Anticipating Spring in a snowy Munich

On Friday I spent an hour in Munich, which all sounds rather decadent doesn't it? And in some ways it was, I had an hour to myself to do with what I wanted and so after checking out a snowy Hofgarten - more on that another day - I headed towards the shops. 

I was in Munich, and Kufstein in Austria the day before, as part of the Viking and Stihl UK press trip, their first, so that was a real honour and a pleasure too. We were treated to great hospitality at the Viking factory in Kufstein, which I'll share more of later, but first back to that hour in Munich.

My plan was to buy some chocolates to bring home, because well, chocolates it's the rules right. But somehow I found myself wandering around Depot in one of the smaller arcades. It was their window displays which drew me in, full of Spring colours and flowers and well, I couldn't help myself.

Magnolias, ranunculus, apple blossom and tulips. All realistic, apart from one thing - their scent. But a real treat to see on a snowy day, maybe a little early, but maybe when the temperature is -10 and lower, you need that hope earlier than we would in the UK. And those temperatures, strangely the cold wasn't unbearable. It's true I had two scarves on, the extra one a big wooly one over my coat, but the air was dry and I think that helped. I wouldn't have given up either scarf though...

MAGNOLIAS

MAGNOLIAS

RANUNCULUS

RANUNCULUS

APPLE BLOSSOM

APPLE BLOSSOM

TULIPS, I THINK... FRILLY ONES.

TULIPS, I THINK... FRILLY ONES.

These fleecy throws were a nod to the weather outside. The colour was bright and the blanket stitch detail made me smile. It was lucky that my hand luggage was already filling up, otherwise this shop would have sorely tempted my resolve.

FOR THOSE COLDER SPRING DAYS

FOR THOSE COLDER SPRING DAYS

NAMASTE

NAMASTE

It's amazing isn't it, how Spring-like this display is. But I think we're at least a month away from the real thing 

TULIPS AND BUD VASES

TULIPS AND BUD VASES

But I did notice there were plenty of butterflies about. In all kinds of colours. Ceramic butterflies, butterfly garlands and butterfly motifs. I've not noticed that here, but then again I've not had a mooch around the shops here either. Are butterflies a trend for this Spring? Have you seen the decorative sort?

BUTTERFLIES

BUTTERFLIES

BLOSSOM AND BUDS

BLOSSOM AND BUDS

These budgie-like birds - I think it's the yellow, green and blue that prompted that memory - made me smile. These were a strong contender for coming home with me, maybe one or three, but I resisted. Mainly because there was a chocolate box shaped space in my bag, and that's all.

THESE REMINDED ME OF BUDGERIGARS, THE COLOURS I THINK

THESE REMINDED ME OF BUDGERIGARS, THE COLOURS I THINK

And these butterfly motif tea lighters were gorgeous too, maybe I'll look out for something similar here. Or plan another flying trip, this time for shopping!

BUTTERFLIES FOR YOUR TEA LIGHTS

BUTTERFLIES FOR YOUR TEA LIGHTS

HOME SWEET HOME

HOME SWEET HOME

Yes, it's definitely the kind of place where you can make your house a home, and their bags, have I think got it spot on.

THEY'RE NOT WRONG THERE!

THEY'RE NOT WRONG THERE!

Oh, and if you're wondering, of course I bought some chocolates. They were well received but apparently I should have left a larger space in my luggage for a bigger box. Something else to remember on my next trip then!

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* While this post isn't in collaboration with Viking or Stihl, it was only possible because of the UK press trip arranged by them.