The Englischer Garten and games with the 2nd team

  Munich, Germany
Monday, June 9, 2008

     After a week of settling in, I finally made it out of my apartment for something other than errands! I finally made the time to explore the Englischer Garten! I didn't know exactly how to enter the park, but I knew it was very close to me. After I found my way, I felt a little like Peter Pan. When you leave my apartment, you make two lefts then go straight to the park. So it's similar to what Tink says... second street to the left and straight on till the Englischer Garten! I know what you're thinking, only I would quote a Disney movie.  : ) 
                                      
     I actually was reminded of another movie as I made my way to the entrance of the park. Two moms with strollers (they're everywhere) approached each other on a bridge and started talking. This was when I looked at the babies and pictured the scene from "Look Who's Talking" when the toddlers talk to each other. I laughed to myself as I imagined them gossiping to each other in German. 

                        
     That's the last movie reference for this one, I promise. Right past the bridge was a very wonderful sight: a big, BEAUTIFUL lake! As I walked to the edge of the water, one question was answered very quickly: people definitely feed the ducks. They walked right up to me wondering if I had any crumbs for them. I didn't, so I moved on and started my walk around the lake.             
                      

          The lake isn't huge, but it is big enough to take a boat onto. There's a place on the water where you can rent all kinds of boats. I cannot WAIT to do that! The whole surrounding was very green and there were dozens of people walking, jogging, talking, and just enjoying a nice day at the park. I know I'll be back many times to this place.

       When I finished my lap around the lake, I followed the river a ways and stumbled upon a place I had heard was VERY popular. It is a building called the Chinesischer Turm, or Chinese Tower. It was built in 1790 and is now the center of a very popular beer garden. When I walked up, I could hear traditional German music. Come to find out, it was coming from one of the tiers of the Chinese tower, played by a bunch of old men in liederhosen!
                                 
        I knew I would want to spend some time here, even if I was alone, just to people watch. So I got a Radler (rawd-luh) which is a mixture of beer and Sprite, and sat down at a table in the middle of everything. I stayed there for about an hour and enjoyed myself. Eventually, I finished my drink and had to go home. I must admit, I wish I could have stayed longer. But then I would have been by myself and drunk. So I said farewell, for now.
       It rained pretty much the rest of the week, so I couldn't do much outside. My time was mostly spent going to my own practices and helping coach the other teams. After helping the second team practice, the coach asked me if I could coach the team on Sunday. She had a test for her University that she needed to study for. What I wasn't expecting was that I was allowed to play. Apparently, Americans can play on the second team as long as there aren't more than three girls over 21 on the roster. I made number three. Even so, I didn't think I would play because I didn't want to take the spot of someone who needed the time to learn and get better. Fortunately for me, they didn't have enough players and needed me to fill in! 
       I played shortstop the first game and, get this, CATCHER the second game. I had mentioned to the coach at Monday's practice that I've played catcher before, and that I missed it. I didn't think she would take it that seriously! So, I caught for the first time since I was about 16. It was very fun, and I really enjoyed it... but I need a lot of work!
       We ended up splitting the two games that day. It wasn't a good thing at all. This team is the worst team in the league. We run-ruled them the first game, then got run ruled in the second game. Our pitching really struggled though, and we do have an older girl that was missing that day. So, hopefully, the next time they play we'll win both. Because you should all know I hate losing. : )
        That was about all of the interesting stuff for the week. The rest of the time was spent doing this and that, nothing of importance. This week, the first team plays again. I am VERY excited to play again. It's still raining during the days, but hopefully I'll be able to visit the English Garden again. In the meantime, I will talk to you all next week! Ciao!