Of all the countries we have visited so far, none have come closer than the Germans. Not that I necessarily have a soft spot for them but this morning on the train ride into Munich to visit the city and see Oktoberfest, they were right up against me and I had this 6 and a half foot Germans bum pressed into my back. The 40 minute ride into the city was literally like sardines in a tin, with half of them wearing leather pants. The other half (the female kind) had lovely skirts with the traditional dress and low cut tops and sheep dog bras on. That part was not do bad.

A great experience to see the city full of visitors and Bavarians all dressed up for the show. The Oktoberfest site is like the Royal Easter Show and Dreamworld on steroids plus BEER. Lots and lots if beer halls and the rides, which are only set up for the event are everywhere. Not quite what we expected. We visited late in the afternoon and what we did expect was lots and lots of drunken Germans. Was very much a spectacle.

The city was beautiful with lots of historic buildings including and amazing Rathaus (Town Hall) with a spectacular Glockenspiel, and beautiful English Garten, a park in the centre of the city that is larger than Central Park in NY. One awesome sight was seeing a young man with surfboards on his bike riding through the park. The Eisbach river is channeled under a bridge creating a standing wave is created. We watched 15 - 20 surfers taking turns riding the wave. Brave considering the temperature of the water and we had 2 jackets on because it was so cold.

On the train ride home, I thought that a beer sounded good but was unsure if it was legal, despite seeing everyone drinking on the train at 10am this morning going to Oktoberfest. Saw a rail security officer who responded 'of course you can drink beer'. Every store at the railway station sold 20 varieties of cold beer so 5 minutes and €1.50 later, 1/2 litre of cold German beer was on the train. Oh if course and Robyn as well. These Germans have it sorted.

Tomorrow of to Rothenburg ob see Tober, a medieval town 150 kms up the road. It apparently is spectacularly preserved and is renowned for its Christmas shops. We have accommodation booked within the old city walls so should be a bit of fun.

Bye