Munich, errands, and a few good beers

Lots to do before starting the European leg of our adventure.   We landed in Munich primarily because it is the eastern-most city that we could pick up our leased automobile.  How exciting!  Freedom from buses, taxis and metros.  90 plus days of touring around the Eastern European country side with our own wheels!   We also thought Munich would be the perfect place for a few errands and a few purchases (we just wish the US Dollar went farther then it does).

-          New hiking hiking boots for Steve – already wore out the tread on one pair while in S. America!

-          A new GPS with all the Central and Eastern European city maps included.  A Must for where we were going.  We've named her Beatrice.  She is our best friend most of the time, but when she insists that we make a U turn over and over again, we want to throw her out the window.

-          Some clothing additions for Amy – hey you can't expect a woman to wear the same thing month after month.

After  completing our errands, we had some time for a bit of Munich touring.  We walked around the Marianplatz area (old city) and marveled at the architecture and the contrast of what we had just seen in our last days of Ecuador. 

 

 

We also ran into Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz!  Yes, really.  While walking through this area, there was a big setup for the Munich premiere of their latest movie  - Knight and Day.  Low and behold, they both showed up to sign autographs and promote the new film.  We saw both of them doing their best fan appreciation saunter around the stage area.  Did not expect this one, but we stayed to see them both and even felt a bit star struck.  They are very handsome people.

 We also had the opportunity to REALLY ENJOY our first great German beers.  Nothing against South America, but the beers just can’t compare with the fine barley and malt offered in Germany.  I think I will take another please!

We used the efficient and quiet German public transportation system, and picked up our new Renault vehicle after a few days….plugged in our GPS……we are ready for the road.   First stop – Bavaria and the Alps.