Day 30 Munich

We met Michaela for coffee at the Japanese run bakery near her place.
Very odd seeing staff switch from German to Japanese when a compatriot comes in. Much bowing in approved Japanese manner then back to delicious German pastry.

Letting her get back to work we tried a last minute attempt to make up the museum count at the Alte Pinokothek.

Bavaria takes art pretty seriously. Helps when you have been an

absolute monarchy.

“The Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Painting Collections ) oversee a substantial part of the painting and art holdings of the Free State of Bavaria as well as the associated Munich museums: the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Sammlung Moderne Kunst (Modern Art Collection) in the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Sammlung Schack (Schack Collection), the Museum Brandhorst and, in addition, twelve state galleries throughout Bavaria.”

That’s that out of the way.

The Alte opened in 1836 with the Royal art collection as a base. Mostly 14th to 18th paintings there are about 700 or on display. As you walk through another room of Rubens or Van Dyks you get a bit Blaine. The museum of more contemporary art, the Neue, is just next door but closed for a once in 40 year renovation. About 90 or so of its works are on display in the Alte. Absolutely amazing.

The exit cunningly takes you to the cafe where a pastry free (that does not include pretzel-brezel in German without the l) was enjoyed by all.
It must be like Sydney, where all the pensioners are out on Tuesday, because there were whatever a collective noun is of them at the museum. We both felt quite youthful.

Off for last trip to Marienplatz on hunt for the elusive Christmas decoration.
No success but the pleasure is in the search.

After 7kms it was back home for news catch-up, soup and wine.