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Day 14: Biking Through Munich, Friendship, Learning, and a River that Surfs

Our fourteenth day on the Grand Tour of Europe began, as always, with a hearty and energizing breakfast, setting the tone for what would be a truly memorable day in Munich. After fueling up, we took a short and seamless walk to the metro station, and in no time found ourselves once again in the charming old city of Munich—this time, ready for a bicycle tour unlike any other.

Before beginning our ride, we were treated to the sights and sounds of the Glockenspiel, and an unexpected bonus: a choir singing in the square, their voices echoing beautifully off the centuries-old buildings. As we arrived at the bike tour depot, anticipation grew. Due to our group’s size, we were split into three well-supervised groups, each accompanied by one of our teachers, ensuring both safety and individualized attention.

A special highlight of the morning? Some students who had never ridden a bike before accomplished something extraordinary. Erin, with the help of her close friend Sarah, had learned to ride specifically for this trip—a testament to both her courage and their friendship. Although Erin decided to forego the ride after seeing the narrow paths, it was clear she appreciated Sarah’s efforts. Helmets secured, spirits high, and safety protocols in place, we set off on a scenic ride through Munich’s historic streets and lush green spaces.

Our route included stops at significant churches and historic landmarks, as well as through Englischer Garten, Germany’s largest urban park—even bigger than Central Park in New York. It was a sun-drenched afternoon, with locals lounging in the grass and enjoying the summer warmth. One of the day’s most unforgettable moments? Watching professional river surfers tackle a standing wave formed by a unique riverbed formation—cheered on by our awestruck students.

After the bike tour, students enjoyed free time for lunch and local exploration, before returning to the hotel for focused class sessions.

  • The English class held a rich discussion, debriefing the film they had watched.

  • History students reviewed their mid-term results, making room for growth and feedback.

  • In business, presentations were delivered with confidence and creativity.

  • Photography students continued editing their vlogs while learning about macro photography techniques.

At 6:00 p.m., before dinner, Linda gathered everyone for a detailed briefing, reminding us that we would be leaving bright and early at 6:30 a.m. for the next leg of our journey—to Zermatt, Switzerland, by day’s end tomorrow.

Dinner followed, offering comforting and satisfying choices—chicken curry with rice, plus the ever-popular chicken nuggets and fries. Most students opted to rest and prepare for the early departure, but those who chose to head out for a final evening stroll were required to be fully packed and checked by staff before signing out, ensuring readiness and accountability.

With bikes conquered, friendships strengthened, and lessons learned, we closed the day reflecting on how far we’ve come—in distance, in knowledge, and in experience. Another incredible chapter in this once-in-a-lifetime journey across Europe.