Oktoberfest!

To top off all the biking and hill-climbing we'd done over the previous two weeks with our friends visiting from Colorado, not to mention replace all the calories and "re-hydrate" ourselves, it was time to head to Munich for the annual Oktoberfest. Our friend Thomas, also from Colorado but now living in Zurich too, joined us as well.

The festive mood started right away when we arrived at the hotel and were offered Bavarian pretzels, mmmm....
We took the subway right from our hotel to Marienplatz, in the main part of Munich. It was a gorgeous blue-sky day...
Since it was such a clear day, we decided to take in some views from a higher point - at the top of a tower in one of the churches... 350 stairs - up, uP, UP - climb, climb, climb! We're never done with climbing!
After we survived the crowded viewing tower, we headed on to the even more crowded Oktoberfest grounds. I couldn't believe how many people were walking around outside, it was jam-packed...
We checked out a few of the tents just to see what it's all about. Those tents are HUGE, and quite festive, with live music, and some have people dancing on tables (already, and it's only noon!).
We escaped back out into the sunshine - It was such a beautiful day to be outside. Plus it was entertaining to see all the different things people wear to this...

Finally we decided we had been at Oktoberfest way too long without having any beer - That's what it's all about after all, right? So we snagged a table for 6 outside and enjoyed our first round. They sell nothing smaller than a liter (called a Mass), so hope you're thirsty...Prost!!

These liters are tough to hold up with one hand, they're so heavy, especially when full. While we struggled holding up our one, we were even more impressed by the beer-server ladies who carry 3-5 in each hand...As it got dark we ventured on, and happened upon Paula's own beer...

One great thing about Oktoberfest is everyone is so friendly - You can become instant friends with strangers. People will just sit down beside you and start talking and laughing right along with you, like this lady did with us...
And before you know it you're all standing on the tables singing old German folk songs together :)
Next the silly hats came out...
At one point they took a break from the ooom-pah music to play some swing music, so we took advantage of the chance to try a little dancing...

With all that beer around (not to mention glühwein), I still had my trusty "climb climb climb" bike water bottle with me at all times (yes with water in it!)... Cheers!

What a fun day with great friends. And a great way to top off their visit here.
Y'all come back anytime!
Prost!
Becky