Five Go Mad

Pissed the security people off in Leonardo Da Vinci Airport by being a bit thick.  Probably still startled by the shuttle trip which hit 150km/h. I convinced myself that the speedo must have been wrong. Alitalia to Munich; all very stylish and I’m sure the pilot was having a great time flying the plane as his manoeuvres seemed to be more flamboyant than other airlines generally encourage from their pilots. Maybe he’s related to Captain Francesco Schettino (remember the Costa Concordia?).  Still felt a bit sad leaving the last bit of sunny exuberant Italy as we disembarked. The low sky and semi-darkness didn’t help although perked up a bit as Teutonic efficiency popped us out into the airport train station forthwith, no queues, all luggage and dispositions in good shape, 9.5 minutes until the next train, platform 2, stand here.

I’m going to get one of those old school map books because my google map man is stupid. A jiffy’s worth of walking to the hotel near the train station turned into a bit of a slog for what seemed like half an hour.  Starting off in the wrong direction didn’t help (another reason to use a proper map), nor did the light rain and arctic-like darkness at 5pm.  No wonky pavements here though so smooth suitcase pushing all the way. Dispositions had taken a bit of a hiding by the time we got there, particularly for a few who bore the brunt of some commuter grumpiness on the train- luggage cluttering the aisles on an airport train, empörend!! Much improved after a meal of apartment-made chilli con-carne nachos and strawberry cheesecake!  Megan providing the evening laughs by ‘weirding out’ her sisters.

Morning walk with the crows and commuters. Found the station new should have gotten off at the night before (the next stop along- stupid google maps). Came across two different clubs emptying jolly young folk out into dawn’s crack still cranking the drum’n bass making the sleeping pigeons grumpy. Washing day and chill morning. Sussed the trams enough to get tickets and, zing-a-ding-ding we’re in the Saturday afternoon throngs at the Marienplatz Christmas market. Strong themes of alcohol, gingerbread, and nativity scenes but mostly alcohol in the form of Gluhwein (or any other hot drink with a shot of something added).  Bought trinkets, ate chestnuts, pretzels, gingerbread and marzipan. Drank hot chocolate and cappuccino but they weren’t enough to keep the growing chill out. Jostled our way back to the train station. Very polite crowds at the markets, lots of kids and elderly folk. A surprising number of short people; I though the Germans were all tall? A different sort of crowd around the train station. Leathered blokes drinking outside on their own from large cans. I noticed it last night and wondered if Munich has a yob problem.

Cooler climes

Winged Hobbit

Dying to know what happens in here

Loving it