Munich – My first view of Munich was the sight of the dark orange sun setting outside my airplane window. The plane was touching down at almost 9 p.m.
Also called München, this German city was host to the 25th International AIDS Conference held in mid-July 2024. I attended the conference as a recipient of a reporting fellowship.
My 10-day stay is filled with a variety of happy memories, including the sunsets that take place at 10 p.m., around five hours later than the usual sunsets where I come from.
The day after my sunset-soaked arrival was also my birthday, so I celebrated it by sharing sunset viewing and awaiting sessions with fellow journalists from countries where the twilight starts at 5 p.m. It was a delightful impromptu party.
We discussed global issues, both terrifying and hopeful. We talked about our pre-conference familiarization, steeping ourselves in the city before the event’s formal opening. We hung around until we grew weary and sleepy, looking at the bright sun that refused to rest for the day.
I first learned about Munich from the movie of the same title, which depicts one incident from its dark past. The capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Munich is where Hitler founded the Nazi party and established its first headquarters.
The city’s historic buildings, museums and significant spots, such as the concentration camps with gas chambers and burial grounds from the Third Reich era, serve as reminders of the grim episode in history that must never be repeated.
What is admirable about Munich is that it doesn’t hide the horrors of its past, which are juxtaposed with the magical charm of its endless greenery and kilometers of rivers. The city’s diverse culture— shaped by Japanese, French, American, African, Vietnamese, Thai, Lebanese and Korean influences, among others—is showcased in its culinary landscape, particularly in its sausage treats.
As it was my first time in Germany, I checked another fact that I had read about – that it is the beer capital of the world. During my morning walks and afternoon grocery runs, I noticed people sipping or chugging beers over daytime conversations as if they were just sharing juice, tea or coffee.
The guy assisting journalists at the media center served us espressos as well but he told me he didn’t drink coffee. He proceeded to tell me about the hundreds of breweries in Germany and suggested that I try every kind of beer.
When I joined friends for a day out in Marienplatz, the city’s main square with castles, churches and shopping arcades, I realized it was harder to find places to buy still water than beer. You can pair beer with any chaser, such as pretzels, bratwurst or cheese.
I will not forget my summer morning strolls along the charming pedestrian paths and gardens, which I shared with people on bikes. It was a fun and meaningful adventure. I caught a glimpse of the setting sun before my night flight back home. It was wonderful.
Diana G. Mendoza is a longtime journalist based in Manila. Send feedback to soltera2040@gmail.com
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