Germany: Munich

June 20-22: Our second stop in Germany. Munich, the capital city of Bavaria is sometimes called "Germany's secret capital". It is located on the River Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps. With its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, fine buildings, museums and shops, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Munich, with 1.36 million inhabitants, is the 3rd largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. The German pronunciation for Munich is "Munchen", which is derived from the Old German word for Mönche, which means "Monks" in English. The reason for naming the city in such a manner is to honour the fact that monks of the Benedictine order founded the city. This is also the reason for the monk depicted on the city's coat of arms.

Munchen, which is situated within sight of the Alps, is a handsome city, happily combining metropolitan facilities and sophisticated lifestyle with a small-town, homey atmosphere, symbolized to perfection by its smoky beer halls and cheerful beer gardens. Visitors come here in huge numbers for the gargantuan Oktoberfest.

We are staying at Hotel Jedermann (http://www.hotel-jedermann.de/), recommended in the Lonely Planet book, which wrote, "this renovated hotel with English-speaking staff is excellent value, with small but quite comfortable rooms." Eyewitness Travel's Top 10 Munich added that the budget hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Germany. Most of the 55 rooms overlook a bright courtyard. Owned and operated by the Jenke family for 40 years, their dedication shows in the level of service enjoyed by their guests. A double-room inclusive of breakfast-buffet costs Euro 85 per night. There is also free wireless internet access in the room.

source: wikipedia; National Geographic Traveler (Germany).