Sabine Unger, Director of the Munich Creative Business Week (MCBW) on the favourite places in her hometown.
Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
Born in Munich, before later becoming a true native. Although I was born here, I grew up in Regensburg and studied in Bamberg. In 1991 I returned and become a native of this great city.
In which district are you at home?
In the city's Dreimühlenviertel.
What does Munich taste like?
Like Affogato: a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a cup of espresso over it. It tastes sublime at Elio's ice cream parlour on Roecklplatz.
What does Munich sound like?
Like ringing the bell on the tram. I'm not sure if modern trams still sound like that, but that's the sound that I have in my head.
What does Munich smell like?
Like BBQ: in the summer during the festivals, and in the winter at the Christmas markets, and especially in the summer on the Isar.
Munich is the only city where you ...
... can live and be in the countryside at the same time.
Which Munich lady should everyone know?
Liesl Karstadt. An incredibly exciting character for her time. An insanely strong woman, full of self-doubt too, who had to tread a tough path in life. The congenial partner for Karl Valentin, but who was never able to step out of his shadow. Although he only became the great star he was with her.
Your favourite Bavarian word?
Grantig (grouchy).
The most attractive building in the city?
The Müllersches Volksbad (indoor swimming pool), especially from the inside.
The catchiest Munich song?
„Skandal im Sperrbezirk“ by the Spider Murphy Gang.
Isar or Eisbach?
Isar.
Beer garden or bar?
Beer garden.
Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
Philharmonic. I like quiet sounds.
A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
It's off to the lakes for me, and even better to the rivers Würm, Windach, Ammer. There are some magical places there.
The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
Standing in front of the Nationaltheater, with perhaps a trip inside to follow.
The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
The restaurant at the Olympia Tower.
The best place in Munich to think?
On the Isar between Flaucher and Großhesseloher bridge. By the way, visitors will also be impressed by this as well: If you walk just a few feet in Munich, you are suddenly surrounded by nature.
The best place in Munich to experience culture?
The nine days during the MCBW in Munich and its surroundings.
The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
I never really have a longing for Italy, I'm more of an England fan. Unfortunately, there's not so much of that in Munich.
