Oktoberfest 2010 Trip Report

[redmenace8]

A different kind of Trip Report:

 

A wall of sticky heat hit my face as I left the terminal at Ontario Airport. While standing there, on the crowded curb, a couple of people, seeking relief for their nicotine addiction, sent clouds of smoke my way. I looked down and realized I had three badly broken nails stinging my right hand. I must have had them for several days, yet, never noticed. Despite my weariness born of a long, long journey, I smiled broadly, tears of joy started in my eyes. I had never felt so satisfied. Yet, just over a week before, my feelings were very much different from where they were at that moment, nearly home.

 

For several years, I had dreamed of going to Europe, especially Germany and Oktoberfest. Just a few months prior to the announcement, me and my friend started making plans for such a trip. Unfortunately my friend was just not able to go. With that, I figured another chance had slipped away, like so many others. TPR has been a site that brought fun to my life. I would always read the trip reports and see the world. I have only visited parks in the L.A. area, not too bad with Disneyland and Magic Mountain, but there was so much more out there. Suddenly a surprise trip announcement appeared: Oktoberfest 2010. My heart beat faster; could this be the chance? The timing, the size of the group, these fit together. After a bit of hemming and hawing, I finally made the plunge and asked to join. Once that happened, the time passed quickly filled with excitement and a bit of trepidation. This would be my very first TPR trip and International Trip. I wanted to go big. Elissa provided valuable assistance when needed. Before going on the trip, I realized many familiar faces of TPR Trips past would be going as well. Naturally, you begin to wonder if you will fit in, as everyone else has been on trips together and they seemed to be a tight knit group. To the beginning(of the trip), I wondered if I was doing the right thing, but I was determined to go with whatever may come, buoyed by all the wonderful trip reports of the past.

The very moment I left the terminal at the Munich Airport and entered the large, spectacular looking main plaza on the way to the S Bahn, I knew, I was exactly where I needed to be. (and embarrassed by how bad LAX looks in comparison.)

 

The trip to the hotel went exactly as Elissa had noted in the information packet she prepared. All the details you needed were right in your hands. Plus, I was able to start using the German I had learned in long forgotten classes at UCLA.

 

Once, check in was finished up, slowly I began to meet all of the TPR members on the trip.

 

The very first TPR person I met was my roommate. I have to say Leo was probably the most wonderful, thoughtful and cool roommate anyone could ask for. Once I met Leo, I knew things would be alright, we laughed the whole trip long. Plus he had no problem being my human alarm clock, otherwise I would never have woken up on time. Thanks Leo and Thank you Elissa for putting us together.

 

While I had been a bit intimidated meeting all these familiar from TPR faces, all of that melted away rapidly. To the person, everyone was completely approachable and easy to start a conversation with. I have never been around such an amazing group of people. Fun and caring, knowledgeable and so open, full of heart, and never too serious. This is the first group of people I felt like I really belonged with. (Gosh, normally, I'm not so sappy, but I cannot help it here.) I can only hope for the best for all of them and hope to meet them again on future trips.

 

I have to give a special shout out to Shane for all his extra efforts towards making me feel a part of everything, truly a great new friend anyone would be proud to have.

 

Hotel:

 

Holiday Inn City Centre, Haidhausen area.

Very Comfortable, Clean, located right on top of an S Bahn station, that took you wherever you needed to go. Restaurants, a supermarket and Internet Cafes were located so very close. Plus the area was very nice and easily within walking distance of some of the city's best known landmarks.

 

Munich:

 

A beautiful city, full of history and modernity. The transportation system puts all other cities to shame, comprehensive and precise. Every corner of the city seemed to hold something interesting to see or a restaurant to try. From the top of the Frauenkirche, a broad vista played out in front of you. The crowded with tourists Marienplatz, the masses heading towards Oktoberfest, the Theresienwiese, the large Hauptbahnhof, center of transportation, the wonder of architecture that is the Olympic Park. The whole thing was a marvelous example of a vibrant cityscape, full of life. Full of "interesting" nightlife as well...

 

Germany:

 

Every bus ride showed us a beautiful green country. It was like driving through a postcard everyday, even through blurry, tired eyes.

 

Sunday:

 

The first day was a quick walk to Marienplatz, watching the Glockenspiel and hearing the many voices in the crowds. Later was meeting everyone and traveling to Oktoberfest. All that fun could be seen in Robb's Epic Report. What I can add is that several songs will have new meanings: Country Road, Sweet Caroline, Proud Mary, Seven Nation Army. Sung standing on the tables at the top of your lungs, amazing.

 

Monday:

 

Culture, Castles and Slides.

 

A short bus trip and we were along the foothills of the Alps, with picturesque towns, farms and hills with castles on them. A very cool bridge, and an amazing building filled with the insane wonders of an "insane" King. An intricately carved bed, a room filled with swans, an actual Disney-esque cave and the most perfectly royal blue curtains were highlights. Some of the backstory was filled in by our assistant tour guide, a cool dude named Riley (good luck in Kenya.) The tour was followed by a lovely hike down a gravel and grate path along a river filled gorge. Then it was a short walk past some ringing cows to the slide complex. While one of us took to the sky, the rest took to the slides. This was my first time on an alpine slide and certainly will not be my last. Like so many things on this trip, I got to be spoiled by the coolness, my first time sliding was long and fast. While not the fastest slider, I still managed to not be rear ended by Elissa and Kidtums, but just barely.

 

Tuesday:

 

A Day of Getting Lost.

 

This day had two small parks, plus a great deal of freedom to see the city. An easy S Bahn ride out through the city and past farms to a small "suburb," then a short walk and we were there. A very cute little park, built among houses. Marchenwald had my first intro to do it yourself rides and the Squirrel coaster with trees thatclose to the track. Seriously, everyone leaned in to avoid getting a face full of bark. Awesomeness. There there was the do it yourself swing that sounded and felt like it could fly apart. And who could forget the mini kid train filled with TPR members barely making it around the track.

 

After this park, the day was free, until a meet up later on. I do not know how to handle this part, to praise something, that represents so much that was wrong with the world, and sometimes feels like it could happen again. Several of us had to see Dachau. I wanted to go, not only as a student of history, but also as a member of group targeted for elimination. While this place was more a pow camp, all the hallmarks of these kinds of places were present. The set up directs the visitor along the process that an actual inmate would have gone through. A very ingenious presentation, the deeper you go into the camp, the deeper you go into the experience, in your mind, stripped away of more and more of who you were. Then you feel the full impact of this place. Standing in the courtyard, in the sun, looking out through the barb wire, up at the guard towers, across the spaces once filled with barracks. You really feel the echoes of all the souls who passed.

 

Of course the most intense moment was off in the corner, where the darkest activities occurred. The crunching of the gravel paths marked the way. As it happened we entered the crematoria building backwards, so we went from room to room without really seeing the signs. Nonetheless, the actual crematoria was absolutely eerie and so quiet. The next room we wandered into was a surprise. Despite a large window, the room was low slung, cramped and dark. It took just a moment to realize that this room was where so many voices were silenced, the showers. Unless you go there and experience that singular moment, you will not understand how hard it is to stand in those footsteps. The world spun around in the silence; even now, I feel a bit breathless. I cannot lie, I did have different tears in my eyes for some time. I had to focus on the sound of a church bell ringing to hold it together. I was quite thankful that we had a long walk to try to make some sense of what we had seen.

 

After this important experience, I was glad to move on. Our intention was to find food and meet up with the rest of TPR at Lollihop. Unfortunately, the district of Aubing seemed to be in a food desert. We searched and searched, I asked some German women, one nice, one snooty, but no restaurants were to be found. Instead we came upon one of the most delicious bakeries run by the nicest ladies to found anywhere. Good sweets and good prices. This is one of those discoveries you make when you allow yourself to wander. The lady behind the counter gladly took back our trash and we made it to Lollihop. While certainly, a very much for kids place, the staff treated us right. They were amused by all these adults coming for the one coaster. Even better, we put so much weight on the coaster, it couldn't stop at the right place. I really felt like a whore at that moment, a true member of TPR.

 

Wednesday

 

The Long Day.

 

This day was the long bus ride to eastern Germany to visit two parks. Interestingly, you could still tell when you crossed over into the east, buildings were just a bit more run down, and towns a little bare bones and less charming. Plohn was a very pleasant surprise. I felt like we were treated very well. El Toro was a blast, the best woody I've been on, small but powerful, in the front you could feel all that weight pushing into you, smoothly. The park was just cute with some ride ops stepping over themselves to get you on.

 

A fair trip later and we were at Belantis. *sigh* Robb described the park just about right. Layout was inconvenient,( the closer you were, the farther it seemed), rides for the most part not much to write home about. Most of my experiences with employees were alright, especially the young lady who asked us for a favor on the raft flume, she was appreciative. That ride was funny, everyone got a butt massage. Of course, most of the time here was probably affected by the beating I took on Huracan. I'm short, and my head was right in between those restraints. Going up was fine, going down was exciting and then it hurt, over and over and over. I desperately tried to protect myself to no avail. The restraint slammed into my neck or my head. We all came off of it, holding ourselves in pain. The other coaster was fun though, nice pops of air. After this was the trip back. We stopped and I finally ate fast food-Burger King. It actually tasted pretty much the same as here, didn't know what I was expecting. Bought a ton of chocolate at our stop that I'm just now starting to munch on. I'm just sad I missed the chance to get a McRib at Mcdonalds.

 

 

Thursday

Surprises and a Character

 

This was a very fun day. Erlebnispark Strasswalchen was such a hoot, a true reflection of the owner. That crazy coaster is one for the record books. It looked smallish, almost kiddie sized, but was seriously awesome, intense and out of control. Momentum just built up through the whole ride. The second airtime hill was more of an airtime segment, from the bottom, blasting over the top until the next bottom, I never touched the seat. The front was a challenge though, you needed to be secure to avoid being really thrown around. Following this was the Slide of Death. What did they do to this? A simple slide you would find at any small carnival, turned into a death defying experience. Good Times, again I don't know if I touched the slide again after the last bump. Then there was the slamming bumper cars and the oddly mythologically mixed up dark ride. Something absolutely amazing happened then, we got a personal tour of the Dracula Haunted Castle by the owner. The castle was well done, easy to follow, just a great experience. Add an owner, who, played the whole thing up to level 11 and you have got a something really special. From his tearful goodbyes, to hearty welcome back from danger cheers, he was just an awesome showman. I really appreciate what he did for us.

 

After this surprise was a trip to Bayern Park for some slides and do it yourself rides. Butterflys are way cool. I think it had what you would call a roller skater type coaster with a long train, very pleasant. The slides were fun, finally I didn't use the brakes, but they really didn't need them. They also had a tube slide which was far more thrilling than expected. I loved the mix of rides and forest setting. Just lovely.

 

Friday

 

No Longer a Virgin.

 

This day we went to Skyline Park and Legoland Deutschland. I had many first this day. My first X Coaster, despite fears it might be closed, this was running when it was scheduled to be. As I am very easy to please, I actually did like this, having nothing else to compare it to. I did feel the pressure from the restraint for awhile, admittedly. This day we had Morgan along. We got along great and both wanted to try the slingshot/ejection seat. Here it was included in the price, and I always wanted to do it. Man! Way more intense than expected, being shot up so high, I did not really feel the height as much as the forces of gravity going up and the free fall. Flipping and bouncing was a scream filled experience. I was very glad I did it, but it did leave me shaking for 10 minutes after. That was pretty cool. I followed this up with my very first Nautic Jet. It looks even crazier in person. This was just fun. Do it yourself airtime. If only you didn't have to travel so far to ride one. We also rode a raft ride, which was quite a surprise. It spun as fast as a tilt a whirl at the top, then I got nailed by a wave of water.

 

My first Legoland came up next, despite living less than a 100 miles away from Carlsbad. I can see why these are so popular, especially if you have kids. The workmanship and the quality of experience really impressed me. They have unique attractions, and this one had a great and surprising flume ride. I could have spent many more hours just looking at the details in the mini land. The saddest part was when the smaller of the three coasters was loaded up all full with us adults and no kids could ride, they could only watch. Actually that makes me laugh. I really felt like a whore again. Another fun time was on the pedal powered ride above the grounds. While I was Steve's chauffeur we had quite the debate on whether or not the pedal actually did anything. After we were yelled at by the operator, that question was solved as I pedaled like a madman and we zoomed off. Course that didn't matter to Leo and Fran, who created a big traffic jam behind them. I also had the best meal of the trip here. A roast pork dish with potatoes that was out of this world, the pork was so tender, you did not need a knife. I'm spoiled for pork now. This was the last day of perfect weather, after this it would rain off and on. Didn't make a difference, though, we still had fun.

 

 

Saturday

 

A Day to Ourselves

 

This was our last full day in Munich. Except for a farewell lunch and a great Indian Restaurant, the day was ours to do with as we pleased. I took another walk out to Marienplatz and enjoyed the Glockenspiel, especially when the crowd cheered as the Bavarian figure on a horse knocked down another one. Despite the rain, the streets were still crowded with people from all over. Women in Dirndln and Men in Lederhose were still going by. After lunch, seriously, try Indian food, it is great, three of us went off to walk around the city center or Zentrum. This is when we really checked out some of the detail in the buildings. I personally love stained glass windows, and both the Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche were filled with them. Tall and stunning. It was also fascinating to see all the old altars to various historical figures. Several of which were being used. At the Frauenkirche we took the opportunity to go to the top of one of the towers. A narrow spiral staircase and a short elevator ride took us up to the best view of central Munich. (Sorry about any confusion as to which tower we went up.)

 

After this we took a quick trip to the Hauptbahnhof, full of chaos and order. People running to and fro, snippets of very happy people singing and an up close moment with the cool high speed trains. The main reason for coming was Lederhosen. A fellow TPR member decided to take the plunge. To be perfectly honest, while the initial idea of Lederhosen might seem a bit funny, when you are there, and so many are wearing them and looking good while wearing them, you really will want them. While they ended up out of my budget, a couple of members did get them and they will own anyone else outside of Munich. I was very happy for those guys.

 

After all this was the last trip to Oktoberfest.

 

Oktoberfest:

 

The best fair in the world.

 

During the whole time in Munich, I remember every time I went there. Every visit was memorable in its own way. The first night was a near overwhelming mix of crowds lights and excitement. Such a crowd and such positive energy. If someone didn't fit in with that, the polizei took care of them pretty much instantly. Every time we met new people from all over the world-Ethiopians, Canadians, New Zealanders, Italians, Aussies, of course, Germans. Everyone was there to have a good time. The women groping their men, letting everything hang out and it seemed some of the str8 Germans were really letting themselves, um, enjoy in new ways, perhaps, judging by how graphically one of our neighbor Germans propositioned his male friend, and that was the first night. There was so much singing and dancing and joy, everyone on the benches.

 

I already mentioned the 2 German friends we met on a Thursday in Robb's report. So Hilarious and fun. Luckily no matter how wasted the blond one was, he had his hometown embroidered on his Lederhosen, so they would know where to take him when he passed out. I do wonder about them. Best friends, and apparently eager to announce they slept with each other's mother. Always toasting. On the other hand, they were very interested in challenging guys to "whip it out" to see who measured up. They, of course, had no problem showing how the flap works on the Lederhosen and showing underwear with a picture of a chicken right on their business. The rest is a blur and that is all I will say about them.

 

Another night, a couple of our fellow TPR members got on the Teufel Rad. The famous experience, where a crowd gathers around a wheel as an MC calls for certain people to hop on and try to stay on as it spins. After a while, they lower a large cushy ball and swing it, while 2 guys throw ropes to try to tangle people. Kris got on and Big Mike was invited on. They acquitted themselves well and were cheered by the crowd.

 

The last night was rainy a cold and seemed like it might not go well, but turned out to be fun as well. With a warm dessert, things picked up. Crowds were still bustling. We watched the drunks on the Toboggan and ate some good food. Not much is deep fried here, it's 1/2 meter wursts on crunchy rolls, curry wursts, steak sandwiches. So very good, and sometimes funny to watch others eat. With Shane and Miles popping up, it turned into a blast. We rode Olympia Looping in the rain, that was a seriously forceful ride on something I kept saying was a work of art.

 

The rides were pretty awesome, plus the cycles were insane. 10 minutes on a Breakdance, best flat ride ride ever. The new Rocket ride was a bit dizzifying, but interesting. Alpina Bahn was a fun coaster. The second best, though, was Hollenblitz, a fun, spinny, indoor coaster that puts many theme park coasters to shame. A wacky lighted interior completed the package. Speaking of wacky interiors, how can we not have a Psychedelic walk through in this country. The most fun and awesome concept ever. Could not stop laughing.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

There are so many other moments, but I am sure I have gone on for far too long and there are just too many to list. While I know, no one trip will ever be the same as any other, and the time on a trip is not real life, I know this trip, already, is having an influence beyond merely a fun experience. Being around such a positive group of people, and seeing how they grab at life, has really woken me up. We all have issues to deal with, sometimes very personal or very heartbreaking and stressful issues, knowing there is such a good group of people, knowing there are such joyful places to experience, does take away some of the sting. By no means a solution, just something that lightens the heart. My only regret is that let some hangs ups hold me back from talking to everyone right away. Given the time, I made myself get over that, which has kind of stuck to my benefit. You have to be open to new friendships. I have a new found appreciation for everything and thanks to the people on this trip, the touch more of confidence I needed. There is always hope.

 

Thanks to All

 

I extend a personal thanks and appreciation to Robb and Elissa. The hard work, and organization you guys do, made the trip effortless for me. Even my little mishap, I had faith and was convinced would turn out fine, because of what you do and how you do it. I feel privileged to have been able to take part in such an intimately sized group. It was a real treat and fit me very well, loose yet tight. I just hope, I can be seen as equal to the kind of person who helps makes a good TPR trip. I really would like to go on another.

 

Should you do a Trip? As long as you appreciate the experience as much as the chance to do credits, Absolutely. You will be repaid in ways you cannot imagine. As long as TPR exists, you will have family.

 

Just, Wow... I am still on the High...

 

Thanks for Reading.

 

My Camera started dying on the trip, then actually did die, cursed apparently, and my phone is not letting me get the pics I took on it, so check out Robb's Epic Report to get a good example of everything.

Edited October 11, 2010 by redmenace8

[STR8FXXXINEDGE]

It took a while, but I made it through your whole TR. Amazing! A very detailed, and very well written report. Thanks a bunch for sharing!

 

Sounds like we share the same feelings about our first TPR trip. A life changing event that is impossible to put into words.

[SharkTums]

Awww what a super report!

 

So what trip are you signing up for next?! You do realize it's an addiction right? Like summer camp for adults!

 

You were a newbie, but now you're part of the TPR Family and we hope to see you again soon.

[Philrad71]

A very well written report...thanks for sharing!

 

I have yet to take a TPR trip and have felt a bit intimidated myself, but after reading so many positive trip reports, I can say that I know I would have a blast and make tons of new friends! I sure hope that Michael and I can come up with the money to do one of these epic trips in the next year or two. We have been watching the announcements and waiting for what we would consider the "perfect one".

 

I'm glad you got to see Dachau. I had the same feeling of sorrow in the showers and in the rooms where they stored the bodies. It was a very sobering experience and one that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

 

I also enjoyed the Marienplatz, Olympic Park and King Ludwig's castle, although I wished that we would have had more time on our tour to do the alpine slide - that looked awesome!

 

Overall, I had an awesome time in Germany last year. It was really cool to get to Europa Park on a day trip and Oktoberfest was just too cool for words. I must get back to ride Hollenblitz in the future!

[supertrooper]

I've decided that you should go on all of the TRP trips and be the official reporter. Good job.

[montezooma]

Awesome trip report. I usually only look at the trip reports that are pictures but this was not only an interesting account of the trip but told in a beautifully written style. Please it filled in a lot of the moments I have not remembrance of.

 

First trips are always somewhat intimidating and it is good to hold back a little...but I expect you to really let loose on the next trip!!!!

 

It was great to meet you and look forward to another TPR trip with ya!

[redmenace8]

Thanks for the responses, This has been quite the experience. I’d write more, LOL, but I am doing this with my ps3 controller . My computer just died. Next trip? China or Europe. No matter where you cant lose. Again, thanks for reading and the compliments, I do enjoy writing.

 

Update: Um, yeah, a good cleaning really helps the battery actually connect and, um, work.

Edited October 3, 2010 by redmenace8

[redmenace8]

I've decided that you should go on all of the TRP trips and be the official reporter. Good job.

Thanks! I’d take that “job” anytime. LOL Salliemae might have an issue with that, though.