A run to remember in Munich

I have always wanted to be an athlete. At 39, I still love to run. But age seems to be catching up fast. When in Karachi, I find myself gasping a lot and the time to regain breath between 100 meter sprints has been increasing.

But wait. It was not the same in Munich. During the three days I was there, I got a chance to run twice. Quickly, I noticed I was not needing much time, in fact none, to recover after every sprint. Within secods, I was ready to go again.

The only difference as far as I can tell is the level of pollution. Just know one more reason why Germany wins so many Olympic medals and we don’t.

The English Garden in Munich was a pleasant surprise for me. Located just a few kilometers from my hotel, I chanced upon it during my runs. It is a serene place inside a buzzing city.

Lush green, clean, streams – nature at its best, coupled with whimsical wooden pedestrian bridges.

There was a small play area for children with slides and wooden horses.

Königssee – a spiritual walk into past, present and future

Although my trip was short, I was lucky enough to travel to the Königssee lake.

The drizzle on the way to Königssee – the green plains, the trees and splendid houses were a treat to see.

It was about an hour’s drive, during which we passed through Salzburg, Austria. You don’t dare close your eyes for a power nap, fearing you might lose some great views.

Königssee is a stunning alpine lake and popular tourist destination in Bavaria, Germany, famous for its emerald-green, exceptionally clean water, with mountains and forests all around.

The walk from the bus stand to the lake was in itself a treat. Wonderful structures. Attractive shops and souvenirs.

We took a boat to reach the peninsula. The water was drinkable in the huge lake. Electric boats have operated between the mainland and the island for the last 116 years!

Too many stories were told in the ferry by operators of the boat about different places enroute to the island, the bizarre names and stories behind them, all in German. Our guide Leana translated some of them.

The boat was also stopped in the middle of the lake with mountains on both sides. A trumpet was played and the music echoed. The atmosphere, greenery on the edges of the lake and the clean water beneath had a heavenly impact. One young couple with a young child were dropped off at a forest, most probably for trekking. The place appeared to be rarely visited by humans. I was almost envious of the natural beauty, wonderful weather, cleanliness and no worries about safety.

The peninsula was a real treat.

The moment you set your foot on it, you feel like it must be one of the world’s best tourist destinations.

St. Bartholomew’s is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church and is a treat to see from afar and near.

There’s a track around the peninsula and the lake, mountains, green trees and white clouds makes the walk something to remember for life.

Oktoberfest!

I also got the opportunity to attend Oktoberfest in Munich and it was an unforgettable experience.

The festival was electrifying, with the entire place buzzing with energy. The music was lively, and the crowd was having the time of their lives. The decorations were stunning, with colorful lights illuminating the night sky, which one can see from many kilometres away.

What struck me was the traditional German attire - most of the locals were wearing lederhosen and dirndls, adding to the festive atmosphere. As a foreigner, I felt like a part of the celebration, even though I was one of the few people not in traditional dress. The Germans were beaming with joy, laughing, and having a blast on the rides. The whole event was a masterclass in having fun, with people letting loose and enjoying every moment.

The infectious energy was palpable, and I found myself getting swept up in the excitement. The weather was awesome, cool breeze and drizzle, adding to the magical experience. Everyone was smiling and laughing, and the sense of community was at full display. It was a truly immersive experience, and I’ll always treasure the memories of my time at Oktoberfest too. To me, it was a testament to the German love for life, music, and celebration.