Bad Tourist in Munich

Munchen

If you follow me on Instagram (where I post all sorts of random pictures that have nothing to do with style or fashion),  you probably noticed I was in Germany a while back. It was a very quick visit, just a couple of days. And even that short weekend visit was split between Munich and Dortmund.

Why these locations? Well, hubby was in Munich for a conference or something, and Dortmund is where we visited family. In other words, I had a day to go sightseeing shopping in Munich by myself, and then the two of us spent another day running like crazy around Dortmund…

Yes, this pretty much sums up how we travel: we’re in a hurry, and without a clue as to what we should be seeing. There’s a reason I call myself a Bad Tourist

Anyway, what can a bad tourist do in Munich?

Well go shopping, of course. Unfortunately, I’m not just a bad tourist; I’m also not much of a shoppaholic, it seems… Yes, I managed to spend an entire day there without buying anything.

I tried my best, though: I lost count how many pairs of trousers and jeans I tried on. And because most of them made me look like a stuffed sausage, I came away from the experience convinced all fashion designers are conspiring against me. It’s either that or my thighs are seriously misshapen. For now, I’m going to go with the conspiracy theory…

But that’s not what you want to read about; this is supposed to be a travel post, after all. So, let’s go sightseeing, the Bad Tourist way:

Munich

Munchen

A bad Tourist doesn’t read tourist guides and has no interest in popular tourist attractions. Instead, she takes random pictures of all sorts or weird and wonderful (or just interesting) details, without any effort to put them in context.

Because, well, details are inspiring. And if travel is supposed to broaden your mind, then you’d better let you mind wander.

That sounded better in my head.

OK, let me explain. I’m an obsessive thinker: I intellectualize and analyse everything.  Over and over again, and from every possible (and impossible) angle. I also have a hard time shutting my brain down (yes, it does affect my sleep, too).

So, when I travel, the last thing I want to do is absorb tons of new information. I simply have no energy for it. And, to avoid overloading my brain, and to de-stress, I often make a conscious decision to keep sightseeing to a minimum and skip the usual ‘must-see’ attractions (I also hate crowded places), and just walk around aimlessly, exploring whatever catches my eye.

architecture

This approach allows me to engage the creative side of my brain (instead of the more neurotic, obsessively intellectual and analytical one). It’s very relaxing.

So, now you know why my Instagram feed looks the way it does: taking photos of the little details I see around me helps me de-stress…

But I’m digressing here.

What caught my eye in Munich was the intricate wall decorations:

Munich architecture

architectural details

But it’s not just old buildings that are covered in artwork. This wall reminds me of macramé:

architectural details

See, I’m doing it again: analyzing everything…

Perhaps I should just post pictures and let you draw your own conclusions.

Besides, I have no idea what these little statues are all about. Lots of buildings had these: they’re not very large, and they’re usually high up, on the corner of  the building.

statues

In my opinion, there are interesting details everywhere. It has nothing to do with art or design or  even architecture in the traditional sense. It’s a matter of perspective.

This is a lighting fixture in a shopping centre. And the passers-by probably thought I must be crazy, taking dozens of pictures of it…

design light fixtures

light

What do you look for when you go sightseeing?

Tiina

Linking up with:

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6 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    8 February 2018 / 7:04 am

    What a beautiful buildings!

    • Tiina L
      10 February 2018 / 3:23 pm

      I think so, too!

  2. señora Allnut
    8 February 2018 / 8:32 am

    so amazing pictures, I love those details, the intrincate decoration, the little figures on the corners, the dragon!. I'm obsessive when preparing a travel, I read every guide and mark all the monuments, and then I decide that I don't want to visit any crowded place, and I prefer going for a walk and visit a market or have a drink. That's improvisation, but it has taken me some previous work.And I totally agree with you, trousers and pants are made to never flatter a full figure!. Such a stupid conspiracy!besos

    • Tiina L
      10 February 2018 / 3:24 pm

      Well, when you're well-prepared, you can be spontaneous. 😉

  3. Samantha Blair
    18 February 2018 / 9:17 am

    I LOVE beautiful architecture and design and these images are a delight!Thank you for sharing.I laughed at your "stuffed sausage" comment.Trousers are so difficult for all shapes and sizes, even for a pencil-legged person like me they can give the sausage look (or a chipolata at least!) :oPXXXSamantha

    • Tiina L
      19 February 2018 / 3:26 pm

      Thanks, Samantha. I find architecture such a source of inspiration. And although I personally prefer more modern or contemporary architecture, I never stop admiring the skill and attention to detail, whatever the style or period of the building in question.

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