I am currently listening to NPR. We decided to go to bed at our regular time, and wake up early at 6 – midnight Washington DC time. My computer took forever to upload – but we got our fabulous information from our friend Amber. I did Skype my dad to find out that he did win!!!! I think I will keep listening to NPR until I’m tired of the news and then be good until we go home. In fact, I found that I was going nuts with all of the stimulus last night when we were listening. I like not having the TV.

Jocelyn had a cool story yesterday. Her math teacher was out, so she had a substitute teacher. The teacher asked why her desk was so close to Belin’s desk. Jocelyn explained that Belin helps her with Spanish translation. The teacher asked Jocelyn where she was from and Joc said, “The United States.” The teacher then asked what state, and Joc said, “Arizona.” The teacher said, “Isn’t the world small, I’m from Glendale Arizona!!!!!!” The teacher goes home to Az every summer to see her family.

Friday October 3rd

So we took the long walk through the city to go to the train station to go to Oktoberfest. Our first subway stop I saw a young man passed out with his hands down his lederhosen. The next interesting image was a young man who looked like he “wet” his lederhosen – the expensive leather pants!!! Rather shocking!!!

We were arriving at Oktoberfest at about 10 – this is the time Spain starts. Well, most of the people were starting to head home and there was a mass sea of people that were leaving. They had started to close entry into the tents – but they were still serving on the gardens. So I sat down with everyone and had my first official Oktober beer. It was raining and it was crazy to sit there in the rain and drink cold beer. Of course I couldn’t finish it – but I had helpers.

Saturday, October 4th

This morning, Mark left for Arizona, after a week of drinking. The crazy part was that he didn’t get home to AZ until Sunday evening Spanish time. He got stuck for six hours in PA, and then a few hours in AZ to get his baggage – crazy.

The rest of us got up and ventured to the train station. Did I mention that it was cold? How about that it was snowing as we waited at the train station!!! The first thing on our agenda was to go see the Glokenspiel clock. This is the center of old Munich. This clock is the town hall building. The clock chimes and the life size statues dance for about 15 minutes. It was pretty cool. While we were waiting, we were entertained by a PETA (people for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) demonstration. I did notice that there were a bunch of people wearing fur coats in Germany. I would attribute it to the German economy is the number 2 economy in Europe, and it is colder than anything in the Bavarian Alps!!!!

We then headed to Oktoberfest. The reason for going so early is because at 12, the horse drawn wagons bring all of the kegs of beer into the festival everyday – except when there is unfavorable weather. Guess what our weather was like and what I missed out on? I did get to walk all of the Oktoberfest grounds. It is a giant fairground with all of these tent buildings – which seemed permanent to me. There were rides, venders with wonderful food, trinket venders etc.

We found a spot to sit at the Lowenbrau tent. They had already closed the tents due to maximum occupancy at 12. So we sat out and drank cold beer in the pouring rain – I’m sure I had watered down beer – not on purpose. The rain was flooding off our umbrella and it was crazy. We sat and visited with a couple from Italy. He understood Spanish and she understood English, so my Spanglish worked great!!! Entertainment at least.

After buying souveniers and eating some good food, we headed to the Spaten tent. By now the weather gods had decided to take a nap and let it stop raining for a while. This tent was ALIVE!!! We sat with another group of Italian business men. Again, the Spanglish worked well. They had fun, because we were having fun. Our waitress was a hoot. At one point I asked her for “una mas cervesa por favor” and she looked at Brent and said in English, “Why is she speaking in Spanish?” So of course I answered her with, “Because these guys speak Italian.” I wasn’t drunk either – just mentally challenged!!! (I am still laughing at that one) We also met some crazy girls in glittering tights from Barbados and Miami. I did get my picture taken with the local drunk boys and their green hats. One picture I had to erase from my camera – being inappropriate. I felt so naïve!!!

After this we went to the Paulaner house for food. The group knew how to weave through the huge tent/restaurant and find a table. We were seated picnic style with three locals who were about our parents’ ages. It was a sister, brother, and his wife. They spoke English and we really enjoyed visiting with them. The best part was asking them about the food. I just pointed to one of the lady’s plates when ordering. It was goulash and the most amazing dish ever. Now, I think I finished this beer – it was only a half liter!!!

We had done Oktoberfest. We went home rested and then ate at a Greek restaurant. We had an early night, because we had an early flight home. I was bummed that I couldn’t spend more time in Germany. I will say, put Oktoberfest on your list of things to do. It was awesome – and I don’t drink that much!!!! Keep in mind that Oktoberfest is for three weeks long and ends the first weekend in October. It originally started as a wedding ceremony celebration, but with it being so cold and in order to capitalize on all of us foreigners going, they moved it to mostly September. When you go, go during the week – you will get into the tents.