Munich

So my 2024 New Year resolution was to post more frequently on the blog. It is now 2025, and I want to talk about a trip from the summer of 2024! As you all can see, much progress has been made on these goals. However, as I sit in my apartment in the depths of hell (winter at Purdue), I would like to reminisce about a much more fun (and warm) time. 

As I have said, one of my favorite things about Europe is the town squares in major cities. Upon arrival in Munich, we immediately headed to St. Michaelshof, a local market with many fresh ingredients, beautiful local wood cuttings, pretty baskets, and more. There was even a traditional German Biergarten in the middle, serving excellent food. As the growing teenager I am (for only a bit longer), I was quite ravenous. German bratwurst is 10000% the best in the world, and I was quite hungry after my flight, so devouring it took me no time. These little markets so common in Europe feel so few and far between in the states, and the vibes in them are immaculate. It feels like an old Disney movie where the main character picks up their ingredients to make the most delicious meal you have seen of all time. In Seattle, my mom goes to a market in Redmond, but there is nothing quite like the European markets with the cobbled roads beneath one’s feet, fresh food, and unique cultural souvenirs surrounding you. We eventually reached the main square of Munich, the Marienplatz. As my mom and dad were quite tired due to the warm temperatures, my sister and I explored the square, seeing fantastical fountains and cool shops all around. However, the highlight is certainly the clock tower located at the edge of the square. The clock is not only grand and an architectural marvel, but it also acts as a storytelling device too. With 2 different sections, the clock displays 2 stories 2 times a day for all to enjoy. The first, through the use of a rotating platform, tells the story of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine’s marriage in 1568 and the festivities that followed with knights parading flags around. The second portrays the story of overcoming a deep plague as citizens danced hearing of its end and eventually starting a traditional performance of the dance every 7 years. These stories of joy and triumph add so much character to this unique clock. Its design is covered in gold and medieval architecture despite being built recently in the 20th century. Overall, the square was such a highlight of our journey there.

As we continued to walk around, I was quite enthralled with the architecture of the place. There were so many bright colors and impressive buildings all around that even a simple stroll through the city was a mesmerizing experience. We even came up to a park at one point with music playing. Curious, my sister and I decided to check it out and found many old couples waltzing. It was such a beautiful moment, and after trying (and failing) to get my parents to join in on the fun, we all simply watched as they danced around. Many of them were quite old, above retirement age for sure, and were out enjoying their lives. They were all laughing and talking to each other in such a jovial tone, and it was just satisfying to see. My mom often complains about how the states do not have entertainment options for people her age and older, as many things are geared toward my age group of people. While she may just be having a mid-life crisis, I think there is some truth to it. As I watched people simply dancing and enjoying themselves, I wished that I would be a fun person at that age too. My sister, however, was quick to remind me that I could not even dance now, crushing my dreams. Still, I hope to be as cool as those people in my old age. Just being able to slow down, relax, and celebrate life is something I always love about traveling, and something I hope to do as I age.

As I have talked about before, I am a fan of both types of football. Turns out, the euros were going during our trip to Europe, and there was a Germany-Spain game that unfolded. As my dad had somehow managed to find an Indian restaurant immediately, we sat at this place close to our hotel. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, as oftentimes Indian food from outside feels subpar compared to my mom’s abilities with a pot and pan. Yet, this was a really good meal, and I was quite thankful for it. However, what I really enjoyed was the game. As we saw in the game, many of the German fans began to lose hope in the team until Florian Wirtz scored an equalizing goal. The tension melted off their faces around us and was replaced by so much joy. Unfortunately, Mikel Merino put the Germans away at the death of the game, causing much anguish around us. Once again, something that struck me as interesting was the fact that the bar had not just men in it, but entire families gathered around watching the game with very little of the typical rage expected of sports fans (myself included). It felt super wholesome, and it was nice to see sports fans in this way, something I hope to be like myself. (Please, John Schneider, fix the OL. I will be at peace then).

It’s not just soccer that got my attention. One of my other favorite interests in the world is cars. While I am not as into cars as some car guys, my mind was captivated after seeing a red NASCAR glide across my screen when I was a child. Ever since then, I have loved cars. Eventually, I started playing the Forza games and learning more about them. The quality and class of German cars need no introduction. BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen all have roots in Germany. Turns out that BMW has a museum in Germany, and a childhood friend of mine told me to check it out once he heard that I was going to Germany. As car-obsessed as I was, I begged my parents to let us go, and they agreed quite easily. Unfortunately for them, they had no idea how long I could stay inside a museum of cars. From top-of-the-line track monsters like the BMW M4 GT3, rally demons like the 1987 BMW M3, sleek sedans like the M5, and cute little BMW Isettas, I was thrilled. Learning about the history of the BMW brand throughout the years was so exciting. Starting as an aerospace engine manufacturer, BMW quickly transitioned to motorcycles and eventually cars. The rich history of BMW in the racing business was exciting. The various videos of the old championship celebrations, the pictures of old race suits, and more brought out the kid in me. I swear I read every single slide that was there. It didn’t matter if it was racing clips, engine physics, clay modeling, pop culture facts, or anything else; I was entranced. Seeing the work BMW is doing on both electric and hybrid cars was also quite interesting, as I had never heard of hydrogen cars before this and was interested in how they work after this. Hopefully, the technology will become feasible in the future, as it seems like a great solution to the energy crisis. One of the highlights was sitting on top of their motorcycles. I could almost imagine the wind blowing as I ripped past the competition around a difficult track. Alas, I was definitely not given the reaction time necessary to be a racecar driver and had to hop off. One of the highlights outside of seeing all these cars I had used in Forza before was seeing Elvis Presley’s BMW, which was only recently fully restored and kept in the museum after years of being tracked down. The King of Rock and Roll certainly knew how to drive in style, and it was a surreal experience seeing his car there. I could talk about that museum for years, but to not bore all of you, I will move on. 

As we prepared to leave Munich for Austria, we took a tour of the German countryside. Last year, I said nothing in the world could match the Tuscan countryside’s rolling hills. However, the German countryside certainly did come close. Even as someone from Seattle, the amount of greenery surrounding me was quite something. Everywhere was a new shade of green, dotted with stunning churches and flowing rivers across the land. It seemed like it was straight out of a movie. In fact, we came upon a church that reminded me of the one shown in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge where SRK prays for Kajol. As has become tradition, I took a photo hitting the iconic Shah Rukh Khan pose near it, feeling as if I was him in the movie. Unfortunately, I am not a world-famous movie star, but I did get to continue seeing the rest of the countryside. The Ramsauer Ache, the church, and the overcast sky combined to give quite a moody yet graceful shot. My mom was excited and was reminded of The Sound of Music, even playing songs from the movie as we drove through while Tujhe Dekha To played in my head. It was simply wonderful.

Overall, Munich is one of my favorite places. From the stunning scenery, the exciting football, the fast cars, and the beautiful architecture, it had everything I could ever want in a place. 2024 was a rough year for many members of my family, and I was glad we were able to get away from all that with this trip. Oftentimes I talk about how traveling allows me to not just connect with the people in my life but also be away from screens, work, and the daily routines where it feels impossible to think of time in months and years, simply as Monday to Friday. In fact, that is part of what motivated me to write today. This blog is a place for me to take a step back and reflect. As I write about my journeys to faraway places and the wanderlust that overcomes me, I also get to reflect on the small moments: playing chopsticks with my sister as we wait in a hotel lobby, the excitement my mom feels when she sees a pretty flower on the side of the road, the curiosity my dad displays about the history of the most minute details, the funny jokes about a picture I sent to my Purdue friends from across the planet, and so much more. This place on the internet allows me to reflect on the people in my life, the history, and the culture of people different from me, the joy of discovering new things, and I appreciate it a lot. I hope the few of you who do read this find that same place for yourselves where moments of reflection take priority over instant gratification. Germany was a place of almost ethereal beauty, and I am so glad I got to see it. Until next time on Pranay’s Seattle Departures!