Those who want an authentic German experience probably shouldn't visit Munich during Oktoberfest. But if you want lots of American college students, huge liters of beer, and men in lederhosen talking on cell phones, then Munich is the place for you. Oktoberfest was lots of fun, but local Germans avoid it like the plague, so it wasn't a very authentic experience. However, it was in Munich that I first experienced H&M, a delightful clothing store located in many Western European cities. We spent the first day at Oktoberfest, the second day shopping, and the third day visiting Neuschwanstein, the castle that Walt Disney's castle was modeled after.

Most of our experience in Germany was dampened (quite literally) by rain that refused to let up through much of the trip. But despite the soggy weather, Germany was beautiful, including gorgeous forests and the most beautiful waterfall I've ever seen. Amusing anecdotes include dancing with a 4'5" tall German man and searching through the streets of Berlin for a shoeless roommate.