The date of our trip to Munich was set to allow us to go to Heimi’s (Lena’s aunt’s) birthday party; it was just a fortunate coincidence that Octoberfest began the same weekend. We joined Lena’s family in celebrating this traditional autumn festival.
Those in our group who could, dressed appropriately
but Leslie Ruth had no dirndle, and Karl lacked leather pants; there was no room in our packs for these items, even if we owned them. (Maybe next time?) On Sunday morning, we all set off to do Octoberfest, the famous Munich fall festival.
The crowds were huge. Many, but by no means all, dressed in traditional Bavarian garb. At Marienplatz, people streamed off the subway to watch the parade.And what a parade it was! Dozens of contingents, perhaps over a hundred, marched, including hunting clubs
beer companies
a sort of May Pole
and dozens (surely over 50) mostly brass bands
each with a large drum section.There we’ve grown men playing patty cake or something
and groups representing many other countries.
It went on for hours.
After the parade we headed to Theresienwiese, the famous park
where the serious part of Octoberfest (drinking beer) is centered. Ignoring the amazing rides of every sort
we got right down to business and chose an enormous beer garden which was in a tent.
Those Germans really know how to drink beer and eat pretzels!
The beer came in very large one liter mugs which the women who served us could carry ten at a time, five in each fist!
Being an amateur, Karl felt a bit like he was in over his head, but he did his best.It was a wonderful afternoon. Karl and Leslie returned to the hotel intending to recuperate. When the rest of the family proposed going out to party some more, Karl and Leslie admitted they could not keep up and retired to their room for some badly needed rest.
ITALY, GERMANY, AND MORE! 