Germany: Munich

Munich, Germany: frauenkirche in downtown munich
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I woke up early in Bratislava so I could get to the train station and move on to Munich for the World Cup.  Unfortunately, because Bratislava is virtually Eastern Europe, a train to Munich is not exactly the easiest move in the world.  I had to first catch a train to Vienna, only an hour away.  Then I would go to Salzburg, and finally on to Munich.  After my big night out in Bratislava, I wasn't exactly feeling great, so I couldn't wait to get on the train and sleep.

Well, when I got to the station bright and early, I noticed there were no trains to Vienna on the board, when there should be one every hour.  So I checked at the info booth on the reason for the cancellations.  I was told, "all morning trains to Vienna have been cancelled."  OK.  So was there a reason for this?  "There is no reason; you have to wait until the afternoon."  Awesome!  Welcome to Eastern Europe!  Of course I waited, and eventually made the train, arriving in Munich much later than expected.

Preparations for the Biggest Sporting Event in the World

Munich, Germany: frauenkirche and rathus in downtown munich
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Once I got into the train station, the city was completely electric - people waving flags everywhere, beeping horns, singing national anthems.  It is amazing how the World Cup unites so many people and countries.  I got to my hostel, The Tent, a legendary joint where even my brother stayed approximately 15 (!) years ago on his European journey.  I also stayed at the Tent in 2002, and, let's just say it's not for everyone.  Basically it is a huge circus tent with a wooden floor; the staff give you a rainbow pattern foam pad and three heavy, uncomfortable wool blankets.  No pillow.  And everyone gets to sleep next to each other on the floor!  Good times!!  When it is packed, like it was for the World Cup, you have a couple hundred people sleeping together on the floor.

Munich, Germany: interior of the tent, before the crowds arrived
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You can't sleep though, as people are arriving all through the night, talking, drinking, snoring, all the while you are freezing or sweating, depending on the weather.  It is impossible to beat the camaraderie though at the Tent - there is a campfire where everyone sits around, introduces themselves, sings, and tells stories until late.  We even had an old Polish guy playing Irish songs on his accordion for the large Irish contigent.

Furthermore, there was a massive Aussie group called the "Fanatics" who were following the Australia football team throughout the World Cup.  Aussies are usually the best people you can meet while travelling - they're laid back, smart, love to travel, and are usually the best partiers.  I did manage a couple hours of sleep, and couldn't wait to finally see the World Cup the next night.  Shout out to Alix and Ashley - holla!