Munchen - Deutschland with Tante Lilo and Jack

e

I am currently stationed in Italia and write to you from Venezia. Cinque Terre didnàt have any internet cafes, except for one where the info station was, yet it was inaccessible for a few days (while I was there). I have only 2 more days in Europe and it has gone so incredibly fast. I àm sorry there arent more pictures, but I havenàt been able to upload and write of my travels in a very inexpensive way as Iàve been accustomed to in the last week. Deutschland is probably second to Paris, is what I will say. Munchen blew me away with its charm and history. Jack and
Tante Lilo (my grandmotheràs sister and her husband) were the most amazing people. I can never repay their kindness and hospitality. They were wonderful. Although I didnàt have a chance to upload Deutschland photographs, yet, I can assure you I have several (Of course I will post after I return home.) Jack showed me the plaza where the Reich used to meet with Hitler, in front of a beautiful church, which much of was destroyed during the war. (It was intense just to stand there.) My favorite thing was seeing the old mesh with the new in this city. Munchen still has buildings which have withstood the test of time, although they are seated next to some residences which are restored for even as few as 2 to 3 years old. Jack has the unique perspective as chief architect for the city for many years. He has restored a few churches, noble residences (the theatre was amazing), and several museums, including the Pinakotek de Moderne and the Alte Pinakotek. (I probably spelled incorrectly.) In any case, I left Deutschland in quite an altered state = I wished I had more time there and almost felt homesick for this land of which I know so little and should be blessed with more time, in the future, I hope. The picture I have here is one of my new hostel friends (I have quite a few now.), Tina, who I met in Milano, on the next stop. She is from Japan and quite interesting, as well as funny and smart. Her English was practically perfect! Tina and Alan were my buddies in Milano. I spent the first night skipping around town, not sure where to go, and the second day I toured the top of the Duomo, a huge church with brilliant towers and superb architecture. The night prior, Alan and I discovered the Duomo by accident when looking for a glass of wine. We sat directly in front and this church lit up so beautifully, it was like being in the presence of a thousand stars. Quite ethereal and it was entirely by coincidence that this was discovered. Pretty fantastic, eh...Iàll write more later and tell you about my travels in Cinque Terre. There is quite a bit more to say. Ciao.