The 4 of us left Bochum early to make our way to Munchen knowing the others would soon trail behind by driving themselves the following day.
11 hours on a crowded overnight bus (with team chatterbox behind us) made the 12th hour of transit seem refreshing and oddly easy. Once we made it to the main station in Munich, we took a small train called the SBahn to the nearest stop of our new home. From there, we made the final stretch into a suburban neighborhood. I’m sure due to lack of sleep, the long walk was mostly silent. However, total exhaustion fuled random bursts of spontaneous giggles. You know the feeling!
So imagine this, 3 Americans, 3 Germans and me looking for a place to share. Considering the popularity of Oktoberfest, most accomodations are booked solid months ahead of time and if they’re not, the price is beyond unreasonable. With 7 of us wanting to stay together, our other option was sharing a dorm room in a hostel which comes with a dozen strangers and a complementary shared public bathroom.
Been there, did that… so we found something else!
Our perfect location was a treasure rental that is owned and operated by an extremely accommodating host. With his gentle energy Jorj was there to meet, greet and help with whatever he could during our stay. I didn’t get a photo of him, so please check out his page by clicking here.
Just outside of the city, we (voluntarily) packed into a quaint 2 bedroom, one bath apartment. Down stairs provided an open kitchen, the bathroom with washer and a dining table big enough for all of us to gather around.
A couple of cute decorations added a bit of character to our little home away from home.
The bed I chose was down stairs tucked in a cubby that actaully provided some of the best sleep I’ve gotten on this entire trip! (Thank you amazing-o-friends for letting me have “first dibs”)
The rest of the crew had their pick from 6 spots upstairs. By stairs, I mean a completely vertical walking ramp with hand rails and a warning from the owner. These things are dangerous with too many proasts at the festival!
We’ve all made it!
It’s early to bed since the morning brings a 4:30 alarm clock. If you recall in recent years, the chances of getting in a tent if you’re not there by sunrise becomes slim and hardly likely. For entertainment purposes, please read Inside the tents! to see what the traditional morning race entails! Here’s a clip from the crowd of eager attendees in years past.
The 4 of us who have been before spent days preparing the others for the exciting bright rise and struggle to the gates. With success, we were all able to get up, dressed and ready (rememebr 5 girls, 2 boys and one bathroom) in time to beat the sun in the German sky. Awful photos, but you get the idea.
On time and in transit!
Finally arriving to the festival grounds, we continued to amp up our group in regards to the battle that’s ahead. The crowds… the elbows.. the sea of dirndls and lederhosen… are you ready!?
WHAT?! Are you ready for an empty lot with a couple cleaning crew members and a few other confused people? I don’t even think I knew what this wooden floor looked like from years past! We finally came to the conclusion that it was our first attempt during the week verses a Saturday morning. Turns out it’s easier when a portion of the city has to go to work. 
Well, we did what we do best… which is to make the best of it! A few fun pictures, some hair play and 3 hours of meeting new friends as we watched the crowd slowly expand.
What’s behind that door? Our entire day of festivites patiently awaiting our arrival!
Doors open! To be continued…
Would you rather be 3 hours early or 30 minute late?
Her Happy Trails 