Saturday, March 8, 2003 - Friday we wrapped up the conference and had a quiet dinner since everyone was so tired. On Saturday I decided to check out the new Pinakothek der Moderne on the recommendation of a Munich-based coworker. The museum features modern works of art, design and architecture. The building itself was very impressive, and the collection was varied and whimsical. The design wing was my favorite, with ordinary objects celebrated for their form and even a computer museum with old Commodores and early Apples. In the temporary exhibits section, I was surprised to find a few works that I had seen when visiting the Guggenheim in New York last November. The architecture area was fascinating, with original models of some well known and pioneering structures, and some wild ideas that never become reality.

I had hoped to visit the bier garten in the Englischer Gartens in the afternoon, but it began raining so I headed back to the hotel to pack. That night I went out to the Hofbrauhaus, which was packed and wild. The oompah band played traditional Bavarian songs and people danced in the aisles and on the tables. I was alone, so I looked for a lively table to join. I sat with an Irishman, a Scotsman, a Bavarian man and his Romanian wife, a few Spaniards and a group of Japanese students. Despite all the nationalities, we managed to communicate pretty well, and any confusion was resolved with a "prost" with everyone clicking glasses and drinking almost constantly. By the night's end I had knocked backed three masskrueges of fine Bavarian ale. I was very glad my flight didn't leave until 1pm the next day!