OKTOBERFEST – München, Deutschland

I experienced a once-in-a-lifetime party of all parties this weekend in southern Germany, at the 180th Bavarian Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich.  Impressively, it is estimated that six million enthusiastic beer fans will “worship the suds,” celebrating with the grandest steins known to mankind.  My stein could have comfortably accommodated my entire head inside of it, just to give you an indication of “grand.”

Oktoberfest started on September 21st, and runs until October 6th.  In addition to the brew festivities and opening ceremony that took place in the Hofbraezelt beer tent, there were also delicious authentic German food choices, trinket vendors, and carnival rides.  I enjoyed tasting some yummy traditions such as bratwurst with sauerkraut, soft pretzels with butter, Schneider’s chocolate covered strawberries, apple strudel and the famous German gingerbread heart (although, I am not sure we were supposed to eat these gingerbread souvenirs).  My friends and I, of course, dressed in traditional dirndl costume along with just about everyone else to celebrate this spectacular event.  When at Oktoberfest….you just go for it!…