Krapfen

Bakeries all around the city are gearing up for Fasching. Krapfen (which may be one of my least favorite German words) come in a large array of flavors. So far my favorite has been the caipirinha inspired with brown sugar and lime.

Summer Flowers

The flowers at the foot of the Gärtnerplatz Theater are always a highlight of the summer. The theater dates back to 1865 and was last redesigned in 2006. People often gather at the the small fountain or around the greenery to enjoy the nature or simply to people watch.

Nightlife

Visitors to Munich are sometimes disappointed by the lack of options in going out at night. While entertaining is typically done outside of people's homes and apartments, many bars and restaurants close relatively early. Amazingly even the biergartens close before midnight. The best areas to find something going on tend to be Schwabing, Haidhausen, Maxvorstadt, and the Glockenbachviertel.

Playing Second Fiddle

Throughout Friedrich Von Gartner’s career, he was always the king’s number two architect behind Leo Von Klenze – mastermind of the Greek revival in Munich, including the Glypothek, Konigsplatz, and Ludwigstrasse.  Yet Gartner had some amazing contributions to make to Munich, including the Feldhernhalle, Siegestor, and the University building – not to mention buildings in other countries like the Helenic Parliament in Athens.  Gartner then was named director for the world renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufacturing company.  This particular tribute (picture) to him sits at Gartnerplatz, with the beautiful State Theater in the background.  Of course keeping with tradition it is considered Munich’s second theater – after the Bavarian State National Theatre, next to the Residence.

Flower Power in GBV

A quick glance at one of the vendors in the lively neighborhood-wide flea market of Glockenbachviertel (thanks Mia for the tip). Often shortened to GBV, it’s the neighborhood directly Southwest of Munich’s city center, and houses the Viktalienmarket, Gartnerplatz, and Sendlingertor. It is also a sub-area of Isarvorstadt. Today you find an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and artist galleries. You will also find Munich’s most densely populated district, as well as the one with the fewest children. GBV is also the self-proclaimed gay capital of Munich. It’s name actually means Bell Brook, and is named after the businesses in the 14-1600s which made bells, leveraging the endless brooks that ran off the Isar River for power.

Grayed May Pole

As you likely know, it’s a Bavarian tradition to set up May Poles in Bavaria. This is the scene generally of great celebration, pageantry, and community work to erect the poles; and Munich likely has 20-30 of them around town. Despite this May pole being launched with much fanfare, it was vandalized a week later. The May pole was themed with gay symbols, rather than those of various work groups. It was the city’s first Gay themed May pole. Officials said they were not certain if the act was one against gays or simply a youth prank. At the time, it was unclear whether artists Robert Rore and Michael Borio would re paint the themes. It's been a while so let me know if anyone has any updates.