WInter in the English Gardens

I love the English Gardens. This immense park runs for miles from the inner city to the outskirts of Munich. There are walking paths, cycle paths, lakes and streams and even a couple of Beer Gardens.
Last Friday I needed to get outside for a while, even though it was freezing, for some fresh air, so I headed down to one of my favourite areas, near the Monopteros - a Greek style pavilion on a small hill.
We had lots of snow last week - over 15 cm total - and so the gardens were completely white. As it was after school time, there were many youngsters there, with their sleds, having a great time.

The cafe at the Universität entrance

View looking away from the City

The Eisbach (Ice Stream!) - the branch of the Isar that runs through the Gardens

Sledding at the Monopteros

View towards the City

Another view of the Eisbach

Eisbach again - in the far distance, you may see that there are people SURFING in the river. Did I say it was -5C at this point!





Flock of geese

Lots of Snow

I know that for many people, snow is just a part of winter. But for an Aussie like me, snow is a rarity. The weather people did threaten us with a blizzard over the weekend, which didn't eventuate here in Munich. But we have had snow falling all day yesterday and now again this morning, so we have a lovely blanket of snow now, about 10cm deep.


The view from our balcony.


The pedestrian mall across the road - view from the balcony on the other side of the apartment.


Me - out and about in my new snow gear!


My footprint in the snow. Just because I could.


It's so cold any water left out will freeze!


Just like 'real' Christmas trees should look. Some little fir trees in next doors yard.


Not our car - but what happens If you park on the curb overnight.


And you shouldn't leave your bike out, either!


The friendly neighbourhood snow plough. These guys are out every few hours when it snows heavily, like yesterday.

Hello and Welcome

Today is my first official day as an 'Accidental Hausfrau'. Gerard is back at work and I've got the house to myself. So, I've done the laundry and the grocery shopping, like every good hausfrau and now the rest of the day is mine!

It's cold here again today (I know, winter in Europe, what did I expect?) more snow overnight. It's obvious I'm not a local, because I still find snow a novelty and get excited by the prospect of more. Of course, it helps that we only have a few cm, so we can still get on with life as usual.

Naturally, I'm taking photos of everything! I'm sure that people wonder what I'm doing, taking photos of the sign at the U-bahn station and the snow covered cars, but it's all a part of my 'Project Life' for 2010. Yes, I am going to try to take a photo each day (well, some days will be more) to document this first year here. I'll share the photos here as well, so everyone can keep up with my very exciting world!