Kaiserslautern / Munich Pt. 1 - GERMANY
Airing Date: Jun 5th, 2006
Chances are that most Aussies had never heard of Kaiserslautern before.
Well, at least not until the World Cup came along and it was announced that Australia would play its first World Cup match there - against Japan on June 12th 2006. This is the smallest of Germany's twelve World Cup host cities. It's also a city with a strong American flavour. K-Town, as the locals call it is home to around 40,000 US soldiers and their families, which makes it the largest US population outside of the States. The area can even lay claim to being the birthplace of Hollywood action-man Bruce Willis (he was born in Idar-Oberstein which is about 90kms NW of Kaiserslautern).
In June, the city will be jam-packed with die-hard football fans. The main street will be transformed into the World Cup Mile and 48,500 people will cram into the Fritz Walter Stadium. In Oz, the footy and meat pies go hand in hand, but in Kaiserslautern, the local football food is Harting-Wurst, which is horse meat. Hmmm....The motto for the World Cup is a time to make friends and this is certainly the case in K-Town. Residents are opening up their doors to offer home-stays and giant campsites will be set up around the city to accommodate the thousands of visitors that missed out on hotel accommodation.
The month-long Soccer celebrations will kick off in the city of Munich. And all eyes will be on the brand new Allianz Arena where the very first World Cup match will be played on June 9th 2006. This arena is the city's star player. Its design has been compared to a giant tyre and even to a UFO because when this baby is lit up it really looks like something out of this world! Australia will play its second game here on June 18th against the World Cup favourites Brazil.
For some action off the pitch, head to Munich's English Garden. This is the biggest park in Europe. It's bigger than New York's Central Park and London's Hyde park and has a few attractions that you definitely won't find in the US or UK parks. Like surfing on the Eisbach river or nude sunbathing! Win, lose or draw in the World Cup, one thing is for sure - Aussie fans will kick-on in Munich's pubs. While the Hofrauhaus may be Munich's best known beer hall, why not check out a pub with a real Aussie kick to it. The Arc Pub is the only pub in Munich owned and run by two Aussie guys and this will be THE place for Aussies to party in Munich.
Further Information
Rooms from $365. Based on twin share. Includes taxes. May fluctuate. Conditions apply. Includes transfers from main central station & use of wellness area.
Hotel Knigshof
www.hotelkoenigshof.com
Rooms from $135. Based on twin share. Includes taxes. May fluctuate. Conditions apply. Includes breakfast.
Dorint Novotel Kaiserslautern
www.novotel.com
Prices correct at 05/6/06
