotel but not very centrally located. I got a great deal on Priceline so I was happy. We checked in, dropped our bags, and headed out towards Grand Place. It was very cold so we decided to take the subway.
We saw Grand Place which was somewhat impressive and the Mannekin Pis. We walked down Rue des Bouchers and found our first stop, Delirium Cafe. This pub has 2006 beers to choose. The beer menu was a big 3-ring binder. We drank a few beers and then we were off to Mort Subite. We drank a few more beers. I really enjoyed the Kriek. By that time we were ready to head back to the hotel.
After a long night of trying to sleep on the night train, we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal about 9 a.m. We decided to try to find our apartment. We stayed at Amsterdam Escapes which is basically a group of apartments off of Niewmarkt. We found the apartment easily using the directions provided.
We were then informed that the apartment would be ready about 1:30 p.m. So we left our bags and went off to explore the city. It was very cold and cloudy in Amsterdam that day so the beauty of the city didn't really strike me at that time. We walked around Nieuwmarkt and down to Dam Square. By that time we were pretty cold and decided to stop for some coffee at a cafe. By the time we were finished with our coffee it was time to check-in to the apartment.
We absolutely loved the apartment in Amsterdam. It had a great canal view and was equipped with beer, soda, water, and snack foods. After unpacking our bags, we decided to go to the grocery store (Albert Heijn)across the street. I love going to grocery stores different places. We picked up some groceries and stopped at the bakery for some bread. We went back to the apartment, we ate some lunch, and then we were off to see more of Amsterdam.
We headed back to Centraal Station and caught a canal boat just to see kind of an overview of the city. By that time we were getting pretty tired, so we went back to the apartment for some dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday- AMSTERDAM
We woke up and decided today we were going to see the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum. We got out our Amsterdam map and decided which way to go. Well, it seems we did not have a good grasp of the city yet so we kept getting lost.
We did find the Van Gogh museum and I enjoyed it very much. DH isn't really into art but I am a fan of Van Gogh which is why I wanted to go here instead of the Rijksmuseum. After that we decided to try to find the Heineken Experience. We did find it but unfortunately we arrived 15 minutes after the last tour.
We headed back to the apartment, ate some dinner and decided to experience the Red Light District before it got too late. We did not enjoy this at all. We probably weren't there 5 minutes. I think we were both expecting it to be more like New Orleans and less really seedy. We felt kind of bad vibe from this guy who seemed to be following us and after the second time someone asked us if we wanted hard drugs, we were out of there.
We went back to the apartment and decided to get some sleep for tomorrow.
Thursday- AMSTERDAM
Today was our last full day in Amsterdam and we had a lot we still needed to see. We woke up early and I once again figured out directions to the Anne Frank House. This time we made it. This is something that I think everyone should see. It was depressing but I think we need to be reminded of these things so we make sure nothing ever like the Holocaust ever happens again. Okay, I'm off my soapbox now lol.
Next, we walked down to Hard Rock Cafe. As I said earlier, DH must visit the Hard Rock in every city we visit. This was a nice Hard Rock though with a nice canal view. We had lunch and then we were off to the Heineken Experience. We made it in time and really recommend this. You get 3 beers and a souvenir glass for 10E. If you are interested in brewing beer at all, you have to see these huge copper fermenters they used. This is the equipment from the original Heineken brewery. It is not actually a functioning brewery now.
We had seen all the main things we both wanted to see in Amsterdam so we went back to the apartment. We decided to go to a wonderful Italian restaurant downstairs from the apartment called Gusto. We had a lovely romantic dinner and the tiramisu was to die for.
Friday- BRUSSELS
We were leaving for Brussels today so we packed our bags in the morning and checked out of the apartment. We headed to the train station to catch our train to Brussels.
We arrived in Brussels about 3:30 p.m. and took the subway to the Renaissance Brussels. This was a gorgeous 4-star hotel but not very centrally located. I got a great deal on Priceline so I was happy. We checked in, dropped our bags, and headed out towards Grand Place. It was very cold so we decided to take the subway.
We saw Grand Place which was somewhat impressive and the Mannekin Pis. We walked down Rue des Bouchers and found our first stop, Delirium Cafe. This pub has 2006 beers to choose. The beer menu was a big 3-ring binder. We drank a few beers and then we were off to Mort Subite. We drank a few more beers. I really enjoyed the Kriek. By that time we were ready to head back to the hotel.
Mar 2nd, 2006, 06:43 AM
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Saturday- BRUSSELS/ FRANKFURT
Today we were taking a train from Brussels to Frankfurt for our flight out Sunday morning. We got up early and headed to Beer Mania. We spent an hour looking at the beers and finally picked out our beers. To a beer connoisseur, a Belgium beer shop is like a candy store for a child. I thought I actually saw DH drooling. We decided to have over 30 beers shipped back and went back to the hotel to check out.
Next, we headed back to Brussels Midi for our train to Frankfurt. We arrived in Frankfurt at about 4:30 p.m. We grabbed a taxi to the Marriott Frankfurt. This was another excellent hotel that I got for a bargain on Priceline. We had a great view of the Frankfurt skyline and a very comfortable bed.
Since we needed to be at airport at 7:30 a.m., we decided to go down to the hotel sports bar for dinner and our last German beers. I was actually a little sick of beer so I had the Festival Riesling which was pretty good.
We got up in the morning and took a cab to the airport. We joked about "forgetting" to get on the plane and staying another week. But all good things must end so we got on the plane and came back home.
Today we were taking a train from Brussels to Frankfurt for our flight out Sunday morning. We got up early and headed to Beer Mania. We spent an hour looking at the beers and finally picked out our beers. To a beer connoisseur, a Belgium beer shop is like a candy store for a child. I thought I actually saw DH drooling. We decided to have over 30 beers shipped back and went back to the hotel to check out.
Next, we headed back to Brussels Midi for our train to Frankfurt. We arrived in Frankfurt at about 4:30 p.m. We grabbed a taxi to the Marriott Frankfurt. This was another excellent hotel that I got for a bargain on Priceline. We had a great view of the Frankfurt skyline and a very comfortable bed.
Since we needed to be at airport at 7:30 a.m., we decided to go down to the hotel sports bar for dinner and our last German beers. I was actually a little sick of beer so I had the Festival Riesling which was pretty good.
We got up in the morning and took a cab to the airport. We joked about "forgetting" to get on the plane and staying another week. But all good things must end so we got on the plane and came back home.
Mar 2nd, 2006, 08:01 AM
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A Deep Purple concert! What a hoot. I would have had to drop everything and find a way to scrounge up a ticket. I loved Deep Purple back in the day.
Isn't it funny how it's so often the little things like a chance encounter with a funny stranger that will stick in your memory long after a trip and make you smile as you go through your photos?
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Isn't it funny how it's so often the little things like a chance encounter with a funny stranger that will stick in your memory long after a trip and make you smile as you go through your photos?
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
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