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2011: Munich III




The official tour took us to Marktl and Altotting. Some skipped the formal program to visit museums (BMW for example) or explore the city further on their own.

Marktl is the birthplace of Pope Benedict. We viewed a short movie and then walked around inside the home, which he lived in until he was just a few years old. We then went around the corner to the quaint little church where he was baptized. Several of us stopped in the information center for hot coffee.

Then off to Altotting - site of the statue of the Black Madonna. The chapel housing the statue is situated in the center of the town square. Its perimeter is adorned with paintings, drawings, and words of devotion and gratitude brought by those on pilgrimage who prayed to the Madonna and experienced miracles. The shrine is visited by millions of people.

We then had time for lunch (and shopping) in this little town before returning to Munich.

Tonight we have our farewell dinner and tomorrow we have an early wake up to begin our journey home.

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