We arrived at our hotel in Munich around noon, after an uneventful journey (though a little rushed in Toronto), no trouble with the train from the airport, and only a minor difficulty locating the hotel. The hosts greeted us very warmly – I had been corresponding previously with them via email, Twitter, and Facebook, so we were happy to meet each other.
It was a gorgeous Spring day, sunny and 60-ish, so after a brief rest, we headed over to the pedestrian area between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz.
A lovely mid-afternoon lunch in the Rathaus courtyard, consisting of pints of Weissbier, fresh Brezeln and Brot, and an Alpine cheese platter (complete with REAL pumpernickel!) was the absolutely perfect way to begin our vacation.