WOOO HOOO, SPRING IS HERE!

Well, at least the weather was finally springlike here in Munchen and as a result, the girls decided to have an outing.  It was barely 50 F, but that didn't stop us. Afterall, it was the first warm day of the season and we weren't going to stay indoors. 
 

Our outing was to take us to the Englisher Gardens in the center of Munich.  This garden, or park, is larger than Central Park in New York City, but just as beautiful. 

We began our walk by meeting at the Theaterenkirsch pictured above.  It is located near the Residence.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue and we were anxious to spend the morning in nature.

One of the very first things we spotted was this horse and rider.  I know very little about horses, but I could tell this was a practiced rider.  Watching him trot his way through the countryside was thrilling to watch.

A few moments later had us following the river that had been iced over only days before. 

This view was not seen from the ground.  The trees obscure the view from the walking path.  In order to get this view, you have to step into this.

Monopteros

On top of a small artificial hill is this ancient Greek structure.  Built in 1836 under orders from King Ludwig I.  On a great day you get a beautiful view of the Munich skyline and into the Alps in the distance.

Inside of the dome of the structure is the most beautiful decorative painting and detail.  It truly is magnificent.

Another famous structure in the Englisher Garten is the Chinese Tower which was built in 1789.  Around the tower is one of Munich's most famous beer gardens.  It wasn't open yet, but with temperatures flirting in the 60 degree range this week, it is only a matter of days before the crowds begin to descend.  This will have to wait until May for me.  I'm due to head back to the states for a visit.  I doubt they will run out of Augustiner before then.

Beautiful birdhouses such as this one dot the landscape in the Englisher Gartens.  Fancy having this for a home if you were a sparrow?  Pretty posh, eh?

The sparrows are not the only birds living large.  Take a look at these fellow feathered friends.  Life is good!

These ladies did an amazing job of walking from the southern most part of the park to the northern tip.  And we did it all under three hours!  Considering the park is 3.4 sq. kilometers, we didn't do a bad job!

Of course, it's fairly easy to do when you have scenes such as this one at every turn.  I cannot tell you how beautiful this park is and how natural.  There are wildlife sanctuarys, bird sanctuarys, meadows, rivers and lakes.  Honestly, there is something for everyone here in Europe's most famous garden.