Munich - help!

[JCJD]

I will be travelling to Munich, Germany next week with my grad advisor and others from my lab. Since I''m a poor grad student, I''d like some inexpensive ideas on what to bring back as souvenirs. We''ll only be sightseeing in Munich for a day or two, (the rest of the time we''ll be working with some collaborators at the University) so I''m basically looking for some cheap, cute, small, but very German souvenirs that I can take home to my sibs, parents, and friends. I''d very much appreciate any ideas on a nicer gift to get my wonderful b/f, who is part German in descent. Also, any ideas how easy it is to find vegetarian food in Munich???? I won''t eat beef, chicken, or pork, but I can suffer through seafood if that''s the only option. I do eat egg and dairy products too.
Specific shops in the downtown Munich area would be helpful if you can manage it too!

Thanks so much!!
JCJD

 

[AGBF]

I am afraid that I have never been to Germany, let alone Munich. Shelbyscout lived there and might be able to help you. On the other hand, I suggest you move the trip to Genoa, Italy, so that I can advise you on all aspects of your trip. You may, also, move it to Paris but I can advise you better on Genoa nowadays.

Your friend,
Deborah

 

[JCJD]

Hmmm... moving the trip to Paris sounds like a good option - I can use my remedial French skills instead of my non-existent German! Of course, since my advisor is paying for me to go to Munich, it doesn't seem very likely...

Paging Shelbyscout!!

 

[jenwill]

Well, I was just in Munich (Munchen) last month, so I can maybe help witha couple of ideas. Munich is in the heart of Bavaria, which is famous for its pretzels (which are soooo much yummier than any soft pretzel you will find in the US) and its beer. As in the rest of Germany, biergartens are EVERYWHERE. The beer steins are reasonable in price- just make sure you leave enough room in your luggage or carry-on to wrap a couple of them to keep from breaking.

Also, for you personally while you are there, you may see bavarian hot dogs at stands. THey look kind of gross, but if you like hotdogs you will probably like these. It is a long pretzel that is sliced open, a long hot dog that has bits of cheese in the center, and coleslaw tucked in the pretzel with the dog. Truly yummy.

Have a great time! You will probably go to the Englisher gartens, where they have a chinese pagoda beer garden, and great parks to walk through.

 

[chris-uk04]

A quality Beerstein is a good gift for your b/f. For your family/friends, uou can even get shot glasses that look like mini-beersteins. I got one of them in Hamburg.

 

[JCJD]

Good idea on the beersteins. Why didn't I think of that one?? I'll be in Germany after all!! And the beerstein shot glasses sound cute too!

Thanks for the food tips Jenwill.... but I'm vegetarian, so the hot dogs don't sound too appealing.

The pretzels do sound good though!!

What about key chains? I kind of want to get gifts that are more German, like the beersteins are. Can I carry beer back to the US through customs?? Yes, I'm of age in the US, if that matters.

Thanks so much for the responses so far!!

JCJD

 

[chris-uk04]

You can bring back beer, but there is a limit and it's not very high. They can get German beer in the States though.

Cuckoo clocks are original to the nearby area called the Black Forest, but they are a more expensive type gift. Keychains you can get anywhere, really. They're like fridge magnets, but okay for little trinket gifts. Some chocolate might be okay, becuase their chocolate is regional....but then again it's edible. Milka is good chocolate. Try to get some Kinder eggs too if there are any kids to get gifts for (I know, not your kids). They're chocolate eggs, with a clever constructable toy in the center.

 

[JCJD]

Bump!!

Cause I leave in 2 days!!!