Oktoberfest Part II

   After meeting these friendly guys, Paz, Pat (an American friend), and I decide it's time to get in a tent.
Our three new companions came with us to try and get in. We shove our way to the entrance to find security guards. They were letting people out but were refusing to let people in. After a few failed attempts and being soved my security, we decide its roller coaster time! After all, we were intoxicated and in the mood for an adventure!

At the highest point of the coaster. I didn't drop my camera!

New friends. We survived the coaster.

We make our way over to the Olympian, a coaster with 5 loops. 8 Euros later we find ourselves being thrown on this ghetto-ass coaster. I take my camera with me and attempt to take pictures during the ride. I didn't lose my camera AND no one puked on the coaster. That's success if I have ever seen it. After the ride, we actually found our couch surfer. Luckily, Paz had his number in her recent calls from the previous day, so we were able to contact him and meet up.

   The 3 Bavarians were hungry and grabbed a bratwurst to eat. Paz and I realized we had not eaten all day, and with all the beer we had drank, a meal was a good idea. Not having many options besides enormous pretzels, we decide to buy a brat. And we ate it. It was delicious and of course we were harassed by the guys. "You guys are the coolest vegetarians I know!"

Evidence of our moral betrayal.

Just when I was thinking that our night was about to begin to wind down, Michael asks "Ok so where's the after party?" Knowing that we couldn't resist the Germans, we agreed to keep going. We all go to Michael's to freshen up (and of course drink some more). Sebastian, our new Bavarian friend, said he knew of an after party. We head into town again and have a blast. Not sure if I have mentioned already but the 3 Bavarians were HILARIOUS. They were outgoing, spontaneous, and super flirty. Did I mention they were cute??? On the bus to the club, we cracked crude jokes and shared embarrassing stories. I could tell Michael was a little jealous that he did not have our undivided attention, and he tried butting into conversations. It became a little annoying.  But nonetheless the Bavarian guys did a great job of including him in the conversations.
We arrive at the club and Paz and Pat decide to chill downtown. So Luke, Sebastian, Roman, Michael and I (yes, me and 4 German guys) go into the club.  I tell them that I can be an awesome wing-woman and to let me know if they see a prospective girl. We go into the club and hit the dance floor. It was a blast! Good jams, and some crazy dance moves. I see some girls next to us and invite them into our circle. They were taken aback by this (you have to remember that German's are not friendly to strangers) but eventually joined in. I could have stayed all night, but eventually Paz called me and wanted to head back to Michael's. I exchange numbers with the guys and head out with Michael.We arrive home and crash at 330.

inside the tent

The next morning I was determined to get inside a tent. Michael and I wake up even earlier than the day before. Paz slept in (sorry Paz, you just couldn't handle it). Michael and I got into a tent no problem. (seeing that it was a Sunday morning). The tents are decorated and have a live band inside. It was a completely different atmosphere than the garden.

carrying 10 liters, what a boss

Michael and I stay and chat for a bit then we decided to head back to meet Paz. Michael had planned on showing us other sections of Munich before Paz and I left for Berlin. He took us the the beautiful Englisher Garden, which actually reminded me of Berkeley. Hilly grassy areas and a huge beer garden next to a Chinese Tower. The weather was beautiful. He also showed us this top notch university. Apparently only 25 people are accepted a year. He also showed us museums, the Isar river, and Maximilian St. (similar to 5th Avenue). Everything went well EXCEPT: 1. We were fairly tired. 2. Michael invited a friend that was a total bitch. She had stayed with him a few years ago through couch surfing and she was going to be moving to Munich soon. I could tell right when we met her that it was going to be awkward. She spoke fast German with Michael the whole time (even though she knew English). I even tried speaking German several times to get on her better side, but she was still not impressed. I told Christine and Antonia about the incident later, and they told me to try not to take it personal. German girls are stand-offish and don't want to put in the energy to be friendly to someone when they know they will never see them again. Nonetheless, I still think she could have made conversation with us.
When it was time for us to go, we say a grateful good bye to Michael. I told Ms Bitch it was nice meeting her, and with a disgusted face she replied the same.
We meet with our driver, a Turkish guy.  Him and his friend had spent the weekend at Oktoberfest. They had a van and 3 other people were also catching a ride. They were all friendly and were impressed by our German. The Turkish driver, Mehmet, asked, "If I go to America, would I be stereotyed as a terrorist?". Feeling a little uncomfortable, I told him it really depended. But in general terms the U.S. is a diverse place with many immigrants. We finally make it to Berlin, safe and sound. The next day Mehmet calls me. I was hesitant to pick up, but I figured I may have left something in his car or had forgotten to give him my share of the gas money. But, as I assumed, he asked if I would like to go to the movies or get coffee sometime. I politely declined his invitation. (so moral of story being, Mitfahrgelegenheit is fairly safe, but don't pursue your drivers afterwards!)
I survived Oktoberfest, the after-party, my first couch surfing experience, cute Bavarian guys, and bitchy German girls. Phew!