Living on Cloud Nine: Europe

Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OKTOBERFEST

We are not just talking about Oktoberfest in your hometown, although I’m sure that would be a blast as well, we are talking about the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany that occurs every year for more than a couple weeks during September and the first part of October. So here you go with more so “The Nine’s Guide to Oktoberfest!”

Mr. Nine and I have wanted to go for years and years. As many of you may know, he was stationed in Germany back when he was in the Army and not only did I take German in high school, but I got to travel there as a teenager, which was such a great memory.

Just the word, Oktoberfest, conjures up happy thoughts and smiles on our faces. We had been planning this trip for a year where we also tacked on a week in Switzerland and then onto Venice, Italy. I will have more posts to come about those destinations soon. Two weeks was a long time to be gone but we are glad we did it.

For now, let’s talk about where our trip began! A flight to Munich, Germany with our Lederhosen and Dirndl packed safely in the suitcase and an energetic Midwest midlife couple ready for fun!

Munich is a lovely city with many things to do. Of course, the day we arrived we made a stop at the Hofbrauhaus House, which held good memories for both of us. Lively music was playing, and we had some traditional German comfort food.

My Sweater HERE

Let me also add in that while I normally plan trips entirely on my own, this one was assisted in planning by the wonderful team at Mix and Match Travel Agency. I’m sure many of you know the two bloggers that run this agency. It was one of their associates, the incredible Clare, so knowledgeable about international travel, that got this put together for us. The main reason we used to travel agency besides giving us some ease with two weeks in Europe, was so that we could get on an Oktoberfest tour, which would guarantee you a seat in one of the big tents. That is where so much the fun lies, and Clare was able to make that happen for us. We have been told that if you do not get something of this kind, securing a table at Oktoberfest could put you on a waitlist up to five years. But do note that admission to get into Oktoberfest is completely free!

Make sure though that you take plenty of euros, which is the form of currency used in Germany. You can check the Ride Ticket Prices and the Food/Drink Prices to get an idea of how much money you'll spend in a day. Expect to tip between 5%-10%, which is about one or two Euro per beer. Keep in mind that the wait staff does not have a base salary, they get a commission on anything they sell and your tip. Our recommendation is to tip them very well the first go around and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

Another thing to note is that while you’ll see a few people not wearing the traditional German style of dress, and while you don't have to, it is absolutely part of the fun. We purchased Mr. Nine's lederhosen, what the men wear HERE, and my Dirndl HERE, ahead of time, but after we arrived, we saw so many all over the city that we easily could’ve waited and got one there and they were cheaper and my heart is still swooning over a blue one I saw, lol. Dressing in these outfits absolutely did add to the incredible Oktoberfest vibe. Another thing to note is that you can rent them in Munich as well, right down to the push up bra, lol, which some of the people we met had done

we purchased ours. There are some cute alternatives on Amazon too HERE but make sure you get a good one because Germans can tell a “costumey” one from a mile away, lol. AND don't get a MINI Dirndl, it's just tacky, most women opt for a midi or knee length. I wrestle tights with mine because it was rainy and cold.

We were lucky enough to be in the biggest tent sponsored by the Hofbrauhaus, and even though I am not really a beer drinker, I must say it was mighty delicious, and the big glass mugs they call Steins. There are 14 big tents, and they’re all decorated very different. We were lucky to walk through a few and they are just spectacular. It's like the most decorated state fair ever!! You sit at tables of 10 and we had the bet table ever! You re packed in like sardines but it's so much fun meeting people from all over the world.

Another must was getting the roast chicken, which they call Brathähnchen and it was so delicious better than your rotisserie at Costco, lol

You’ll see everyone wearing the gingerbread hearts around their necks. Most people say they’re not really that delicious, but I thought they were quite tasty in between my chugs of beer, lol.

We met the Lipella's from Florida on our way to the tour office and lo and behold they were on our tour. What gems! And they are Notre Dame fans too. We loved them so much that we went to dinner with them after we left Oktoberfest.

We then proceeded with all these newfound friends, holding hands and on to the wine tent. Although it was crowded inside, we found a table outside and it was so lovely. Unfortunately, it started raining. That’s something else to remember, Germany gets a lot of rain during Oktoberfest so you may end up with a gorgeous sunny day, but you may end up with rain so come prepared.

Michelle form Arizona and Max and Paula from Australia

And while in Germany, why not drive a Porsche on the Autobahn. We took a 4 1/2 hour trip north in this beauty to the town called Budingen where Mr. Nine lived. It was so fun going fast on the Autobahn and of course seeing the beautiful countryside.

Jacket Here // Striped Top Here // Hat Here // Jeans Here//

Boots Here

Note: Not sure if I’m going to be sharing Gift Ideas and Guides here on the blog but I do have many already linked up on the free LTK app (Like To Know It) you want to follow me over there just click HERE

And PS: the House is all decorated for Christmas and I'm basking in it, still trying to decide if I'm going to share here. Just know I'd invite you all the come enjoy! And I'll make you Hot Cocoa (a new themed tree this year).

Linking up with Between Naps on the Porch // Thursday Fashion Files // I Do deClaire

xoxo

PARIS 2023 Days 3 & 4

Day 3 in Paris was an extra good day because it was my birthday! I can’t think of a better way to start a birthday, then with room service at one of the most amazing hotels and looking out the window to see the Eiffel Tower! The Hotel even had a dessert with a candle in it for me. That was probably my favorite sweet treat of the entire trip!

The Louvre Museum was right across the street from us, and we were so excited to get a tour of it. When I had originally looked, all tours were booked, but it was such an additional treat to see Aphrodite and the Mona Lisa on my birthday!

My Louvre Outfit

She's a beauty!!

I may have gotten reminded "ma'am, you're too close'" lol

We came back to our hotel and changed, for me into something cute and ended up being my favorite outfit for the trip, to go up to the cobblestone hilly streets of Montmartre, the most charming in my opinion of all of Paris! I was so excited to garner a reservation at the coveted le Maison Rose, and we had the best waiter. Now the entire restaurant probably only seats about 16 people, but he told each of them to sing happy birthday to me with my name when he brought me out dessert with a candle. It was so sweet and charming.

Then Mr. Nine and I strolled around the area which was so romantic. We saw the most Parisian guy on the planet with his cat playing the accordion. We also saw the beautiful Scare-Coeur.

SO CHARMING!!

We saw The Moulin Rouge, but I must tell you that area scared me a little bit. I didn’t realize it was a bunch of nasty shops if you know what I mean, shops, lol.

So, we hightailed it out of there and did a little shopping on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Some stores had moving mannequins but the Louis Vuitton one scared me. It’s a collab with Yayoi Kusama an I did not love it, lol

Got my first macaroons. The ones at Pierre Herme were the best!

We headed back to get ready for the dinner cruise on the Seine River. This is a cruise where you can see all the major attractions at night and old were they glorious, the Eiffel tower was lit up blue. The food was a four-course meal and just OK but the ambience including the dinner cruise singer was fabulous and they also saying happy birthday to me with a candle along with another gal on board the boat who had a birthday too. SO MUCH FUN!!

Yes, they filled all those glasses and we drank it all. LOL

OH that Eiffel Tower Blue!

The next morning was finally one that we had a little more time to relax, until our first adventure at Sainte Chapelle, the church with all the amazing Stain glass. Another great story behind this landmark.

Lower level is beautiful too

We walked over to see Notre Dame, and while it was still under renovation, it was not as impressive as I thought it would be.

It was such a beautiful day we were dying to be able to eat alfresco, but we’re struggling with where to eat in the St. Germain area. We stumbled upon an adorable café, and when I looked it up, they had great reviews and boy was it smart on! Not only was it charming, but the brunch food was probably my favorite in Paris. AND WE ATE OUTSIDE!!!

The café was right across from the Luxembourg Garden so we strolled through there and then we’re ready to do a little shopping.

I had my heart set on certain things, and we were happy to find those in the area. My most favorite purchase came from Saint Laurent, it was fun to be able to get a YSL purse and card/coin purse, which are from Paris, in Paris, lol. Another favorite was the perfumery, Fragonard and Angelina, where they had the most delightful tea and hot chocolate.

Ready for a break we stopped for cappuccino and cocktails, what’s better than that for an afternoon and Paris! We even had snacks and oh so fun to people watch and enjoy the afternoon and sunshine. And More Maccaroons. And By the Louvre again.

We were just so elated to finally see the sunshine in the able to stroll like that without horrible winds and cold. So, we continued on in our hotel area as I was looking for a Diptyque candle store. We also saw the Palais Royal. I cannot believe I didn't sit o one of those but we were so tired.

I also needed to get a photo taken in a pair of flip flops by cute café for a brand. The weather was not conducive to flip-flops, but you better believe I made it work pulled them out of my bag, swapped out my sneakers and cut the cute shot with a giant teddy bear. Look

at the French lady on the left in the window probably sating "Those crazy Americans'" lol!

We were a little hungry, so we ended up just going to the café across from our hotel and grabbing a pizza because we hadn’t had any substantial food since brunch.

Then it was back to our hotel! We were blessed with a sunset to enjoy last Eiffel Tower views ...

and then one last sparkle! After seeing the weather forecast, we wish we could’ve stayed about three more days to get carbon copies of this one, but hopefully someday we will get back.