Then there were two...

Today really turned out to be a very enjoyable day; however, it had a very rocky start. When the story I am about to share is told by various parties, there no doubt will be a different version. But, as the unofficial blogger documenting this adventure, of course my version is TRUE. We intended to go to the Alte Pintekotek, art museum, after going to the train station to get our transportation tickets. It was a great deal for a family pass to ride the train as long as you travel together. This should not be a problem, as we are planning several day trips were we will be together. I should mention that when you ger on a bus, tram, or train no one checks your ticket automatically, but if a security officer randomly checks and you dont have a ticket you get fined up to 50 euros ( about $65). So, I can best describe what happened next using a story problem. Those who know me well know that I would rather walk across hot coals than try to solve a math problem; but this seems fiting, so follow along: "When 4 people get on a train heading south going 50 miles an hour with the destination the art museum and the weather is sunny and clear, what color is the train and how many people actually get off at the right stop?" If you said "blue" you are wrong, it was red. If you said 2/4 got off the train, you are right. 1/4th of the group, the designated leader, tells 3/4 of the group to get off at the next stop. 2/4 of the group get off and watch as the train pulls away with the other 2/4 of the group, including the 1/4 who said to get off at this stop and has the group train pass, is still on the train. All agree that 4/4 were frustrated, but lets just say that 2/2 went to the art museuam and 2/2 went back home. Who made it and who didn't? A friendly, LIVELY debate took place later when we met back up and we aren't placing blame...lets just say that those of you who get art museum souvenirs will know.... The rest of the day was salvaged and we headed out to Marianplatz, a beautiful square with traditional style buildings, cathedrals and restaurants. The glockenspiel that re-enacts a joust to music with characters that rotate three times a day is housed toward the top of a huge gothic structure that anchors this area. We were able to go to the top on an elevator - no stairs, thank you- for spectacular views of Munich. We also found a few more stunning cathedrals with intricate carved details and beautiful paintings on the walls and domed ceilings. We also heard a pipe organ concert in one of these churches. Beautiful, yet creepy loud music that sometimes reminded me of the soundtrack of a horror movie. Top that off with a great dinner at an outdoor cafe (fried chicken, pasta and veggies) and street musicians and we survived our first day in Munich! Can we all make it to Nurnberg on the same train tomorrow? Time will tell.