A Rainy Day in Munich

Traveling isn't always sunshine and sparkles and rainbows. Sometimes you're sick. Sometimes you're tired. Sometimes the weather sucks. And sometimes those three things combined make you just want to spend all day lying in bed at home.

For me, Munich is one of those places that needs a second chance. While I had been looking forward to my trip to Bavaria all year long, unfortunately I picked the worst possible time to go. I was just getting over mono, I had just gotten home from a whirlwind trip to Prague and Vienna, and the weather was making Seattle look like paradise. On top of that, I unknowingly booked my tickets during Frühlingsfest, Munich's mini Oktoberfest held in the spring. Sounds fun, right? Sadly, not only was I thoroughly exhausted and running on empty, but I also have Celiac disease. (In other words, no Frühlingsfest beer for Courtney.) I felt like the definition of lame.

A maypole in Viktualienmarkt

The silver lining? Munich was absolutely stunning. It was the perfect town to leisurely stroll through without an agenda. The architecture was delightfully picturesque, sprawling green parks were scattered throughout the city, and the (impeccably clean) streets were filled with colorful flowers and smiling locals. Cozy beer gardens abounded while lederhosen-clad festival goers traipsed through town, pretzels and umbrellas in tow. 

The Frühlingsfest carnival

It's not München unless there's beer, lederhosen and dancing on tables 

We spent our day admiring the buildings of Marienplatz, wandering through the Viktualienmarkt farmer's market, observing the chaos of Frühlingsfest, exploring the lush parks and getting lost in the maze of rainy streets. We stopped by Hofbräuhaus for dinner, where we indulged on savory German treats while listening to a traditional Bavarian band. Now one of Munich's oldest and most famous breweries, Hofbräuhaus used to be where the Nazi party held many meetings and functions. It's also said that Mozart used to frequent this famed beer hall, and even wrote one of his operas fueled by its tasty libations.

Fresh blooms at Viktualienmarkt

Needless to say, I'd love to experience Munich again under different circumstances. I fell in love with the beautiful buildings and friendly Bavarian culture, but I wish I'd had more energy to fully enjoy it all. Not to mention, day-tripping to Füssen to see Neuschwanstein Castle had me dying to explore more quaint Bavarian villages. And who knows? Maybe in 10 years they'll be serving gluten free beer at Oktoberfest. (A girl can dream.)

I'll be back for you again someday, my lovely Munich. 

My Munich Picks:

Best Views: New City Hall

Best People-Watching: Viktualienmarkt

Must-Try Dishes: Weisswurst, pretzels and spätzle (and beer, obviously.)

Favorite Day Trip: Neuschwanstein Castle

Best Place to Relax: Englischer Garten

 

Northwest is Best

Hola from Madrid! I've made it back to España safely, but only after the most epic final weekend at home. One of my best friends came into town from Orange County, so naturally we wreaked havoc upon Seattle as I bid my fair city adieu. Between boating on Lake Washington, brunching at Portage Bay, visiting our old UW stomping grounds, gorging ourselves on Thai food and watching the Huskies crush Illinois in our beautiful new stadium, my last weekend at home was truly unbeatable. I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

Portage Bay Café, thank you so much for existing.

Friends who brunch together stay together.

Mimosas + boating + Husky Stadium views

My happy place. Go Dawgs!

I love you forever, Seattle. Until next time!

Madrid Bound

These past two months at home have absolutely flown by. It hardly seems possible that in a handful of hours, I'll be on a plane back to Madrid. If you had asked me a month ago, I would have said, "Of course I'm ready to go back to Spain!" But staying that second month here in the USA has made me all the more attached. I'm feeling all of the feels right about now.

But who am I to complain, because I chose this lifestyle - and all the perks & drawbacks that come with it. Is it worth it in the end? I think so. I love Madrid. I miss Madrid. But I know I'll inevitably miss home too. Right about now I'm wishing I could have the best of both worlds.

So rather than dwelling on the negative, I'm trying to focus on all of the things I'm looking forward to in España. I've missed so much about Madrid this summer, and I can't wait to see my friends and visit my favorite places upon my arrival! These are just a few things I can't wait to get back to:

Picnics on my balcony

Jamón! Olive oil chips! Cheese! Wine! So many noms to be had.

Teaching these darling kiddos

I missed my students so much this summer! Working with kids has its challenges (like when they forget that they're children, not wild animals), but overall, teaching has been the most fulfilling job I've ever had. I can't wait to return to my adorable niños!

The colorful streets

As comfortable as suburbia has been these past two months, I'm ready to get back to the vibrant colors and stunning architecture of Madrid.

The city's magic

Madrid never ceases to take my breath away. There's always something to do, and beauty can be found everywhere. This city constantly inspires me, and I'm looking forward to feeling that magic again.

And I almost forgot...

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be working as a social media intern at Madrid Food Tour this year!

Now I'll have a legitimate excuse to Instagram all of my favorite Spanish dishes. So much for trying to kick my huevos rotos addiction...

Bring it on, Year Two!