The long way home

Another friend was able to visit us, at least for a short while. Kevin, a fellow Rice alumni, has been working for the past 6 months in Australia, and decided to take the long way home – through Hong Kong, Munich, London, Dublin, and finally back to Ohio. Unfortunately, Kyle ended up with some sort of flu thing (rotavirus?) the one whole day Kevin was here, so I’m afraid he didn’t get the usual tour. Though he has been to Munich before, so hopefully not too much harm done. We went up to the top of St. Peters for an overview (Kyle and I have decided this is an absolute must for all visitors to Munich – and at only 1.50 euro quite the deal – you just have to be sure to save it for a clear day). Afterwards off to the Olympic Park and the top of the teufelsberg there for a different view of the city. Kyle was still definitely out of commission, so we headed on over to the See Haus to drink some beer and catch up on what we knew of other alumni, before heading over to the Augustiner restaurant for some more beer (Maximator – ‘tis the season) and some food. Hopefully Kevin had a good time, despite only having one host ;)

Italian Sunshine

Just returned from a trip to Italy. Kyle had work in Milan, so we took the train down there (only 29 euros!). The previous times I had been to Milan I did not make it into the Duomo or to see the Last Supper – this time I fit in both. You have to reserve way ahead of time to see the Last Supper (especially now with Dan Brown’s books being so popular), but I joined on to a tour group that was going to see it anyways. The best part of Milan was the top of the Duomo – so picturesque, and you could see for miles. A lot of the carving up there is so detailed that you would only ever be able to really appreciate it by climbing up to the top.
After Milan we took a train to Venice. We had not been inside St. Mark’s previously (summer weather, so I forgot to wear something to cover my shoulders or knees), but made it in this time (though it was so warm I probably would have been comfortable in shorts). The entire interior of the church is covered in mosaics of all sorts, including many with a gold covering that glitter spectacularly. A very relaxing weekend before heading back via a night train (with our own couchette – such an efficient space!) to Munich. A little taste of spring weather before we head up north for other adventures.

The gherkins come for a visit

Jill and Michael came to visit for an extended weekend, almost our last visitors until we head home. It was a packed weekend, full of taking in the sights and visiting various beer halls. They were also able to meet some of our friends here at the Augustiner. After a long trip back to the states (10 hour delay, thanks to Chicago weather), they eventually got back home. Thanks for visiting!

Fasching

Yesterday was Fasching. As we are in nice Catholic southern Germany, Kyle had half the day off. We headed out to the Viktualienmarkt, which was absolutely packed with people – standing room only. A local radio station sponsors a huge construction crane to come out and pump music from speakers suspended from the top of the crane as well as placed all over the market and the Marienplatz. A wonderful afternoon.

Hungary

Kyle was off this past week for a conference in Hungary, but took some time out with friends in Budapest and skiing in Switzerland. I took the opportunity to visit the rest of the museums here I’ve been meaning to (the Neue Pinakothek was my favorite), as well as get together with friends for trips to Nordbad and a baby shower. Meanwhile, here are some photos from Kyle’s trip – notice how even when you’re on the top of a beautiful ski slope in Switzerland, there’s always one guy that can not get away from work. And, of course, the obligatory ‘sleeping on the train photos’ – except for the photographers!