created: 08.06.2006
last modified: 08.06.2006
Munich is where it all kicks off on the nineth of June. Germany vs. Costa Rica will be the first match in the FIFA World Cup 2006™ and the German host cities welcome their guests from all over the world. And where should this spectacle begin, if not in the home stadium of Germany's most successful club Bayern Munich.Munich is a city with international reputation. This is due to the high importance it has acquired in the fields of media and technology. The international media center for the FIFA World Cup™ is located in Bavaria's capital. With the Olympic Summer Games of 1972, the 1974 World Cup Final, the Final of the Euro '88 and the 1997 Champion's League Final, Munich has also acquired quite a few pages in sports history in general. Besides the most successful club in Germany, Munich is also home to the oldest traditional sports club, the TSV 1860 Munich.
The stadium
The gross capacity of the FIFA World Cup 2006™ stadium is 66,000 seats. The arena has recently been constructed on the outskirts of the city and it is an eyecatcher just as its predecessor, the Olympic Stadium of 1972. Unlike the Olympic Stadium the new arena has no running track, thus providing a much more dense atmosphere. The façade consists of EFTE foil panels that are constantly inflated with an air pressure of 350 Pascal. They can be individually illuminated, either in red, blue or white. Since the colors are connected to the two clubs that own the stadium, red for Bayern Munich and blue for the TSV 1860 Munich, the illumination for the FIFA World Cup™ will be completely white.
For more information on the stadium go to:
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/d/s/munchen.html
Hotel Booking and Diabetes Tips
Munich has many hotels in all price ranges. If you haven't booked your hotel yet, it's high time. The easiest way to do so is by using this link provided by the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Accommodation Services (WCAS):
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/d/accommodation/index.html
When booking your hotel you should inquire whether the hotel has its own doctor and if that is not the case, the reception desk should be able to tell you where the nearest doctor and pharmacy are.
A list of diabetologists located in Munich can be found by using the search engine here:
www.diabetesgate.de/service/diabetologen/diabetologen_ort.php
Useful signs and terms related to diabetes are listed on this site:
www.diabetesgate.com/holiday/2004/symbols.htm
What else can I do with my time?
Munich has the advantage of having recreation areas right in the heart of the city. The river Isar runs right through its bank is the perfect place for a sunny afternoon in green surroundings. Lots and lots of beer gardens are waiting for thirsty football fans. Four of them are inside the famous "Englischer Garten" with its numerous ponds, shady paths and nude sunbathers. Yet, that is by far not all there is. The Nymphenburg Botanical Garden is one of Germany's largest botanical exhibitions with plants from all over the world. You can also enjoy yourselves in the Olympic Center where a lot of space is available for outdoor activities. Why not rack up your own four against four match with those swedish guys you met last night?
Although the FIFA World Cup 2006™ doesn't take place while the "Oktoberfest" is on, there are still many locations you can visit to celebrate. The Munich club scene is famous for its opportunities to see celebrities from all over the world and the local pubs and traditional beer-cellars offer probably the best beers in the world and excellent regional food specialities.
For more information go to:
www.muenchen.de/home/60093/Homepage.html
