Oktoberfest 2008

Today we ventured out to Oktoberfest. Me, Andy, and Lili were first-timers.

















To sum it up, Oktoberfest is an annual event celebrating Munchner culture and of course to drink lots and lots of beer. We saw loads of people (tourists and locals) dressed up in traditional garb. The fair grounds including the buildings (a.k.a. tents) are built from ground up every year starting in about August for this 2 week event. Each of the local breweries have their own dedicated 'tent', which are lined with tables and equipped with a live band. There are rides, games, and souvenir and food vendors on site...kinda like Playland.

(The Paulaner Tent)

We arrived at about 1:00 p.m. and there were loads of people for a Monday afternoon. The tents were already full and there was no way we would get a seat inside. Apparently people go at 9:00 a.m. right when the doors open to secure a spot. Otherwise, people can try to reserve a table a year in advance. Generally, once seated inside people don't leave until the evening.

(Example of a tent)

We spent the afternoon checking out the different tents and walking around gawking at drunk people. Apparently different tents house different crowds, for example HB is known for the rowdy English and Aussie crowd. The family eventually settled down for beer and chicken at a beer garden.

Here's Andy with his first and last beer. He downed 1 litre of 6.5% (higher alcohol content at Oktoberfest) beer in about 1 hour. He quickly turned bright red and went a bit loco after that! That's my boy!

Here's the after picture! Anyway, we didn't get the true Oktoberfest experience this time, but I think we need to do a group Oktoberfest trip! Who's in?

Andy and I are flying to Greece tomorrow afternoon. I doubt we'll have internet so no updates! See everyone in less than 2 weeks!