Oktoberfest and then a very sobering day

Although we hadn't planned to be in Germany specifically for Oktoberfest, it was a very nice coincidence. We had a great day (and night there) with Karen and another ex-flatmate Sebastian. Now I never knew this before, but it turns out that Oktoberfest isn't just drinking tents, it's like a giant royal show with rides and other amusements and stalls. What more could you want? Beer plus rides?

We had lunch with Karen and her workmates. It turns out that her department from work goes every year as a social event. So we went too. There was plenty of beer, lederhosen, durndls and oompah to go around. And if you thought this was an even primarily supported by aussies and kiwis, think again - there were a lot of Germans there!

Our beer tent for the afternoon - Paulaner - not so much a tent as a solid building with flagging on the roof!
The oompah goes on

The beer tents from the ferris wheel
We were asked what we'd like for lunch. Upon hearing that chicken was traditional, we agreed to that. This is what we were given. Half a roast chicken. Just like that. With some pretzel if you like
In the evening, we met up with Sebastian and checked out the HB tent. The tent was chockers but we did manage to find a table. And make a few friends and sung a few songs! It was a lot of fun! (And yes, Sebastian is wearing lederhosen - heehee)
And we seemed to make it home safely all in one piece!


The next day, our last day in Germany and last day in Europe, we did something a little different and paid a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp. It was a harrowing experience - I was on the verge of tears quite a few times - but really something worth doing. The camp has been turned into a giant memorial and it is extremely well done, allowing you to take in as much information as you want to and giving you a very clear idea of what things were like there.

The entrance
The parade grounds
The memorial to all who suffered

And so ended our time in Europe. That evening we jumped on a plane bound for Hong Kong and then on to Auckland. A really fabulous trip and a wonderful time catching up with so many lovely friends.

Stay tuned for the next adventure, where ever that may be!