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!

Winding down

Well, finished my most recent batch of classes on Wednesday - German is difficult, but I've definitely noticed an improvement in my understanding of people and signs, even if I can't necessarily talk back.
Kyle was in Budapest and another smaller town in Hngary and now he is in Switzerland near Zurich skiing. Today with my American friends here we're having a baby shower for the Rice archi that is living here.
With friends I've recently been going to one of the public pools here (Nordbad), and its pretty great. They have one large indoor pool and then this great heated outdoor pool, which is awesome in the cold. No more snow here, but apparently its really beautiful when it is snowing outside. They also have a sauna, hot tub, and other things. It's pretty relaxing to go with friends, and it only costs 3.40 euro for 3 hours, which is perfect.
Our friends Jill and Michael arrive on Thursday, which will be great to have visitors again. Fasching is Tuesday, meanwhile, which is supposed to be pretty fun. I've decided all the leftover Halloween costumes from the US come to Germany for Fashcing. On the donuts they make here for the season (Krapfen) they even have some that are decorated with pumpkin/spider plastic things on top. Check out all of the many varieties here - this place apparently has the best in Munich.
After Jill and Michael leave we head out to Milan and Venice. We've been to Venice several times before, but never stayed in the city overnight, which should be fun.
I'm having a hard time believing that our time here is almost up. I's been really great, and Ithink these Bvarians really have a pretty good quality of life.

Here are some random Munich buildings for you – the new Synagogue (rather disappointing that the entire surround courtyard is covered in asphalt) and the Munich airport.