When we arrived we checked into our first Hostel and unloaded our backpacks. A hostel over here is sorta like an American B&B the difference being they have dorm rooms where you could end up bunking with strangers if you don't pay for all the beds in a room. We payed for a six bedroom dorm room and were happy to see that all the rooms have in suite bathrooms. (Alot of them have public showers and bathrooms) You cant beat the cost seeing how they charge by the person. This one was around 9 Euro a person so we all stayed in the room for under 80 Euro. We were right in the heart of Munich walking distance from the train station, Oktoberfest grounds, and downtown Munich where the fest was going on. The room was clean and we had a great view. We were probably the oldest people there since alot of hostels are frequented by college kids traveling light and cheap and partying. We would definitely stay there again if we go back.
We set out on foot to the fest and soon the booths started appearing on all sides of the streets. The smells were wonderful and the first order of business was mulled wine that is traditionally served at all the Christmas fests. Sorta tastes like Mad Dog 20/20 hot. We bought some roasted nuts and worked our way into the crowd. The building above is in the town square. It is the famous Glockenspiel the largest Cuckoo Clock. We just missed it going off and vowed next trip to time it better. Pretty much all the booths are selling Christmas decor and traditional German treats. We wandered the streets checking out all the goods and munching on macaroons, nuts, and German chocolate treats. The one inside picture is of St. Michaels church build in 1583 it was breathtaking!!!
One of the places I really wanted to go is the Habrahouse (spelling?) It is a HUGE beer hall where you just find a place at one of the long wood tables and sit with anyone already there and have a beer. They have a polka band and traditionally dressed women and men with huge hand fulls of these giant mugs of beer that they bring to you. I tried to get a picture of them carrying like 12 of these things at a time but we couldn't get a good shot. (Next time!) We decided to eat dinner there and have a beer while the kids munched out and had some sodas. I would love to go back when we can sit longer and just absorb the atmosphere but it is not a place to stay long with the kids and theywere getting tired by then.
Across the street from where we ate the Hard Rock Cafe Munich was located. Will really wanted to go in there and check out the guitars and memorabilia. Above is a picture of his favorite guitar a les paul, signed by the members of the band Guns N Roses.
We headed back to the hostel and tiredly fell into our bunks ready to sleep before our trip home the next day.
Munich is a city that we will definitely revisit when it isn't so crowded. There are so many cool places and museums that we are keeping it on our list of places we want to see and try to stay longer next time. Maybe when my bro comes over with my mom we can go and have a beer and pretzel at the beer hall and see them together.
Enjoy the pics and thanks for checking in!
Love you All
Jenny
