Have You Ever Been to the
REAL Oktoberfest?
The one that is held in September? The one that started it all? The one that welcomes in MILLIONS of tourists each year? NO? Take my advice, if you ever get the chance, GO FOR IT!
Let me tell you first thing, I am NOT a fan of crowds. I don't like the chaos, I get edgy, I get CRANKY! That said - Oktoberfest is still worth it, at least once! (This was our third year in a row!) I was hesitant this year, with my husband gone, and the two kids in tow - and yet at the end of the day, it was not a big deal at all! We go really really early (like when it opens at 9am) and leave really early, before everyone is completely hammered. We take the train up, so we don't have to worry about the car, and then just walk from the HaupBahnhof into the festplatz. This year, we even did it sans stroller, and managed to meet up with some friends at one of the tents!
As you can see, we were not the only ones with kids present - and have always taken ours with us. Yes, my little dude had his first sip of Bier at Oktoberfest. Pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!
YES, there are crowds. YES it is loud. YES there is LOTS of drinking. Amazingly enough to this crazy American, though, it never gets too out of control. There is always a very visible security / Polizei presence, and people really for the most part are out to simply have a good time with their friends and family!
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| There are all kinds of tents. Chicken Tents, Ox Tents, Fish Tents, you name it, and they have something to go with it. |
It is hard to explain Oktoberfest - we really do not have anything similar in America. Take the biggest State Fair you can think of - remove the Agriculture, make it all rides and food, squish it into about a 10 block area, and then add bier. LOTS of BIER!
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| They even have giant metal chickens on the side of the buildings! |
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| And let us not forget the traditional Bier Garten. Can't ask for much more than that! |
I am very serious when I say that it is worth it! I had always heard vague references to Oktoberfest, and quite honestly never had that much of a crazy desire to go. I wouldn't look back though. Bought my dirndl, braided my hair, grabbed the kids, and had definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Thank you to everyone who went out with us, and partook in the craziness, especially my amazing good sport of a cousin, Lynda.
..... I don't think my sweet cousin from Scotland will ever be the same again!
**I know it's now December, and I bet you are wondering why I am posting pictures and stories from October - the simple reason is, that I had not done it before, and it is a trip SO worth taking - for the whole family, or part of the family, or even just for the grown ups! **
At the top of the castle, next to the The Honours, and the Royal Apartments is the National War Monument. This is dedicated to all the veterans, and has the names of all those who died in WWI. My Great Grandfather's brother's name is there. It is a beautiful, somber place, and afforded some great reflection time.
After a few quiet moments, we moved onto the Scottish Honours, and were able to see the crown jewels of Scotland, rumored to be formed from the original circlet of gold worn by Robert the Bruce, and through the generations to Mary Queen of Scots and beyond. You are allowed to take pictures in there, however there is so much reflective surface that it was fairly worthless to try - so, i will leave you with pictures of the building that not only houses the honors, but the Royal apartments as well, which were sometimes home to Mary Queen of Scots, and the birthplace of James VI and I of England.
