Munich's Romance, Arts and Passion For Life

A Whole New European World

April 27, 2005 (GMT + 01:00): The Journey to Munich

I almost didn’t make it on time. My usual cramming self ended up dashing to catch the express train that will lead me back to Shinjuku where I should take the Friendly Limousine to Narita. I did catch the 8:45 schedule to the airport, but I forgot one important thing ~ I forgot my spring jacket. The week’s forecast in Europe is not exactly sunshine and heat, waaahhhh~~~.

12 hours and 39,000 feet about the ground, I did make the best of my free time. My little achievements include – reading the Munich workshop’s materials, drowsing on and off into sleep (a much needed luxury), getting all the liquors I could get in between and pigging out (forget about dieting for a while hahaha). We encountered a strong turbulent and for a while I imagine my body crushed and cut into pieces as the plane crashes down into the Siberian mountains. It helps that nobody panicked, but I bet everybody saw the same picture I saw in their minds. Thank God, Alleluia! We’re safe and sound.

From time to time the TV monitor shows us where we are and how many hours we would have to wait to arrive at Munich. I can not imagine it, I’ve flown almost all of Russia, I even flew directly over Moscow, isn’t that cool?!

12 flying hours isn’t so bad after all and I must admit that flying with Lufthansa is quite an experience. The steward and stewardess are friendly, never fails to offer drinks, or their services during the entire flight. I thought being a plane attendant is a glamorous job, yes it could be for you see the world, for free, but when I see them tirelessly attending to all their passengers, serving food, making sure everybody’s comfortable, it’s a tough and exhausting job. But these ladies, all gorgeously dressed in their cute dark brown and yellow tie uniforms (I shouldn’t fail to mention about the old fashioned hats), would the entire time smile. Certainly in these 12 hours, I discovered life through these vibrant people, even above the clouds. I discovered passion to work and live life, where ever you are whatever circumstances you’re in. ‘Get over yourself! Don’t fret just because things are not working out fine in your love life. There are great things to see, a whole new world to discover and a hundred different goals to achieve. You did your best and that is enough, and what the heck, you’re off to Germany! ’ I told myself.

And then the moment came, finally we’re on our descent to the Munich International Airport. I could see the beautiful green, nice, massive spacious old houses. Is this Germany? I’m surprised to see a rustic, rather peaceful ambiance as opposed to the usually progressive, skyscrapers, busy city. “Thank you for flying with us, we hope to be of service to you soon. Enjoy your journey in Germany or where ever your final destination would be. Welcome to Munich!” Indeed, hello Europe!

I found a not-so-busy airport, and a not-so-tight security checks. And to think I thought Germans are very suspicious and uptight people. Ok, ok, when I think of Germany, I think of Hitler and cruelty and war. But I’m surprised to find no such trace.

My pickup service turned out to be a tall, gipsy, English-speaking middle-aged (tattooed) German. He’s nice although doesn’t talk much which is to my delight. I’d rather focus on seeing the tulips in full bloom everywhere. This place could be heaven (and the traffic’s not bad either). 20 minutes after and I found myself checking in a lovely hotel, the Victor’s Residenz. I learned from the receptionist that the week’s been really fully booked due to 2 international events – The German International Flower Garden Festival and the PC expo or something. What do you know; I’m one lucky girl to get a room at Victor’s. I should never forget to bring souvenirs for Joanne and Yukiko. These ladies helped me out a lot with my travel arrangements.