Second Year Trip to MunichMunich, Austria and the Alps
This trip began in April 1994 led by Mr Conway and it has continued, uninterrupted, ever since. Most years, it has to be run twice such is the demand for places. I never knew how much there is to do in this region or how spectacular it is. I have seen the views from the top of the highest Alps many times now but I still find it breathtaking each trip.
Each year, a group of second years are offered a chance to take part. It really is a chance of a lifetime and it's a pity to miss out. We hear past pupils discussing tiny details of their experiences many years later, so obviously it makes a lasting impression. It's a great opportunity for making new friends and cementing existing friendships. Also it's the first time abroad without their Parents for most of the boys.
The itinerary has evolved a lot since that first time. So let's take a look at some highlights from recent trips now.
Zugpitse
It always amazes me how many Teachers are afraid of heights. However this cable car ride and the view from the top is one way to nail that fear forever. At almost 3000 metres high, the Zugspitze is the highest of the European Alps. The border between Germany and Austria straddles the top of this mountain. Air pressure at the top is only 0.85 bar, in Dublin its typically 1.01 bar. The result of this is that you find yourself out of breath very easily and it takes time to adjust. The temperature can be 30 degrees Celsius. So everyone dresses up to suit.
The ski slopes here are black slopes, the most dangerous sort. Avalanches are common at some times of the year. It's the only mountain I was ever on where I needed to point the camera down to photograph planes flying by. On the way back down, we stop on the glacier for our traditional snowball fight that the Teachers always win!
We take a special cog wheel train to get back to Eibsee where the first cable car left from.
Salt Mines
The salt mines at Berchtesgarden is a chance to go deep underground to see how salt is mined. For such a cheap commodity, it's surprising to see the amount of effort required. Having dressed in Miner's clothes we go down the slides to the bottom. Only one person has ever fallen off, an Irish Teacher who cannot be named for legal reasons. We travel across an under ground lake, watch a short video, visit a salt museum and back up on another cog wheel train.
Salzburg
It's hard to imagine a more beautiful town. Birthplace of the famous composer Mozart, Salzburg is flanked by the Alps on one side and on the other side by its Hohensalzburg Castle. The old town centre is very picturesque. Even McDonalds is not allowed to use the red and yellow sign here because it would look so out of place. We get to visit the Castle. The views are great but it's tough going up that cliff.
Ice Skating
It's fast, it's fun, it's a great bit of exercise but it can also be dangerous. We haven't had an accident in many years but this is not for everyone, especially the Teachers! The main ice rink in the Olympic park is twice the size of a football pitch. Most of the boys pick it up quickly but there will always be some who insist on going round on their rear ends!
Munich
Our guided tour of Munich picks out all the most famous landmarks. It's short enough and very interesting. It includes two stops and a walk through the Hofbrauhaus - Munich's most famous beer-hall. Sometimes I have to make sure that the Teachers don't get lost in here. Everyone gets some free time in the city, it's safe, it's clean and it's got everything.
Olympic Park
Back in the Olympic park we visit the top of the communications tower. There's a high speed lift to get to the top. From this height, there's a commanding view of Munich. Next it's the football stadium and the home of Bayern Munich. It's a very impressive stadium still although it was built more than 30 years ago. It's now possible to go on a tour of the futuristic shaped roof with some special climbing gear but we can't include this.
Then it's into the Olympic Pool. The high diving boards are the biggest attraction here. Do you dare jump off the top one? Most don't. Usually only one third even try and lots of them chicken out when they get to the top. As for the Teachers, I'm the only one ever to risk it. It looks so much higher when you're up there!
Deutsches Museum
This technology park has the history of all types of machines from cars to medical devices. It's possible to see what DNA strands actually look like. What does the future have in store fro us? Admire aircraft through the ages and see an actual re-entry vehicle from the Russian Soyuz space program. Afterwards there's a very popular souvenir shop.
Conclusion
As you can see, this trip has something for everyone. There's a lot more as well but we don't have the space for everything. We hope to welcome you along someday.
I cannot let the opportunity pass without commenting on the excellent behaviour of the vast majority of the boys over the years. I would like to finish by thanking the many Teachers who've been so wonderful when things didn't go exactly according to plan. Without these Teachers, this trip couldn't happen.
J Healy.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MUNICH '09 ...
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