A beer garden in Munich

A nice by-product of travelling is getting inspired ideas. In Italy, I had the brilliant idea to buy a gelato maker (an unsuccessful quest in Finale Ligure). In Barcelona and Florence, I was inspired to learn about art and architecture. And in Germany, the idea that began to percolate was to open a beirgarten (beer garden) at home.

Of all the eating and drinking establishments we visited throughout Europe I was most smitten with the beirgarten. In truth, this fascination had started in Austria but it was a full on love affair by Munich. In Munich, I finally got up the courage to order a full litre of beer in a huge stein. I loved the concept: sturdy beer stein, hearty meals, lively atmosphere, all under a green leafy canopy.

Munich was a only a stopover for us. Other than the memorable beirgarten, we witnessed the lengthy Glockenspiel show (a large mechanical clock in Marienplatz at the centre of town) before heading back to the train station.

I am not the owner of a beer garden. Some ideas do not come to fruition. That’s ok. Inspiration is still exhilarating.

This is one entry from my 1992 European backpacking trip with my friend Sarah. If you want to start at the beginning, please check out The journey starts in Nice.