We started the day pretty early, doing last minute packing for Munich.  We said “see you soon” to Candace’s house and family because we will be back in 2 weeks before going home. 

We left some things at Candace’s place to lighten the load but we still have 3 small rolling suitcases, two large rolling suitcases, a backpack each and a snack bag. 

We had set some alarms for today.  One for 8:14 am which was Nova’s birth time.  We also set one for 3:14 pm which is her birth time adjusted for the time difference.

We got to the main train station early so we could get some breakfast there.  Nova ordered a pretzel in German and was pretty proud of herself.  When we were eating, our first alarm went off and we sang “Happy Birthday”.

Right when the train arrived and it was time to board, Esme said “I’m not feeling well”.  She was pale and about to faint so I had her lay down with her head in my lap and we put cool water on her head.  She recovered enough to get on the train without help where it was air conditioned and didn’t have any further issues.

The train ride was supposed to take 3 hours.  About half way there we stopped for an hour on the tracks.  Once we were moving again, we got an announcement that the track needed repair and the train to Munich was cancelled and everyone would need to get off at the next stop. 

I wasn’t sure how we would rebook or if rebooking was even possible but they said we would be able to take a different train to Munich which was waiting at the next station for us. 

We had a mostly full train and so did they.  There were definitely no seats for us and the aisles were full of standing people.  We got to stand in the bicycle car in between some bikes for the last hour of our trip.  The girls say for some of the time on their suitcases.  

We are eligible for compensation due to the interruption in our travel so I will submit the form and see what happens. Munich station was wildly busy.  We had been standing for the last hour without easy bathroom access and without lunch but our first priority was finding our Airbnb. 

We took a street car toward the apartment we will be staying in for the next 2 nights. 

Just as we got into the apartment, the second alarm went off and we sang “Happy Birthday again. 

The Airbnb is small but big enough for us.  It’s centrally located so we can walk most places.  It doesn’t have air conditioning and it was another hot day so the apartment was hot (and the travelers were weary).  I took a quick shower and we decided it was time to hit the town.  

We walked to Viktualienmarkt which is a large market area with lots of typical market items along with lots of food stalls selling traditional Bavarian foods.   In the center there is a beer garden. We hadn’t eaten lunch yet and wanted to let Nova choose since it was her birthday. 

She was kind of indecisive but then said she wanted steak.  The food in this area was expensive and not well reviewed so I was not thrilled with this choice.  We decided to walk around and see what we ran into.  We ended up in front of the glockenspiel about an hour before the next show.  We decided to bite the bullet and eat at one of these expensive restaurants within view of the glockenspiel. 

Nova got steak (for 36€) and Esme tried schnitzel (for 28€).  My mom and I decided to just share with them.  In the end there was enough food for all of us.  The steak had seasoning on it but Nova removed it and enjoyed it anyway. Right when we finished, the glockenspiel started.

We then looked at some shops and worked our way toward Stachus Plaza where there is a fountain you can play in.  First stop was the Lego store.

Next was a toy and candy store. 

We played in the fountain but just got.our feet wet.  We might return tomorrow with swimsuits. 

We stopped at a real shop to look at dirndls and Esme and I each got one. We will try another resale shop tomorrow to get one for Nova.

Thunder was rumbling in the distance so we started a brisk walk back toward the apartment but we HAD to stop at this unique ice cream shop whose name translates to “The crazy ice cream maker”.   I saw it earlier and knew the girls would love the art inside.  They had some crazy flavors like “tomato basil” and “gorgonzola cheese” along with other sweet combinations. 

It was raining while we ate our ice cream under an awning and then we hurried back to the apartment while it lightly rained. 

We opened the windows and cooled down the apartment.  My mom and I enjoyed sitting on the balcony, even in the rain, while the apartment cooled off.

Nova got a birthday call from Nole, with a third “Happy Birthday” song of the day aaaaaand then we settled in for the night.