Deutschland (again) – Tag 1

Today we ate breakfast at the Kopfelsbergers and then we drove to Muhldorf train station.  From Muhldorf we took the train to Munich for Oktoberfest (Wies’n) and some of the usual sites.

Upon arrival, we took the S-bahn to Marienplatz to hear the glockenspiel (bell clock) since it was almost noon (on the hour). After the chimes and dances of the glockenspiel, we headed to Hofbrau Haus. It was busy, so we decided to head across the street. However, on our way out we found a table so we decided to stay. We all had a mass (liter) of beer and ordered lunch. It was fun and tasty

After the Hofbrau Haus we walked to Oktoberfest; making the occasional stop for shopping / browsing. Arriving at Oktoberfest, it was not as crazy as I had expected given the warnings I received. It appeared to me to be a larger scale version of Summerfest (in Milwaukee). We walked through one of the beer tents, but we eventually sat at a smaller beer garden to actually be able to order a drink (since most tents were full). We had a beer and various things dipped in chocolate; including a hot pepper which had some kick. We walked most of the grounds and watched the various carnival activities and were then ready to explore the rest of Munich.

We couldn't decide where to go, but eventually headed to the Olympic Park. We went up the needle and checked out the views of Munich from 181 meters above. We could see Oktoberfest lights in the distance. We eventually left the Olympic Park to head mid-way back to Marienplatz to a place where we could walk and find a restaurant for dinner. In the end, we ate at Hofbrau Haus - but not THE Hofbrau Haus where we had lunch. Once stuffed, it was time to take the train back to Muhldorf, drive back to Halsbach, and cross the street to go to bed. It was a good day. I was glad to have Papa Franz, Mama Ingrid, and Franz Jr. as guides to Oktoberfest.