Munich Found's new editor goes shopping
I bought my first dirndl this summer. I’d vowed I wouldn’t do it. Whatever happened when I moved to Munich, it’d be the last thing I’d do. Yes, Bavarians can get away with it. But anyone else? I mean, isn’t it just a bit tacky? Like going to France and parading around in a beret with a string of onions around your neck? Or buying a flamenco dress in Spain? No, it wasn’t going to be. That is, until I was out shopping for essentials for our new apartment. As so often happens, I’d strayed to the clothes department. And there it was. A half-price pink and blue dirndl. Still, I remained loyal to my convictions, and walked away. But whether it was the 50 percent saving that drew me back, or the dress itself, I found myself returning to try it on. And it felt so good, I just had to have it. Half of me was still fighting, but the other half felt the purchase was a statement, as if to say, “Hello, I’m here, I’ve arrived and I’m going to throw myself into this city with all my heart.” And this is exactly what I’ve been doing for the past three months: pounding the pavements, scanning the skyline, taking it all in and basically trying Munich on for size. And just like the dirndl, it feels good. My initial impressions have been of extremely friendly people, a classy, cosmopolitan city, with wonderful shops, great food and drink and an enormous number of things going on. Obviously, I’ve much more to discover. And as MUNICH FOUND’s new editor, I could hardly be in a better position to do so. I’m looking forward to submerging myself in Munich life and making sure you are kept up to date with the latest news on the things that interest you. Of course, you know best what these things are—be they museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, concerts or otherwise—so do get in touch and tell us your thoughts on the magazine or let us know what sort of things you would like to read about. Indeed, the idea of something for everyone is a recurring theme in this month’s issue. For starters, take a look at our new food pages. Yes, it may be Oktoberfest time, but not everyone fancies battling their way through the masses just to get a beer and overpriced chicken. We’ve come up with a selection of alternatives, should the Wies’n be packed to overflowing. Speaking of alternatives, did you know Munich has around 2,400 different sports clubs? With such a vast selection on offer, we challenge anyone not to find a sport that suits them and have picked out a few of the more unusual options. What is perhaps more surprising is the huge variety of Tracht available, as reported in our double-page feature. Despite their traditional roots, Bavarian lederhosen and dirndls have found their way into the 21st century in an astounding number of shapes and forms—from glitzy dirndls to catwalk-inspired apple green leather jackets for men. Whatever style you prefer, one thing is certain. Tracht is back. All the people we spoke to were in no doubt about the fact that it’s the look of the moment, for young and old alike. And, what’s more, you don’t have to be Bavarian to pull it off. On the contrary—according to the Tracht guru at traditional outfitters Loden-Frey, it is an honor for Bavarians to see people of other nationalities adopting their look—which, in light of my recent shopping expedition, is excellent news.