Munich: a self-guided tour, our self-guided travels in Germany, started as we were disembarking the river boat in Regensburg. We were staying in a hotel in the city center Munich. It was interesting how one can quickly learn the train routes around the city when it was the easiest way to go around. The hotel clerk was gracious enough to, at least, tell us how to avail of unlimited train rides in the tourist district. It was easy afterwards to reach interesting places, like Kalstor.

Marienplatz was just two stops away by train. It was an easy start for us. At Marienplatz, there was a big Christmas market right in front of the Rathaus (city hall). We immersed ourselves in the festive Christmas atmosphere.

The Glockenspiel, a life-sized mechanical clock and carillon, was very entertaining. We were able to witness it in motion. The life-sized human figures re-enacted the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renate Lorraine in 1568 and the Schäfflertanz (coopers’ dance).