1 das bierzelt, 2 das bierzelt, 3 das bierzelt ... My Oktoberfest Experience

It was a chill September day and our last full day on our 7 day adventure from Amsterdam to Munich. We decided to check out the Oktoberfest. Local guides urge you to arrive early as in the past many Brewery tents fill up by early afternoon so we headed out around 10 am. Each "das bierzelt", building according to my father, is headed by one of Germany's own breweries. My perspective before going was that all the action took place inside as you gargled back the contents in your oversized mug.

Outside the das bierzelt, there were gardens lining NYC avenue wide walkways along with a fair - full of rides for families to enjoy. Ones that will spin your full bellies over or drop you from 100 feet in the air. Not only could I hear the excitement in the hoots, howlers and songs coming from the crowds but saw the genuine enthusiam in the lederhose & drindl outfits.  It was a true cultural event where you saw the reverence of community in German heritage.

Germans are pretty progressive when it comes to sustainable policy in politics and the environment so I shouldn't be surprised that they would be in their cuisine. The tents had a slew of offerings outside the traditional brats and sauerkraut. We enjoyed a beet salad and spinach, pretzel & cheese dumplings that softened and melted on my tongue.

  

But as delicious as the food was, equally was the "bier". First stop was Spaten tent where the atmosphere was sober and friendly as it was still early and most were enjoying their first steins of the day. Pay as you go system so you're free to wander about as you play. The first lesson of the day as you sit down at a XL picnic table is to scoot in towards your new neighbor- another display of Germans efficiency with space.

We enjoyed the beauty inside with curtains hanging but we were itch'in to see more so we left to explore. We walked over to the HB "Hofbräu" tent where the more party crowd reside. Mostly standing tent, even on the tables to show your chugging skills off. First you were cheered if you finish a stein under 10 seconds but past that you would begin to hear the boo's. I didn't dare to jump up on the wood surface.

3 steins in, I could feel the alcohol starting to affect my body as a wave of light headness hit. Needed some fresh air quick, so we exited. German's efficiency was again spotted in the clean spacious bathrooms where no line for waiting was formed. 

We entered our last tent "Paulaner Brewery", we found a couple open spots at a table filled with non-Germans. After many selfies, songs sang and our last rounds of "prost", I was ready for a warm bed.

The 184th Oktoberfest was one of the most organized and entertaining cultural events I have ever experienced. If I could go again, I would dress up in a Drindl. My pops says if he can do it again one day he would, "allow more time to prepare and more time to recover. Stay in Munich longer."