City of Munich

Wednesday 2 – Friday 5 December 2009

Decided to head into the big city of Munich as Heidi had the day off on Wednesday. Stayed at her house that night so we could leave early by train in the morn.

Munich is quite a vibrant city. Didn’t get to see much of it the last time we were there as it was straight to the Oktoberfest grounds to it was nice to explore more of the city. Stayed to watch the infamous clock tower where the Bavarian statues dance around. It was a waste of 5 minutes but you just got to do it cause it’s the touristy thing to do :)

City of Munich

Went to the festival grounds again but this time they had another festival called Tollwood. It’s where other countries get to display, sell and promote their food and products. There were international performances, theatre, photography exhibitions, film screenings and loads of food. Ate quite a bit there think I put on a few kg just at Tollwood.

Tollwood grounds

Tollwood activities

Met up with Heidi’s friend Christian who has been in Malaysia many times. I don’t know y but I found it was so hilarious when I asked him what he did in Malaysia and he replied, well, just lepaking around. Imagine hearing that from a German guy in Munich. It tickled me pink.

He brought us to a Medieval Christmas Market where the shops and people where decorated and dressed as in the medieval period. Felt like we were transported back in time with the Robin Hood clothes. They even had the clothes and weapons on sale.

Medieval Christmas market

Heidi went back the same day so we stayed on for another night at Maria’s apartment. Day was good so we walked into town. Wasn’t that far really when you’re looking around. Planned so many things like going to the museum and this monastery where the monks brew their own beer but we ended up having a lazy stroll around the city and to the English Garten where we just sat on a bench in the sun. Was really nice.

There’s this small part of the river in the garden where people surf ‘stationary’ like. Funny to see people in their full dry suit and a surf board in the middle of the city. Oh, had the most awesome pork knuckles at Augustiner Bierhall too.

Met up with Jerry’s friend Allie and we did the markets and Tollwood again.

Strolling the English Garten

Day 17 : Munich Oktoberfest - a Festival of Beer

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Today we arrive in Munich, home of Oktoberfest!! I didn’t know what to expect about this much awaited festival that is celebrated all over the world (yea even on our shores) so it was extremely exciting to be at the very heart of it all.

Festive goers would usually dress in their traditional best – girls in their gorgeous dresses which pushes up their boobies and guys in their leather pants. They apparently proudly wear their traditional clothes on a daily basis. We went into town to find some get up for us but it was just too expensive for me, even in the second hand shops. Chucky & Paulie spent like 160 Euros on their outfit each.

Don't they look lovely in their outfits?

If you think Oktoberfest is all about hooligans, drunkards and getting wasted, think again. It’s a Festival of Beer, not a beer festival. The festival goes on for 14 days starting at 11am and ending at 11pm each night. Last call is at 10.30pm. No extension what soever. Elderly locals both women and men come to the festival with their kids to partake in the revelry. There are rides, fun fairs, souvenir stalls, food tents, toys, tobacco shop, and of course, the beer halls. No aggresiveness, no fighting. Everyone is there to have good no-nonsense fun. There were about 9 huge beer halls within the grounds, each the size of two futsal courts.

Oktoberfest - Festival of Beer, not a Beer Festival

It’s extremely difficult to find a table, especially since we were in such a big group so we ported outside the Paulaner tent first. Was nice chatting with the locals and it was so easy to make friends there. You will never feel alone.

The atmosphere inside was much nicer as the Omp Pah Pah bands were playing and they break out in their German Prost (cheers) song every 20 minutes or so. It’s customary to look into the eyes of the people you’re 'cheersing' with else it’s 7 years of bad sex and we won’t want that do we?

Scene in the beer hall

5pm was pretty tame but the scene got wilder as the night progressed and the beers kept flowing. Everyone started standing on the benches and dancing to the music. It was simply intense. Electrifying. Rad. Beers are pretty pricey though, 9 euros for a stein (1 litre). I went through 3 which were not that much really but it sure got me happy.

JB got completely wasted and we lost her as we were heading back home. Turned out she got handed over to the police, then the women’s refuge who gave her money to get back to camp. She made it back in the morning with such a tale to tell.

Partying till 11pm