Our version of Oktoberfest

After John Ralph finished up with his test on Saturday afternoon, we headed out in search of some food.  The time and the weather made it a little difficult for us to convince ourselves to go to the Oktoberfest beer tents.  Instead, we headed into the center of town and found a beer hall to hang out in. The warm, dry beer hall was definitely better than a cold, wet beer tent.  And the great part is that they are just as lively and fun during Oktoberfest!  Win win, if you ask me.

On our way into the city center, we passed this fountain.  I know this picture doesn't do it justice, but it was so beautiful.  I'm going to sound totally cheesy saying this, but the way the light hit the water made it look like a million diamonds instead of water droplets.  Seriously...it was beautiful.  

For dinner, John Ralph "treated himself" to a crispy pork knuckle, some potato dumplings, and warm cabbage salad.  Typing all of that doesn't make it sound as delicious as it looked.  

The last time we went to Germany, we discovered the hard way that there are a total of two things I can eat in that country:  salad and beer.  They put butter on top of butter in that country, so nothing is safe.  

However, when all you can eat is salads, it makes more room for beer!!  

That pork knuckle didn't stand a chance with John Ralph.  

We grabbed a table for two right by the bar area and had a blast watching them pour all the drinks.  These guys were constantly moving.  I don't think they stood still all night.  

This is John Ralph's "proud" look.  I think he missed the mark a little, but it's a funny picture nonetheless.  

We were cracking up at the logo on the beer.  It didn't exactly scream "big, hearty, German beer".  

After we finished dinner, we decided to walk through the Hofbräuhaus.  This is where we went last time we were in Munich and it was so much fun.  If I could bottle the energy in that place and sell it, I would be a billionaire.  It was insane.  People were singing, dancing on tables, the band was playing, everyone was cheers-ing each other.  We just did a walk through and both left the place smiling.  A mad house in the best way possible.  

Even though this isn't the greatest quality, I love this picture.  This is what the walk back to the hotel looked like.  So many beautiful things to see, even late at night.  

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  This area is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  This is my favorite church that I've seen in Europe.  We had almost passed it when I finally got my phone to take the picture, but I think you can see how lovely it is.  Lush green pastures, rolling hills, the bluest skies with the fluffiest clouds, and mountains in the background.  Whoever built this picked one of the best places on earth to build a Him a house.  

This is a little more from our ride home.  If I were a cow, I would want to live here.  

I love the cloudy mountains.  Again, just beautiful.  

We're always glad to be back home after trips (we missed the puppy!), but every time we go north to Germany we have a great time.  We often try to figure out if there is a way for us to eventually move back over here.  

I have another FULL week, but James and Michelle are heading our way on Friday and we're meeting them in Florence before coming back to Vicenza.  We have a lot planned for their week here, so I'll definitely have plenty of pictures coming soon!  

And last, but certainly not least, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my bestie, Amanda!