I woke up suddenly, wondering why I was clutching on to my backpack while I should be sleeping on my comfortable bed in Sillypore...?

No, I was not at home. I was supposed to be in Munich. My train had just pulled into Munich Hauptbahnhof, 8 hours later after leaving Berlin. I got down eagerly and took in my first breath of Bavarian air. Although it was only 8am, the train station was already a bustling place. Most of the shops were opened. Commuters were rushing to get their breakfast of freshly baked croissants and coffee. I rushed in to get mine as well: a pint of Weißbeer (€1.20). Period.

After safekeeping my heavy backpack in a locker (€2/day) found in Hauptbahnhof, I walked towards the grounds of the "holy" land. At first impressions, it certainly doesn't look like a big deal when I was there at 10am. 14 empty beer tents, barely opened stalls and workers testing out the rides lazily. Are these all you can see for the legendary Oktoberfest? Well, I would have to swallow my words, come a couple of hours later.

As I was only familiar with Paulaner Brauhaus, I entered into the beer tent and it was surprisingly well decorated. Banners and colourful balloons were hung on the ceiling, creating a jolly atmosphere. *As if the beer itself was not able to do that* Naturally, I sat down and waited for someone to serve me: the kitchen will not entertain if you attempted to buy something directly (I suppose that will prevent overcrowding by ensuring that one has a seat before they start getting drunk). There was no need to choose your beer: the beer tents only served one beer, Oktoberfest brew (€7.40 per liter).

I got into Hacker Pschorr (another Bavaria brewery) beer tent and ordered another litre. My vision grew all hazy as the band started playing at noon. Wait; was life ever that beautiful before?