Omar Prestwich

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Munich, Germany.

Munich: 

This place was so rad I don't even know where to start. I arrived to Munich via train from Frankfurt Sept 26th, 2016. The train station was so dope and had an airport feel to it. People from all over the world were traveling here for Oktoberfest. I couldn't stop smiling as I knew I was a stranger in another part of the world. I was the foreigner. I didn't know the language, I couldn't understand it, and I felt so happy. 

Underneath the city are shopping plazas as well as train stops leading to other parts of the Munich. Everything felt so fast paced and energetic. Their train system rocks btw!  Very easy to understand and get around. When I felt lost, I would just ask someone for help and without hesitation I was always assisted. The people in this city are very beautiful, professional, and well dressed. Riding pedal bikes as a form of transportation is super common amongst the people in this area. 

The Englischer Garten, "English Garden", is a huge park located in the center of Munich (Similar to New York's Central park). It's a nice place to relax, walk, or jog away from the city. Very beautiful and peaceful. 

There is so much history within a few blocks that it makes sightseeing fun and easy. 

Oktoberfest: 

To experience the world's largest beer festival is something I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime.  I wasn't sure what to expect so I was incredibly surprised at what I saw. Massive taverns filled with hundreds and even thousands of people just laughing, drinking, and singing. Celebrating culture. If you don't have a table reserved, good luck getting a beer. You can't help but get into the spirit and dress up in their attire. There is also a giant fair going on so there's more than just drinking. Food, rides, and sightseeing as the festival is in the middle of some historical sites. 

Dachau Concentration Camp:

Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp that was opened in Germany. The gate at the entrance has contains the slogan "Arbiet macht frei" which means, "work will make you free".  

This was a wild thing to experience. Seeing and standing in a massive camp where people were sent to die for being Jewish is very humbling. This part of my journey was held with much respect as I stood in a place where there was so much death and sadness. I walked through the process and saw where the prisoners got gassed, dumped, and burnt. You could honestly feel the death in that camp. It was definitely a place of reverence and sadness. 

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Munich. I spent almost a week there and only got to see a small portion of the city. I can't wait to go back and explore more of the city and sites.