Munich—-Octoberfest: WOW

Due to a tunnel closure, the train from Strasbourg turned into four trains.  On the first train, I found a “helping angel”.  She asked me if I was going to Munich– she was also going to Munich.  From now on I will refer to her as Angel.  Along about the third train we were traveling thru a lovely valley of green fields, green hills, and very high rock faces.  My Angel told me we were in the Black Forest—- who would have known.

Angel is a primary school teacher who speaks German, French, Spanish, Russian and English.  She also had her accordion with her– how talented.  She told me she would help me with my metro/bus tickets when we got to the station (this was great as I revert to primary school level when I get into the giant train stations swarming with people).

After taking a local train and a bus I found my residence.  My hosts were a nice German couple who did not speak English—–they smiled at me a lot. Very close is a restaurant and small hotel.  I ate at the restaurant for two dinners.  I think I’m addicted to sauerkraut:

The hotel had a map and gave me good directions to Octoberfest.  I only had to take one bus. I exited the bus and followed all the people dressed in lederhosen and dirndl dresses—- right to the employee gate.  When the security guard asked for my “pass” I presented my PA drivers license.  It worked but she told me I better have a real pass next time.

Octoberfest is the most amazing man built “city” that I have ever seen.  The builders start in an empty field in July.  There are 14 large beer tents (some hold 5000 beer lovers) and many smaller tents.  Next to the tents are outdoor beer gardens.  The front of the tents look like real buildings with stucco walls and massive wooden floors and sides. For the large tents, you need to make a reservation a year in advance. No reservations needed for before 5 pm.

There are many amusement park rides.  I rode the Ferris wheel (you ride around in a little gingerbread house–so cute) and the swing.  I also spent some time in the Devil’s Wheel tent– not on the spinning wheel. This is so much fun.  People of all age groups sit in the center of this little mound that starts to spin.  The workers toss a ball and ropes at the riders till they all go spinning off.

Now about the beer and food.  The beer only comes in 1-liter glass mugs.  There is about 2-inch head that dissipates quickly because the beer is not as carbonated as regular beer.  This makes it “go down” easy.  I could not believe that I was at Octoberfest from 10 am to 5 pm.  Everybody was happy.  The food is amazing.  I had a big bread pretzel with my first beer.

For lunch, I had a half of a little chicken that was stuffed with parsley and smothered with butter to make the best tasting crispy crust.  The second beer was excellent with the chicken.  They have unbelievable food stands to sell ham knuckles, sausages, roasted fish and all kinds of sweet treats.

I explored the fairgrounds and wandered into the old tent section and like everyone else I had a smile on my face.

I had one more beer “for the road”.  I met really nice Germans in each tent– now I have a lot of new “best friends”.

I don’t think I can explain how truly amazing Octoberfest is—–I can understand why it gets 6 million visitors in the 16 to 18 days it exists.  I am ready to come back next year—- let me know if you’re in on that trip.

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