The strong heater blows hot air into the small compartment, creating a humid environment. The sound of peanuts crunching and suitcases rolling across the ground is everywhere.
Greetings from our train to Budapest, where the sleeping compartments are just a tad on the cozy side. We continue our journey across Europe to Hungary. Did I mention, it’s Christmas Eve? This is how me and my family kicked off the Festive Season.
What’s in a German breakfast, you ask. Our breakfast consisted of Broetchen (Semmel), the traditional German bread that all children have for breakfast, muesli with fruit, Christmas cookies, and gooseberries. Exotic, right?
After the hearty meal, we took the subway to Isartor, where we walked to the Deutsches Museum, the Viktuelenmarkt, and the Christmas Market in Marienplatz. In the plaza we strolled around the stalls. There were wooden ornaments on sale, cheese, and warm drinks. Both my parents had Gluehwein, hot wine with spices. Yuck! I had hot fruit punch in a shoe-shaped mug. The concoction was so hot, my tongue nearly fell off. The drink certainly heated me up.
We journeyed on to Café Puck in Schwabing, where I had more breaded Schnitzel. It seems to be a favorite of mine. I also tried Apfelsaftschoerle, a fizzy juice.
We continued to the trams, which took us to Schloß Nymphenburg, where the summer palace, built to honor the birth of Elector Max Emanuel, still stands. Many princes after him expanded the palace, making it what it is today. We enjoyed watching the man-made canal in front of the palace. There were plump ducks, waddling geese, arrogant swans, and an unusual type of gray and white bird. As we were walking back to the trams, I had noticed the many different shades of the sky. Near the horizon the clouds were a dark and menacing, yet pleasing, shade of blue. Those that hovered higher in the sky were fluffy and white. I wanted to pluck the tops off and eat them. The clouds above our heads were dusty and gray.
Before returning to our hotel to collect our things, we stopped at a small Wirtshaus. I had a rich chocolate cake with ice cream and custard. I was given bland peppermint tea to soothe the cold that I am suffering from. As we sat at our table, we noticed a little dog on the other side of the beer hall. It was sitting on the same seats as it’s owners and was quite eager on nibbling at the centerpiece of pine needles and a candle, once even attempting to pull it off the table and set the whole place on fire.
When we returned to the hotel, I was exhausted. While waiting for our taxi, we sat in a small lounge. I spent a while attempting to fall asleep in the uncomfortable chairs.
At the train station, we purchased pastries and warm beverages to preoccupy ourselves with until our train arrived.
Now I sit writing this blog at 11:49 pm, sitting on my compartment bed, as the train rocks from side to side. The train will reach Budapest tomorrow. Who knows what the next day will bring?
Tranquil & Tumultuous Travels 