12.17 GLUHWEIN

We spent the day roaming the city and the market stalls then headed to the Tollwood Christmas Marketplace where we met Bowerman for some traditional gluvein.

The Tollwood markets are an ecclectic arrangement of artisan work and food. Its has a Bohemian flare to it and is held in a wide open space just outside the city centre.

The gluhwein is a mulled red wine spiced and spiked with whiskey or rum. This one was fired up with a flaming piece of sugar on the lip of the mug, it simultaneously warms and sweetens the drink.

Bottoms up...once it cools off the gluvein loses is sweet flavour and the sharp alcoholic taste becomes almost unbearable.

12.16 BRATWURST

Finally, Casey and I got our mitted hands on some german sausage. A bratwurst bun was on the to-do list for the day and it was worth scouring the Christmas markets for the best looking bite.

Typically, I only do street meet at 3 in the morning on a hangover. But the cold air forces the senses to yield to the smoking smell coming from market stalls and the steamy spiced sausage on a bun.

12.15 HOFBRAUHAUS

I am in the historic Hofbrauhaus in Munich with Bowerman and Casey. On the upper level of this old beer hall, Hitler held meetings with his political supporters, establishing the Nazi party and SA troops.

The place has a dark past, but the night was merry. Today it remains a popular place for gathering with friends, for pork and beef and wheat beer to wash it all down.

And I am in the good company of friends indeed. Bowerman has offered Casey and I a place at his apartment for the next few nights. He has been living in Germany for a few years now, teaching and loving life with knoodle and bratwurst. Who could complain, really?