THE Oktoberfest

The gang of expats starting their epic trip to Munich from Frankfurt.

First stop Hofbrauhaus!  Girls rule...

...Boys drool.

The gang outside the one and only Hofbrauhaus in Munich.

As we enter the hallowed grounds of Oktoberfest, we are greeted by Dirndl'd Frauleins.

Our guide for the day, Tobias, was a true Bavarian from Munich.  He claimed his lederhosen was authentic since he got it from his grandfather.  All the rest, he soon pointed out, were fakes.

These so-called "Beer Tents" are enormous wooden barns that take months to erect each year.  Only 7 local Munich breweries are allowed to have a tent.

The Spaten tent cooks up an ox every day of the 2-week long fest.

In just 2 weeks time, 1,183,000 gallons of beer is consumed here!

The famous Lowenbrau lion watches over his tent with a liter mug.

We all took a ride on the famous ferris wheel... BEFORE we started partaking in beer and chicken.

View from atop the ferris wheel.

Fellow Festivarians - Laura, Ed, Tim, Agnes in our 8-seater compartment. 

And Pete, Mary, Sue and Chris on the other side.

Laura shows off her traditional Bavarian Dirndl.

Our destination of course is the famous Hofbrau Oktoberfest Tent.  The wreaths and hanging vines are made of hops.



Our jam-packed table at the Hofbrau tent.  Our fearless leader Tobias in front.



The infamous waitresses who manage to carry up to 12 one-liter mugs at a time.

Our waitress arrives with yet more beer and pretzels.  Toby told us that pretzels get their shape from the way monks prayed - crossing their arms over their heart.

The place was packed - you can see the oompapa band in the left corner.  Mary wanted to get on stage to yodel but was rejected - no dirndl.

Tim bought roses for the women from this lovely flower girl and was admiring her tattoo.

"I think we have the hang of this Oktoberfest thing, Pete"

Mary explains how to drink beer appropriately...

...and then demonstrates this to the entire tent to rousing applause.

Tim found even more fun with this full Frau.

Laura found Waldo at the Pschorr tent outside...

...and Chris found Sue...

The last (and one too many) beers at the Augustiner tent favored by the locals.

From the Marienplatz, we will re-think next year's visit.
Tschus!!