Friday was another rainy day in Munich. The whole gang went out to Andechs for dinner. The early gang: Annie, Matthias, Aileen and me.

The Frauenkirche (“Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady”) is the largest church in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Located in the city center at Frauenplatz 1, the Catholic cathedral is a major landmark and a popular tourist attraction.

Today, the cathedral and the New Town Hall dominate the city center, and its towers can be seen from all directions. It will remain so since the city of Munich passed a provision prohibiting the building of any structure over 100 meters (328 feet). The south tower can be ascended and offers a panoramic view of the city and the Alps.

Wednesday had our crowd back at Ochsenbraterei Tent. We met some more nice German girls. Once the girls know we’re American they are inclined to tell us what States they have visited back home. This has been a regular occurrence. The German’s have been great everywhere. Oktoberfest was short lived tonight. Eric and I were to meet Aileen at Allianz Arena for the Bayern match.

We were headed for the U-Bahn and we on our way to Allianz. Allianz Arena is home of world class football club Bayern Munich. This was a normal league game but the opponent Energie Cottbus was not up for it. After a scoreless half, Bayern scored five goals and cruised to victory. Miroslav Klose scored 3 goals. Bayern: Fünf, Cottbus: Null. Bayern are now 3 points clear of Leverkusen for top spot on the Bundesliga.

Tuesday was a rainy lazy day. We walked the city, did some shopping and got a bit wet. We wandered in the Munich Hard Rock Cafe. It was like being back home, only the beer was better.

Today we are back at the Ochsenbraterei Tent. We’ll have enough time for a few litres of beer and then off to Allianz Arena. Tonight we get to see Bayern Munich host Energie Cottbus. It will be cold and rainy at the stadium, but no worries. This will be one of the highlights of the trip.

Monday night we found ourselves back at “The Fest.” For a Monday these people can really party. Amazing energy in the Spaten tent. It is quite something to hear 10,000 Germans sing “County Roads.” My West Virginia family would be so proud. I thought I was in Morgantown for a moment. We met some nice people from Arizona, Poland and Italy. People really come from all over to drink and celebrate with the Germans.

We had another late night navigating the U-Bahn and dealing with drunken A-Holes from Chicago. Tuesday brings some rain and a day to relax/recover. Tomorrow we are back at The Fest for half the evening and have tickets for Bayern Munich at The Allianz later in the night.

I am no longer an Oktoberfest virgin. My first Oktoberfest was Sunday and it was fabulous. We had passes for the Spaten Tent. Our group was two tables strong, maybe 20 in total. The beer was great, one litre at a time. But the women! Oh my god the women. The women wearing their Dirndls and drinking like the boys. It’s all about the boobs & the beer. Easily the greatest party ever.

I don’t remember is the answer to the header. Dinner was a blast last night. Annie arranged for the whole gang of us to head into Munich for dinner. 12 people in total. We ate soup and salad and fondue for the main course. The bill for this event like feast was nearly €1000. Wow!

After a smooth, on-time flight we arrived in Munich Friday morning. I got to meet Annie and Aileen today. What a great crowd. Day one was a lot of fun. “No sleep till Munich” should be the name of this adventure. Great drinks and better people.

We were a sad crew Saturday morning. Day 2 is much more relaxed (recovery). Tomorrow is my first Oktoberfest. Tonight we’ll have some drinks in the city. When in Munich, drink what the Muncheners drink.