Oktoberfest!

Wet, fun, laughter, wet, umbrellas, dirndls, bretzen, wet, bier, lederhosen, wet, friends, excitement, crowds, wet, bratwurst, cinnamon almonds, gingerbread cookie necklaces, and wet. All of these adjectives are a great description of our Oktoberfest experience! As you can see, wet is a common occurrence. It was very rainy, but we didn't let that stop us.

Our first biers at Paulaner bier garten

We woke up at 5:15 a.m., got dressed in our dirndl and lederhosen, and took a bus to Munich that left the Army base at 7:00 a.m. We arrived in Munich around 10:30 a.m. This was just late enough that we had trouble getting inside of a beer tent, but it was just early enough that getting into a biergarten (beer garden) was no problem. And, as fate would have it, we just so happened to land in the same beer garden as 7 other Army couples (all of which were friends of Justin and me). This was bound to be a recipe for fun!

And it was! The guys enjoyed talking about Afghanistan,

Justin and John

while the girls enjoyed giant bretzen (pretzels) and talked about places to shop in Germany. 

Brittany and me

The only downside to our Oktoberfest extravaganza was the constant wetness. Did I mention that the beer gardens are outside? Making it impossible to stay dry. Luckily, we brought an umbrella, as did the other couples. 

So, we stayed at our beer garden table and watched all the tables rapidly fill around us. The golden rule of Oktoberfest: Once you find a table, DO NOT leave it! Ever!

The second most important rule of Oktoberfest: When the thought of going to the restroom enters your mind, stand up and get in line. That way, when it's finally your turn to use the restroom you will actually have to go pretty badly.

Unfortunately, I was not a good steward of rule number two. I was 2 biers in, and had to go pretty bad (mind you 2 biers in Germany is like a 2 liter of soda). So that's a lot of beer with no bathroom break. Needless to say, the thought of peeing myself literally went through my head (several times) as I waited in line for literally ONE HOUR before I could use the toilet. Hence, the adjective crowds.

After awhile our friends left, and Justin and I made it inside the actual beer tent, but not before accidentally dropping 2 stein glasses into Justin's backpack. Side note: the bathroom lines are not as long inside. So we enjoyed the warmth and dryness of inside for a bit. Then, we headed back outside to grab some food and try to "experience" Oktoberfest at it's finest. However, it was so wet and still pretty crowded, so this grand idea turned out to be not so grand. 

We ate a bratwurst for dinner. This was the best bratwurst and bread that I have had in Germany! Then we ordered some almonds that were roasted in cinnamon, and let me tell you, nothing compares (so far) to hot, yummy, delicious almonds! And of course, to be traditional, we bought a huge gingerbread cookie necklace that said, "Oktoberfest".

Cookie Necklace

Overall status of our trip? Success. We are considering going back this weekend, not to drink bier, but to experience the culture of the fest more. However, I think we got our fair share of that. I failed to mention the stumbling drunk people, the singing Germans, the puking red head, the random kissing and spanking of strangers, and "passed out hill". Yes, I think we might skip going back this weekend. Prost!