Liter beers, food as big as my head, costumes, and huge arenas that they like to call "tents" is just part of the fun that ensues when you attend the largest festival in the world, Oktoberfest. What makes it even more exciting is that we were at THE original site in Munich, Germany.
We left last Thursday bright and early, taking a six hour train ride that allowed us to see the beautiful Czech and German country side while sipping some tasty cappuccino and making friends with the people in our compartment. Immediately after getting of the train, we see mini-kegs haphazardly piled on various garbage cans in the station...welcome to Germany. Our hostel was a ten minutes walk from there and although it was nice that we had four beds with actual mattresses, it was not nice that seven of us had to find a way to fit onto them. Seeing as we had limited time in Munich (We were leaving the next day at 5PM) we didn't waste anytime finding the festival. We walked about two minutes out of our hostel and were there.
I don't think anything could have prepared me for the joyful madness that is Oktoberfest. Imagine the biggest state fair you can, complete with rides, carnival food(but BETTER!), and games. Add in thousands upon thousands of people, most dressed as beer-maids(for the girls) and lederhosen(sooo many good-looking men in leather pants!), and most of them intoxicated. We walked into a couple beer tents hoping in vain that we would find a seat. My first reaction was to smile and laugh at the insanity that was inside. Ten thousand people singing and swinging their enormous beers around, having the time of their lives. Us girls were surveyed like pieces of meat as we tried to maneuver our way through the cramped aisles. After this happened through five tents, we gave up trying to find seats. Just as we were about to leave, we spotted a carousel serving beer to people without having to be seated. Everyone got their first Oktoberfest beer and though I wasn't feeling well, it would have been blasphemy to attend and not have one; it actually was pretty good! We met a nice German couple who told us that it was actually really quiet for Oktoberfest and i was in disbelief! I was coming down with a fever and sore throat after that and couldn't stay any longer, so I had to go back to the hostel at try to sleep my cold away. =(
The next morning, we woke up at 7 am to ensure that we got a spot at our choice tent, The Hofbrau House. We got there at 9 and there was still a decent sized line waiting to get in. The doors opened at ten and the fun began! We sat down at a table with some nice German lads and everyone else ordered their beer. Kayla and I also split a mushroom dumpling which was a complete waste of $20. Soon, the band was playing and the singing began! Ten thousand people chanting and singing songs from "West Virginia" to patriotic German songs. We stayed in there for hours and even though I was completely sober, I had the time of my life and plan on going back as often as I can!
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