Oktoberfest - Day 1

Oktoberfest was the catalyst for this whole backpacking idea for me. I knew I wanted to go to Oktoberfest, and truthfully it was the only mandatory event for me on this trip. Everything else was secondary to Oktoberfest. 

The intent wasn't just to drink a lot of beer (which we did), but to experience the culture of Oktoberfest. We deliberately avoided the Hofrbrauhaus tent because we had heard its touristy. We instead decided to go to the Hacker tent where everything is in German and its tradition is strong. We basically put all of our eggs into this basket (tent) and didn't have an alternative plan. We got up at 6AM and got in line at the tent by 7AM. We were the first ones in line and everything looked like it was going to workout. While in line, we met some friendly Munich locals. This is Jürgen and us in the front of the line. He's a local police officer and he's been going to Oktoberfest for the past 30 years. 

Jürgen recognized one of the security guards and was allowed to go in ahead of the crowds. Little did we know at the time that this event would be crucial to our Oktoberfest experience. 

Even though we were in the front of the line, people with reservations and folks that had been sitting right outside the tent we're allowed in before us. We knew that reservations would be let in ahead of us but we hadn't anticipated the table area being let in before us. Things were looking dire as hundreds of folks were allowed in ahead of us. All this careful planning was looking like it would be for nothing. 

Finally they started letting us in and the tables were looking full. It's important to note that you cannot be served beer if you are not sitting at a table. Your tent experience is hinged completely on having a seat. If you're standing, you do not get served. 

Here, Josh had slipped through the line and was headed in and caught this snap looking back at the line. 

So Josh got in first and tried to scope out  a table. And he realized we were screwed. All the tables were already filled up. Fuck. All this planning was for nothing. 

Padams, Roxy, Lauren and I got in about 3 minutes after Josh and when he relayed the terrible news, Jürgen, who happened to be seated at a table where we were standing, signaled us to come over. He had saved a portion of a bench for us. Holy crap. The Oktoberfest gods have shown great mercy and now we would be able to drink the sweet nectar of all that is the greatness. No, the gods didn't save us, but Jürgen literally made our Oktoberfest experience happen. The thousands of miles of travel had paid off because we met an awesome local. This guy knew how difficult it would be for us and went out of his way to save us seats. Thank you, Jürgen. 

OK, now some pictures. 

The crew in our garb standing in the middle of the grounds. 

Before the opening ceremonies.

Seated behind Jürgen and his friends. 

Finally got a Hacker!

Prost!

Had to selfie with Jürgen. 

The crew with some Germans. 

This tent was insane. Folks are standing on table tops here. 

Outside the tent. The progression of inebriation. 

I also have some great videos that I'll have to upload later. I have videos of the opening ceremony, the parade, the chants, etc. It was incredible. The Hacker tent was amazing. I'm so glad it happened.