Munich Oktoberfest 2009

Erding

We set off from Cornwall in the late September sunshine.  The journey to Dover was uneventful but it became cloudy as we approached Kent.  Only to be expected after such an awful summer in England.  We arrived at Black horse Farm around 7pm and had an early night ready to catch our ferry the next morning.

We boarded the P + O Ferry Pride of Canterbury early on the 10th September to cross to Calais.  We had a good crossing with a lovely blue sky and clear views of the coast as we entered Calais Harbour.  Using the Sat nav we set of for the Aire at Niepourt in Belguim.  This was where we were meeting up with our fellow travelling companions for our journey .  On the way we stopped at the biggest Hypermarket I have ever seen in Grande Synk - the Auchan -unbelievable.  We finally found Kamping De Zwerver  after several false starts as the co-ordinates were not quite right.  We arrive at 1500 hrs.  As we were the first to cross the others arrived at intervals during the evening but we were all present and correct by the next morning.

On the morning of the 11th September we set of for Rudieshiem - a distance of 300miles.  There were 6 motorhomes making the journey so we separated for the trip arranging to meet up at the destination.  We used the fastest route because of the distance we had to travel  We stopped several times on the way and as we travelled further south the weather became warmer  The latter part of the journey along the Rhine Valley was so picturesque we were lucky to get there at all because we wanted to stop so often.  We all arrived safe and sound and spent the evening relaxing and recovering from the long journey.

The next day we had free from travelling and could relax. We cycled along the river bank in to the town.  A lovely old town on the banks of the Rhine.  We went to the station to find the times of the train as we wanted to see the Rhine in  Flames at Obenvesal.  We then went on the cable car to see the monument.  The car went over the vineyards and the sun was shining across the valley - it was lovely.

When we came down we met up with Simon, Roy and Joan and we had lunch in the Old Jail.  A lovely old Pub/Restaurant that specialises in Prisoner themed meals.  We all bought their small prison caps and used them for the rest of the trip to make money for charity.  If you didn't wear your cap when someone put theirs on then you had to pay a fine.  That evening we caught the train to see Rhine in Flames - it was a very cold evening but well worth the journey.  The villages on both sides of the river put all of their lights out and the display lasted about an hour but the sight of all the decorated boats at anchor in the river as the fireworks lit the whole area to the sound of classical music  was fantastic.  The colours reflected in the river and it gave an ethereal feel to the whole experience.  As we walked back to the station the illuminated boats travelled back along the river beside us and continued the sense of fun.  A lovely day.

Next day, the 13th September we left after a lazy morning wandering around the town we set off for Rothenberg.  Not a long journey but there were a lot of diversions because of road works.  We arrived at the site about 4pm.  Once everyone had settled in we walked up to the town along the castle walls.  It is a beautiful place and the views from the walls are unique.  The Christmas Shop there is not to ne missed - fascinating.  We strolled around the town and walked back along the city walls to the campsite. 

The next day the weather was not so good All around this area the fruit trees are growing wild.  We cycled along a designated cycle track to the next three villages along the Tauber River and collected pounds of plums and apples.  It started to rain hard but we just continued our journey and saw a heron, buzzard and kingfisher for our perseverance.  Another lovely day.

 We left Rothenberg early on the 14th September to travel to Erding in time for the official start of the Oktoberfest Rally 2009.  We were meeting up with a few more of our friends before joining the rally but we finally arrived at Erding just in time to be parked by our German Hosts.

No health and safety rules here - we were close together in rows but at least there was a good distance between the rows and we were supplied with electricity from large generators.  We settled in and put up our flagpoles etc. to show we had come from England.  Simon and Chris Marsh, Fred and Diane Stephen , and John and Angie had organised the trip well and we welcomed the other members of our large group from Spain (ex pats) and other parts of England.  We sat around in groups relaxing and getting to know one another - helped by a flow of beer from the beer tents around the site.

The next day 15th September was a day to relax and get to know the camping area.  We cycled in to Erding and found the station as we wanted to use the train to get to Munich.  There was a choice of using the arranged coaches but we preferred our independence..  On the way back we visited a few of the smaller villages along country tracks - quiet and picturesque - away from the hustle and bustle of the campsite.

Thursday 16th September - several of the group went on a coach trip organised by the hosts.  We decided to get the train in to Munich and do some sightseeing.  The train service was excellent and it cost 18 euro's return (this could be used for up to five people) it could also be used on the trams and underground train.   We picked up various leaflets and decided to go first to the BMW Museum (who had first choice) which was very modern and interesting even for a women.  We also visited the showroom and had lunch there - during which we were entertained by a motor cyclhave been  the grounds of an English Country House.  Then on to the Old Town to get an all-round feel of the city.  We arrived back at Erding just in time to go on a visit to the Erdinger brewery..  The others had visited a Rustic Farm  Museum  which they had enjoyed also.

The Brewery visit was excellent - we hadf a tour of the Brewery and then had several hours in the brewery bar eating pretzels and sausage washed down by their wonderful beer.  The walk back to the campsite was much quicker than the walk there. That evening we spent a sociable time with our hosts entertained by a live band in the Beer Tent on the site.  Perfect.

Friday 17th September We got the early train with our friends Roy and Joan  to do some more sight seeing.  We went to the Olympic Stadium built for the 1972 Olympics.  Very impressive considering it was built over 30 years ago - very modern for its day. Then back to Old Town to the market.  It was just so fascinating to see.  Fruit, herbs, spices and other food just so beautifully arranged on the market stalls - the smells were so sensuous.  Our time here was cut short as we had to get back to Erding for the start of the Parade of Nations - the opening ceremony for the Erding Oktoberfest Rally.

This was to be a highlight that we had prepared for for months.  Everyone dressed as Jesters or clowns - the Spanish Contingent were wearing Spanish Dress.  The parade set off from the gate of the campsite and went around the site back to the Beer Tent. We were welcomed in  to the tent by a jolly Umpa Band.  It was really colourful and once everyone was in the tent the atmosphere was electric. The hosts announced the Rally open and a beautiful singer sang all of the National Anthems. As each song was sung the countries flag was placed on the edge of the dance floor.

We then enjoyed music, drinking, dancing and lots of mingling with people from other groups.  We swapped banners, badges, pennants, jester teasers etc.  When we left that night we were exhausted but happy after a long but very enjoyable day.

Saturday 18th September saw us up early again to get the train to Munich with Roy and Joan.  Everyone went in by train to watch the opening of the Oktoberfest by the Brewers men.  We caught the underground train to Theresianwiese where there was the largest fairground I have ever seen.  This led to the beer houses from the different breweries.  They were full even at that time on the morning.  We walked along the parade  route soaking up the atmosphere.  The local people were dressing in National Costume and looked so smart.;  We found a suitable place to sit and did some people watching as the crowds began to gather.  The parade reached us about 11.30 and it was so traditional with all the |Brewers Wagons led by children or adult bands and something depicting the history of that particular beer.  It was so colourful and they kept coming for ages.  At 12 o'clock fireworks were set off declaring the fest open.  There were just so many people and everywhere was full so we decided to walk towards the fair and then go to Nymphenburg Palace. Walking back through the fairground Roy and Joan went in to the Wall of death then Roy and I went on the Sky Swing - higher than the church spire.

The palace was impressive and the grounds were beautiful..  We caught a tram back to the station - good fun as we could see some of the impressive buildings. We arrived back at Erding tired but happy.

Sunday 19th September. And off again to Munich to the big parade which today will include everyone from outlying villages.  Everyone else is going in by coach so a quiet journey on the train.  We had a good view of the Parade which lasted for 3 hours.  We then met up with the others for lunch and actually got to visit the Hoffbrau Beer Cellar to give us a real insight to what it felt like - it was great - and it was the oldest in Munich.

Back at the campsite it was time to prepare for the Farewell Night.  All of the Groups were given cups depending on the attendance.  We had 45 because the Yorkshire group booked separately.  The French had the largest contingent with 164 vans.  Everyone made the most of a fun evening and saying there goodbyes.  We sang Auld Lang Syne in all of the languages - very poignant.

We set off early on the 21st September to travel to Venice - while the others started to head for home and going to Bamburg.

Heading towards Salzburg the scenery changed and  we could see the mountains.  It was a long journey but  very lovely even though it was motorway nearly all the way.  So many tunnels through the mountains we felt like moles.  Even high on the mountains it was 24C - more than in England nearly all summer.  It climbed to 29C as we reached Venice.  The campsite which was recommended by a couple we met in Rudesiem was lovely    and a very pleasant surprise after a 400 mile journey./  Birds singing and a lovely sandy beach.  Perfect for sundowners.

Tuesday 22nd September we awoke to a beautiful hot sunny day and cycled to Ponto Sabioni to get the Velbereto to Venice.  We got off at St Marks and decided to walk along the streets hopping on and of the boat to visit the different sights. We went around the islands, down the Grand canal and then walked through St marks square to the Doges palace and the Cathedral.  A romantic but exhausting day.  We were ready to get the boat back to the campsite and watch the sunset with our sundowners.

September 23rd we set off to catch up with the others at Yeper.  They are staying at Koblenz tonight.,  It was a long journey - we drove towards Innsbruck then Fussan joining the A7 to Ulm and Stuttgart.  The scenery in the Brenner Pass was stunning and Austria was so pretty.  We travelled 595 miles that day and spent the night in a services near the Moselle.

Thursday 24th September we set off to Aachen and met up with the others there. After a long walk to town we settled down to relax for the evening.

Friday 25th September We all set off for Ypres.  We decided to go the long way around via Mons to see the battlefields.  I wanted to go to Loos en Gohelle - an apt name - to visit the  memorial to see my granddads name - it was the 94th Anniversary of his death.  Roy and Joan came with us.  We found the memorial after a lot of searching - it was good to stand there on the anniversary of his death.

We arrived in Ypes just in time to walk with the others to the Menin gate to watch the Fire fighters do the Last Post.  The young and old show the respect it deserves.

A poignant finish to a lovely holiday.

Saturday 26th September.  Set off  to catch the ferry at Dunquerke.  We stopped at Ostende for a few hours and walked around the harbour.  The ferry journey was pleasant and we arrived at Black Horse farm  for the night.