Gay Pride and the Kocherlball

Last weekend in Munich was quite eventful. Saturday was the Christopher Street Day, or basically what we Americans would call Gay Pride. It was fantastic! And it reminded me exactly of what an American gay pride would be, except with Weißbier and Currywurst. There was an actual parade, but we went to the festival part that took place right down in Marienplatz. There was a stage set up with dancers, singers, and other performances. There was also a special performance of Hairspray........in German. HA! Overall it was such a great experience and I'm so glad we went. Here are some photos.

What Marienplatz looked like from above

Balloons released for AIDS victims

Gay Pride! 

After a long night of partying, we got up at 5 AM to go to the annual Chinese Tower Kocherlball.  The Chinese Tower (Chinesicher Turm) is a beer garden that is smack dab in the middle of the English Gardens. It is one of the most popular beer gardens in Munich (and most touristy). Here's an explanation of the Kocerlball from ToyTown:

The Kocherlball tradition goes back to the year 1880. It is also known as the "Dotschen or Kocherlball". Up to a police prohibition 1904 met here in good weather on Sunday from five to eight o'clock to the 5000 the soldiers, housemaids, cooks, hausdiener and house personnel to the dance. So early, because one had to appear timely again to the work with the rule. These old residents of Munich tradition revives today again. Once in each July here thousands of residents of Munich in costumes of the turn of the century meet at six o'clock early to the dance.

It was a great time, even though I was a bit tired. The traditional Bavarian breakfast of Weißwurst and Weißbier was served, but I only had a beer and a pretzel. For some reason, a Weißwurst did not seem so appetizing at 5 AM. 

This was the turnout at 6 AM at the Chinese Tower. Not bad! 

Munich

I made it to Munich and so far so good! My family is fantastic and the kids are adorable. I already know that it will be a great year. Although I am already here in Munich, I'm not au pairing yet. Bonnie, the current au pair, is still here and it's been so great getting to know her and having her help me get acquainted with the job. My host family invited me to come ten days early so I could see the Bayerische Oper opera studio put on the Cunning Little Vixen. It was..........interesting! If you are familiar with this opera, it is not what you would expect...at all. There was a lot of blood. That being said, the singing was soooo great. It was also exciting because L (I have decided not to use names or pictures of the children I au pair for on here due to privacy reasons) was in the children's chorus and even had a small acting role. It was such a great introduction to Munich, my host family, the kids, and L's singing!

After this, things got a bit more tricky. We all walked back together to the S-bahn, and after going one stop were told in an announcement that a BOMB from WWII was found and that we must exit the train! Apparently this type of thing happens often in Germany, maybe 3 times a year. Bombs from the war are found and everything shuts down to make sure they are disabled correctly. After we got off the train we tried to get on the tram, but it was no surprise that the tram was completely full and not even stopping to pick up more people. After an hour or so we made it home. It was exhausting but, needless to say, a very interesting first day in Munich. Here's an article (in German) about the bomb:

http://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article106682679/S-Bahn-wegen-Fliegerbombe-stundenlang-gesperrt.html

Yesterday we watched the Germany- Greece Euro game and we (Germany) WON 4-2! I will write about the game sometime soon. In the meantime, I will enjoy this

and watch the France-Spain game for a relaxing night in. Bis später!