Chucktoberfest

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What European holiday would be complete without visiting the biggest beer festival in the world? So we decided to make a day trip to Oktoberfest. Germany had a 4-day long weekend, and it felt like every German was there. Shoulder to shoulder mayhem. What was really cool is that the locals all get into the spirit and wear traditional dress.

Hit the beer halls early at 10am and managed to nab a seat, which was lucky. Great festive atmosphere with people happily downing 1 litre steins, and every so often dancing on the benches and tables to the live band. Lined my stomach with some wursts and even then could only manage 2 steins. No hangover as they don't use any preservatives. Mini didn't drink at all; she was more than happy to take photos.

After 4pm everyone got kicked off the tables by security goons as they were all reserved for the afternoon/night. Nowhere to go except drink in the aisles. That's when it gets really rough and stifling as they have usually shut the doors by then. We were over it by 6pm. Nonetheless an interesting day, but not likely to be repeated unless I'm with a large bunch of beer-guzzling mates.

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Photos

First stein
Me and Ray (Tumut) enjoying our 1st beer at 10am

Crowds
Beer tents for the die-hards and carnival rides for the kiddies

Fraulein
Girls can carry up to 10 steins in 1 go

Pretzels
Huge ones to line the stomach

HB tent
The last tent we were in

Singing buddies
With Ray and Marco (Italian) on the benches