In Regensburg, the train pulled in, then they un-coupled the last 3 cars and we departed in the opposite direction. I wasn't expecting border checks, either, but it happened. We started out from Zurich, originally. Boarder police climbed aboard before we crossed into Germany, but they just walked through the cars.
The leading cars went on to Nurenberg. I lived there a couple of years in 1963 - I was 10. But, I really like Bavaria the best - mountains, lakes and Austria. No border checks there - just open roads and lovely people. Next trip, I'm renting a bike and sticking to southern Bavaria, in the Spring - it's already too hot by June. Germany and France have wonderful bike routes in the country and you don't have to worry about trying to park a rented car when you get to a little town.
The train never made it all the way into Munich, because someone jumped into an earlier train (they told us suicide by train was fairly common in Germany) and the tracks were shut down. We got into the train station on a bus. That was pretty exciting, because everyone left the train and nobody bother to mention what was going on in English. My poor German was just enough to get us on to the last bus.
Munich is a lovely city rich in culture and easy to navigate. It's very walkable, except when you need a bathroom. I learned to use the subway bathrooms. They are weird that way - afraid of vagabonds and roma's. They aren't very generous with ice, either. You learn to drink without it.
I go to Europe every two years, until recently, for a conference that is in early June. Every 4 years, it corresponds with soccer championships (World Cup ??)
In Houston and Atlanta, I had to wait in line for over 2 hours more than once. Chicago was a better experience. The new kiosks are a big improvement, but for some reasons, big planes tend to land at almost the same time and that backs up the whole process. Returning home, US Custom's has almost never been a smooth experience, so I got a World Traveler pass. I usually miss my connection flight, so I have learned to book the next flight out and just chill for a while in the airport.
Traveling to Europe and experiencing 25% VAT tax makes me happy to live in the USA. I'm always grateful to come home again. ALWAYS !!
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