MUNCHEN #3

Today's jaunt to Switzerland means the cultural revelations that frequently occur in Munich have ceased, and I can complete my observations unhindered by further inspiration.

It is very common for males and females in Munchen to be attired in traditional outfits (Tracht).  Men wear lederhosen (leather breeches) that end above or on the knee.  If the breeches end below the knee they are referred to as Platterhosen or knickerbockers.  Male outfits include jackets or waistcoats and are completed with embroidery (Stickerei), pewter pins, Tyrolean hats and woollen socks with stout shoes.  I imagine new lederhosen must take some breaking in and I noticed fellow Bavarians unashamedly adjusting their friends' trews.

Females of all ages wear the traditional dress Dirndle that is teamed with an apron tied with a bow.  It's not just the low cut bodices that attract attention but also the significant positioning of the bow ~ tied on the left side for single available women, on the right side for those in a relationship.  Tied at the front indicates a virgin, and a widow should tie the bow at the back.  Have I whetted your appetite?

Not many residents wear traditional clothing in the mean streets surrounding our hotel near the Hauptbanhof.  The showgirls at nearby Vulkan Nitespot don't wear much at all.

As yesterday was Saturday, we decided to take a trip to the sea.  Starnberger See that is.  Catching the S banh to Starnberg where families and teens alight for a final day of nautical summer fun.  It's just like being on Lake Burley Griffin.  Dads drink beer and little kids blow bubbles in their cola with a straw, while mothers pay minimal attention to their blonde children. The guy adjacent to our table excruciatingly excavated the pineapple from his pizza ~ it was making his Lowenbrau taste funny.  It being Bavaria, large slabs of Sachertote and Himmlisch leichtes Tiramisu were being consumed by entire tables. 

As we headed for the railway station a hen's night party ambushed us and entreated us to buy some trinket to subsidise the wedding. €2 for a small Pringles was a small price to pay for inclusion.  As we exited Hauptbanhof a stag night was just kicking off with the groom dressed in a porky pig onesie.  God help fellow passengers if these marauding hordes cross paths.