It was the first time leaving home, my Czech home that is. The first weekend of October, and the last weekend of Oktoberfest-where else would I spend it other than in Munich, Germany? My friends and I headed off early Friday morning to join in on Germany’s annual festivities. We took our preferred mode of transportation, a cheap bus, all the way from Prague to Munich, which took a total of five hours. None of us had any idea what to expect other than a good time. At least thats what our other friends in the program told us when they visited Munich the previous weekends.

There we were, beers in hand, smiles as big as the beer mugs and dirndls and lederhosens on. Oh yes, we wanted the full experience, despite how cold it was, so we wore traditional German attire. We had booked this trip a month in advance and for weeks I was adamant on wearing my trusty blue jeans and chuck taylors. I guess you could call it peer pressure, but I caved and ended up getting a dirndl since my friends were teasing me about not living the so-called full experience. I’m glad I didn’t let my stubborn attitude get the best of me. I loved feeling like a Bavarian Wench (the name of my costume according to the shop)! Despite our efforts to fit in with the theme of the festival, as always it was pretty obvious we were American students. Our costumes looked like they were from Party City, no actually more like the 99 cents store compared to the beautifully designed, authentic outfits some were wearing. Nonetheless, that was the least of anyones worries. We looked great and the party was even greater. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but feel butterflies reminiscing on how much fun it was! I kept telling myself over and over again that this wouldn’t be the last time I came to Oktoberfest-it’s just too good to be a one time thing. I’m aware of how dramatic I sound, but you’d say the same if you went! Especially if your best friends abroad, your Aussie mates, and a bunch of random Europeans were there to slam beers and give a cheer. Wait, I mean give a “prost”!

The one thing that wasn’t so fun, however, were the prices. It’s not that the festival was expensive, per se. It’s just when you’re living in Prague and the beer is cheaper than water, you tend to get a little spoiled. I’d say the price of food and beer were New York City prices, but hey there was no entrance fee so you really can’t stay upset. Besides, when you’re enjoying yourself as much as we did, the prices don’t hurt much. The plus side was that the beer mugs were huge, like the size of my head huge. And despite my love of beer, Oktoberfest beer just has that extra delicious malt flavor that would make anyone appreciate it.

Like I said, I refused to believe this would be a one time thing for me, so I woke up bright and early the next day and went right back to the festival. This time without my dirndl, I didn’t think it’d be appropriate to wear on the bus ride back. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention I went again even though I only had a few hours before my bus home? Worth it. And, it’ll be worth it again the next time I go, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the ne…….