Germany Road Trip - Day 2

We got up, had breakfast, and then headed out on the U-bahn (only 2 blocks away!) into the city center where we were headed to see the Residenz Palace. It was fussball (soccer) quarter finals and Germany was playing, so we got to see lots of people who were painted gold and red (see photo). We were in town a bit early, so we took our time and eventually found the entrance that we were looking for (treasury and palace). First, we headed into the treasury and oooed and awed over the amazing religious and state treasure, including some beautiful crowns. One seemed made for me :). Here are some photos of our first glimpses of Munich and the treasury:

red and gold soccer fans

The Residenz

The Residenz, Carsten, and Andy

Love this photo. The pavilion to the left was where Hitler made a speech and was an important place for the Nazis. The yellow church was basically destroyed in the war, but they rebuilt it.

Queen Natalie :)

After seeing the treasury, we wisely decided that we didn't have enough time to go through the palace before the glockenspiel would go in the main square. So we wandered down to the main square, and watched it :). It was much more pleasant for me this year since last year the noise seemed to really upset Carsten so I couldn't watch most of it. This year he just ate Cheerios and we all got to enjoy it :). Please see photos of the glockenspiel below:

The glockenspiel

Mom and Dad in Munich!

Preparing for the glockenspiel to go

The knight is down!

Watching

Next, we wandered down to a square where there was tons of food and beer (a biergarten). Also there were horses pulling many kegs of beer and people were dressed up in traditional Bavarian costume as well. The atmosphere was quite fun :). Since it was now naptime, Andy and I headed back to the apartment while my parents stayed to enjoy the Bavarian fun. After naptime, Andy, Carsten, and I headed back in to meet Mom and Dad at the Residenz where we went through the palace. The palace was much larger and grander than I expected, so we spent quite a bit of time wandering and enjoying the palace. We actually got to take some photos inside the palace, which isn't always permitted, so here's a LOT of photos:

They had us use their stroller, and we were not allowed a diaper bag. Good thing we didn't need it... :)

Huge hall used for banquets.

See that green blur? It's Carsten. :)

Andy lives for these photos.

Love taking pictures in old mirrors.

An early upright piano. Seriously.

We let Carsten use the ipod so we could all enjoy the palace. He watched "Bob the Builder" and we got to see history. 

Rooms in the 'long tour'. Totally worth it! :)

Andy and Carsten :).

Huge ballroom.

Even the hinges and doorways are exquisite. 

Group photo!

Pretty hall.

Hall of Ancestors. 

Carsten and Andy trying their best to mimic King Ludwig II. 

Being loud is fun after all that quiet time! 

Grandpa and Grandma with Carsten :).

We elected to go back to the biergarten we were at earlier in the day to have supper. This was a great choice as the atmosphere was still fun, but I wouldn't recommend the currywurst. Not my favorite. Everyone else's food was good though :). After supper we headed back to our apartment so we could put Carsten to bed. All in all, it was a great and fun day! Here's a few photos of our suppertime at the biergarten:

Best. Hat. Ever.

Carsten wanted to see Andy's beer. And then before anyone could do anything about it. He dipped his sausage in Andy's beer. Whoops. :)

No harm done. Promise.

Our u-bahn stop was at Zurich St. and Limmat St. (the Limmat is the river going through Zurich).  So ironic. :)