Alana Seaborg: How we spend our rainy days

Since this was the first week we didn't have any classes on Friday, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and....sleep in. I got up when Jen called me to inform me that Lydia, one of the German tutors, had her car in Regensburg for the day, and wanted to know if a small group of us would like to drive somewhere. After showering and getting some much-needed laundry done, we called her back and Jen, Jaime, Claire and I hopped in the car and headed out into the unknown wilderness around Regensburg. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to ride in a car!

After a 20 minute ride, we found ourselves on a hilltop by the Donau river at the monument Walhalla, created by Ludwig II (we think) and filled with busts of famous Germans. Jaime was the only one who paid the 2.50 euro to get in; the rest of us were far more interested in the beautiful panoramic view.
It was a cloudy day, and had been raining on the drive over, but finally stopped just before we arrived, so the land was clean and wet. The sun was trying to come out and the bit that did make it through made the river water sparkle. The wind was fresh and not quite cold, so it felt good on ours faces as we took in the view. Lydia told us we would have to come back in a month or so when all the leaves on the trees had changed colors...what an amazing picture that will be! In the meantime, we explored around the outside of the actual building and took plenty of pictures.



When it was time to leave, we took a last, longing look and headed back toward the car. A good time was had by all, and we look forward to going back again.

Saturday morning we got up early and caught the 8:45 train to Munich for the first day of Oktoberfest. We timed our arrival perfectly (unintentionally, of course) and stumbled across the parade street just as the parade was getting ready to start. The idea was to follow the parade to the fair grounds for the big party, and in case we missed the thousands of people cramming the streets or the bands and floats marching past, a huge billboard with circled start and end point, labeled "You are here. Go there." pointed out the way we should go.






We excitedly listened to the music as the bands marched down the street and strained to see over the crowd. Of course, all the bands were dressed in traditional German garb, and in the colors of their respective Bundesländer (state) (I know, I will probably mess up some of these titles, so someone correct me if I say something wrong).
the first drumline

Halfway through the parade, it began to drizzle slightly, and as umbrellas went up, I had to vacate my vantage point from the front step of a store in order to squeeze in between people to see the parade. Our group snuggled closer and closer as the parade drew to a close because we were shivering from the cold. Jen and Claire decided that they wouldn't wear their newly purchased dirndles (German traditional dresses) because they would likely freeze to death. Regardless, we watched to the end of the parade before rushing off to get something warm to drink.

Of course, several floats bearing German brand name beers made their appearance, and the floats were filled with singing, drinking individuals. We twice heard "Hey, baby! I wanna know if you'll be my girl!" belted out from a German float, which we found amusing.

brand names make their appearance

When the parade was over we went to a cafe to get some heise schokolade (hot chocolate, which they were out of, unfortunately), then followed what remained of the crowd to the fair grounds and wandered through the rides, beer tents, and other attractions.
merry-go-bar
We decided we should go get a beer at one of the beer tents, but without a reservation, we had to wait until the right number of people had left the tent. An hour passed, during which time some of the groups waiting in line behind us had been able to get inside. Determining that the guard at our door had a vendetta against Americans, and nearly freezing our toes off by this time, we took our leave and headed back to the subway station to head home. Note to everyone: make a reservation at a beer tent before going to the 'Fest, take an umbrella, and go on a weekday.

Regardless, it was a fun trip, and we look forward to going again when it isn't raining.
More later (on to Prague, Paris, and the rest of the world).