We've already decided that the next time we buy a car, we'll be picking up the BMW in Munich. It may seem like an extravagant thing to do (given out current economic climate), but incredibly it is actually a clever way to save thousands of dollars on a luxury automobile. You read that right... you'll save thousands. Not to mention, you'll get a chance to to test that baby out on the Autobahn and spend five to six days jaunting in and out of 5-star hotels while you get acquainted with your new car. Got your attention? Okay... let's go....

Day one, we arrive in Munich after flying directly from the US on Lufthansa (your companion will fly free... a nice perk of the BMW experience). You'll be driven to the famed BMW Welt, where you'll go on a tour of this acclaimed factory and your custom ordered BMW will be revealed to you. (Yeah, baby!) You'll be able to take in both the prestigious heritage of the rand and its modern facility, all while bursting with anticipation of taking that bad boy out on the road.

Okay, papers are signed, maps are in hand and we've had our coffee. Let's head off to our first destination, the Mandarin Oriental, Munich and drop off our things before exploring the city.

I should warn you, My first order of business, however, would be lunch. If you know me, you know I'm always hungry. I'm no beer & brats kind of girl, so prepare to sidestep those activities on this journey. Something tells me there will be no shortage of excellent Bavarian cuisine at one of the many sidewalk cafes nearby. So we'll head out on foot in search of something special.  (Don't worry, we've got plenty of drive time ahead of us...)

One last stop to St. Peter's St. Peter's Church....Incredibly, it was built in A.D. 11, and bears the distinction of being the oldest parish church in Munich. Hopefully we're all set for a climb to the top for the spectacular view of the city's architecture. The church has a tower boasting the best view of the city, but there's no elevator. But the 300 steps we'll climb will be well worth the view of Old City of Munich. Touristy, to be sure... but you just can't go to Munich without this experience.

After the long flight, the new car and the great experience that is Munich, it hits us just how tired we  really are. So we saunter back to the Mandarin in preparation for the amazing journey ahead of us. After all, tomorrow is a big day...

Until tomorrow...Gute Nacht!