Munich - Oktoberfest

Well - THAT was well timed!
And Truthfully - NOT Intended!!

In fact we didn't give Oktoberfest a thought until the Travel Agent couldn't get "reasonable" accommodation in Munich.

BUT - seeing we are here...

WHY NOT??

Entrance into Oktoberfest is Free

and, with the Venue a comfortable walk from our Hotel, we decided it would be a missed opportunity if we did not experience this part of Bavarian Culture.

We arrived early in the Morning so were able to have a good look around - before the Crowds arrived.  Having researched the "Dos and Don'ts before leaving I grabbed my Camera bag and not much else.

  

A quick check through Security and we were in!

We were - of course, expecting the Beer Halls.

One for each of the main Brewers in the Area

 and (to tease my D-BIL who did not know we were there) 

took 'selfies' outside each and every one!

We even ventured Inside and were a little surprised that the tables were starting to fill...

This Photograph was taken at 10:30 am and by the looks of things - these locals have been here for a while!

That being said, I think we saw only 3 or 4 who had "Over Indulged" 

(and we got the impression that they were Tourists).

Wandering into the Grounds we were delighted with the Carnival.

There were Stomach Churning Whirligigs, Gravity defying drops and Graceful Ferris-wheels.

And Gingerbread

So much Gingerbread!
Hearts of all sizes - it smelt divine.

Families, 

Couples 

Young and Old 

Everyone Dressed for the occasion.

Incredible, Beautiful National Costumes

I felt so totally under-dressed in my Jeans and Jacket

And then 

there were the Children.

*School Groups

Disabled Children in little Carts

big smiles all round.

When we THOUGHT we had seen everything..

We heard the unmistakable sound of Hooves on Pavement.

The Beer Wagons being pulled by teams of Six Identical Grey 

Saxon-Thuringian Draft Horses.

And they were Stunning!

At this point we left Oktoberfest and went to explore more of the City.

So you can imagine my surprise when DH suggested, as we had nothing better to do

"Let's Go back again - and see it at Night!"

What a different atmosphere!

The Clear night Sky was the perfect backdrop.

So with that we now say

Auf Wiedersehen 

Munich

*(note: When out and about I never take or post photographs 

that may identify a child without permission.)