Happy Valentine's Day

Were you struggling for a little romance on Valentine’s Day? Like most western holidays, the city of Munich is not overrun by Valentine’s day. You could see signs of it in the shops throughout downtown, and a good line up at the chocolate shops today. But there was no shortage to interest couples. There are a few Munich mainstays that I find romantic any time of the year, such as the restaurant atop the Olympiadorf with views as long as the eye could see, or a drink atop the Bayersherhof Blue Spa overlooking the rooftops of the Altstadt. If you prefer some daytime romance take a nice walk through the Hofgarden at the Residence, or the parkland around Nymphenburg Palace. One evening that I think is amazing any time is a couple’s swim at the art deco Volksbad pool, a dinner in nearby Haidhausen (where you will find the city’s best restaurants), and then a movie across the street at the Museum Lichtspiele where the theatres each seat about 30 people. Grab two big German beers and enjoy the show together. If you wanted something special today though, there were also a lot of choices. You could pick “the Fairy Queen” based upon Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or the London Symphony Orchestra, or a piano recital (both at the Gasteig - see yesterday's post) focused on Handel, Mozart, Chopin, and Brahms. Finally, for those mixing meals with music – “A Gourmet Klassik” combined chamber music by the Goldnagl Ensemble with lunch by acclaimed chef Alfons Schuhbeck. And if all else fails, it’s Saturday. Take a nighttime skate at the Nymphenburg canal. The lights and the music will sure to be romantic tonight.