The Adventure of MONU SPORTS Team Escaping Munich, Germany Amidst Heavy Snowfall

The ISPO exhibition in Munich has concluded, and we are now beginning our journey back home. Little did we anticipate that we would encounter a heavy snowfall in Munich resulting in the cancellation of over 700 flights. This experience will forever be etched in our memories.

Day 1 after Heavy Snowfall in Munich

On December 1st, as we boarded the shuttle bus to the airport, it collided with another vehicle due to slippery roads. The collision was severe, and we were immediately informed that our flight had been canceled. After re-entering the airport, Turkish Airlines provided us with water and nuts. However, airport staff quickly evacuated everyone from the waiting area, and our flight was officially canceled. Unfortunately, our luggage had already been loaded onto the plane. We had no choice but to spend the night at the airport. Fortunately, we managed to find a warm and occupied area, avoiding the cold and flu that affected many of our fellow travelers. We slept restlessly for the night.

Day 2 after Heavy Snowfall in Munich

On December 2nd, we discovered that the airline staff would only commence work at noon. Despite the absence of our luggage, we had no food to eat, and the airport was closed in the morning. Only one restaurant and a small convenience store were open, but they were overcrowded, making it impossible for us to enter. Luckily, we stumbled upon a secluded room with a self-service coffee vending machine (owing to its remote location, hardly anyone was there). A cup of hot coffee cost 1.36 euros and required payment in coins (we had exchanged all our coins the previous day). We had to borrow 2 euros from a passerby, but that moment of savoring the steaming cup of coffee was truly delightful.

By noon, we received the news that the airport would remain closed for the day. Fortunately, luck was on our side as we encountered Rita and Mr. Cao. After a three-hour journey and spending 150 euros, we arrived at a villa where we finally relished a delectable Chinese meal and enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

Day 3 after Heavy Snowfall in Munich

On December 3rd, I was invited to join three different WeChat groups where everyone shared information and offered assistance. As you may know, Chinese people abroad are tremendously supportive of one another. Upon learning that the airport had reopened, we hurriedly made our way back. Turkish Airlines eventually arranged for us to take a bus to Nuremberg for a connecting flight at 2 p.m. Although the flight was delayed by an hour, we eventually took off, bringing us closer to home, and a sense of relief washed over us.

Day 4 after Heavy Snowfall in Munich

On December 4th, after a layover in Istanbul, which happened to have an enormous airport, we were left with only one hour (due to the one-hour flight delay) to catch our connecting flight. We couldn’t afford to waste a single moment. Finally, we departed from Munich, Germany, and safely arrived in Hong Kong. In that moment, we could finally relax completely.

The journey back home is always filled with joy! However, it is likely that our luggage is still stranded in Germany. After enduring these challenging days together, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the brothers and sisters we encountered along the way. Thank you for your mutual help and care, and some of you have become dear friends.

Day 5 Arriving Home

Today, MONU SPORTS CEO, who resurrected in full health, smiled and said, “If I had known there would be such heavy snowfall, I should have geared up and brought our ski helmets for an exhilarating skiing adventure.”