Rogers the Spaniel, Bayern Munich and the arrival of Garv: The Munich Chronicles Vol.2

Rogers the Spaniel, Bayern Munich and the arrival of Garv: The Munich Chronicles Vol.2

Day 2 of the stag doo that wasn't a stag doo started quietly. The anaesthetic ale which we'd drunk one stein of the night before had clearly taken its toll on all of us. Nonetheless, we all made it to breakfast. We'd found a small bakery/café a five minute walk from our hotel called Ziegler's (or 'Toby's' to Dav and I for all of you West Wing followers).

From there we planned our day - and for me the one thing which I really wanted to do; visit the Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich.

To say the weather was a little chilly would be somewhat of an understatement. It had been snowing steadily since we landed in Munich the day before. My mate from work Mark Rogers had, earlier in the week, been somewhat dismissive of my suggestion that he take a hat, scarf and gloves to Munich. Suffice to say as we got off the train and walked the desolate and exposed ten minute trek to the stadium in temperatures of minus 8 and a biting Siberian-like wind, he now looked a tad silly.


Rogers the Spaniel looking a tad warmer (and sinister) 
on the way back from the Allianz Arena


By the way, if you like football and ever find yourself in Munich - you have to go to this stadium. It's spectacular.

We lost Rogers for 20 minutes or so and when he returned he'd purchased a hat from the club shop which he proceeded to live in for the following 36 hours. It also made him look like a spaniel which resulted in various 'deputy dog' and scooby doo quips for the rest of our stay.

We had a guided tour of the stadium which only cost 10 Euros. We got to see the changing rooms, where they conduct the post-match interviews and sit in seats around the ground. I really did enjoy it.

We then sought shelter from the elements at the club shop where we all purchased the obligatory scarf. One of our party even spotted that some of them were reduced in price...needless to say it was one of the northerners of the group.

At this point we were conscious that one of our party was yet to arrive. Lee Garvey (or Garv to us) was flying in from London to meet us. He was due to arrive at around 1.30pm at the hotel. It was nearly 1.30 as it was so we did what every friendship group would do - we quickly purchased our scarves then headed straight for something to eat. The currywurst was surprisingly pleasant. Strange to think that a boiled sausage sprinkled in curry powder served with a rock hard crusty roll is considered a delicacy.

Having left Garv to stew in the hotel lobby for a few hours - a small peacemaking delegation headed back to the hotel to meet him whilst the others made their way into the centre of Munich. Garv's mood was not helped by the fact that the hotel wouldn't let him into his room because it was booked under one of the other lads' names and the restaurant at the hotel had pretty much told him to do one too. For those who know him - a hungry Garv is not a pretty Garv.

Still, with the promise of food and drink he was happy enough. It was good to see him.

We then headed to our first Beer Hall for a stein or two before heading out for the night. We took in some authentic German cuisine...an all you can eat Chinese buffet for 8 Euros (when in Rome and all that...) before heading for a few drinks and ending up in an Irish bar where there was plenty of Guinness and some live music.

It had been a long, cold day. With a lack of sleep and alcohol mixed in to-boot I was ready for bed. I'd had a great day with some great mates but for the first time it dawned on me a little what this weekend was about. It should have been something very different from what it was. It made me think a little - but the overwhelming emotion I had was that 9 of my best mates had travelled all this way just for me - for no occassion at all other than to be mates. Thanks guys - I really appreciated it.

Coming up next...Day Three: Olympics, the most horrific meal ever and Des Lennis...

In the meantime...for no particular reason I've been humming this tune all day.