We made it to München for the most famous of Beer parties, Octoberfest. However, I found out that the locals call it "the Wiesen." I had read enough to know what to expect when we got there, but it was a surprise for my wife. Octoberfest basically was like your big state fair in the US, but instead of tents full of 4H displays, local farm animals, quilts, and pound cakes they have giant tents full of drunks. Smoking, dancing on tables, listening to bad German bands, singing "Ein Pro-sit" every ten minutes, wearing Laderhosen and Dirndls. Or maybe it is like your state fair? I have only been to a few in the US.
We managed to walk around in the Hofbräuhaus tent before they started controlling access (around 11 AM). The inside was loud, smoky, very full, and really did not have room for the stroller so we sat outside for a few rounds. The kids were good for a while, but we eventually had to take them on some rides. Around 4 PM the crush of people was just too much, so we had to vacate. The kids got to see the traditional horse drawn beer wagons with festive dress, so that was fun. They also got to see a few people passed out in the gutter.
We did it and we never have to do it again. Just like New Years in Times Square and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
One part made me proud. As we entered the Hofbräuhaus tent, a rowdy group was chanting U S A! U S A! The US was well represented by drunks at the Octoberfest. It seemed like every other person was American.
Hofbräuhaus Original- Decent beer, still like wheat better.
Ayinger Altbairish Dunkel- Not a wheat, first darkish beer I have seen here. Not bad, but not my favorite either.
