München, Landeshauptstadt

Excellent breakfast again at Breka Café. This morning we were joined by a strange of man who shuffled between the tables muttering to himself in gibberish. He wasn’t harassing anyone so we avoided eye contact and he eventually toddled off.
After having such a good time at Capilano the day before, we decided to focus on one destination rather than rush about (“aboot!”).
Van Dusen Gardens, developed by enthusiasts over 60 years on the site of an old golf course (rather like Pukeiti) was supposed in the top 10 gardens of North America, so there we went.
Wow! And again wow!. This is a stunner, and for anyone interested in gardens. Towering pines and majestic redwoods, one picturesque lake after another. Walked around for two hours, then hopped on the golf cart tour and saw some more. People as always in Canada very pleasant and welcoming.

Dies Nefas! 3 May, Vancouver to Munich.

The Romans were very superstitious. They believed that particular days were inherently lucky- Dies Fas- or unlucky (Dies Nefas). Any venture undertaken on such a day was bound to go awry.

Our Lufthansa flight started well enough, with a fine modern Airbus 350-900. Wider seats and enough legroom to keep knees clear of the seat ahead.
Unfortunately the plane was choko, with us in the central (claustrophobic) row. Alas too the temperature was set to poach the passengers rather than cool them. Wrapped up like a mummy, overheated, with selfish gits keeping their screens on full bore all night - and worst of all, a loud droning bore who carried on a loud monotone seemingly went on forever, meant I got no sleep at all, with Neil not much better.
Finding the baggage carousel, then waiting for our bags, took almost an hour.
I found a minimart inside the airport, bought some basics, took a (seedy ) taxi to the hotel, tottered jet-lagged inside, then discovered I had left the groceries in their black bag in the back of the taxi - which of course had shot through.
Sigh. Worse was to come. When Neil finished unpacking he discovered-horror- that his best outfit in the black Rembrandt bag inside the poky black wardrobe had been left behind.
Aargh! Rang the hotel in Vancouver found the suit holder. Negotiations in place to courier it back to NZ.

Things looked up when we discovered a little Imbiss (fast food shop) down the road from our Munich hotel. Meals basic but cheap and filling. Next door was a REWE supermarket. Replaced what we had lost with better quality.
Here’s hoping tomorrow goes better. Hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Munich.
Concierge very helpful. Bed looking pretty good right now.
D.En savoir plus