Sharon here, We are having trouble with the WiFi connection here at the hotel so won't be able to send any pictures until we find another WiFi source.  Yesterday we spent the entire day at a thermal spa in Erding Germany.  There were 25 saunas ranging in temperatures from 35c to 80c with many aromatic therapies.  The rule was the participants were required to either be unclothed or wear a robe - I know most of you will be able to guess my choice...!!  Part of this spa was "not even clothing optional"  and part was bathing suit required - lots of families in this area.  We spent lots of time in the family pool area where Janice and Ed went down the water slides with the rest of the children.  There was a swim up bar in this area as well.  It was very interesting to say the least and to share in this European culture.  On the way home from the spa we stopped to purchase some wine at the grocery store - the wine was 3 euros each and it actually tastes pretty good!

Today we got up early so we could get to Munich to see the parade kicking off Oktoberfest.  We left our hotel by car - had Beulah (GPS) assisting us with directions to the train station, but she got confused so the trip that should have taken 8 minutes actually took about 30 minutes.  When we finally got on the train it only took us about 15 minutes to reach Munich.  We followed the crowds to the street where the parade went by and were very fortunate to be able to stand at the front of the row of spectators and right under the arch which said Oktoberfest 2012.    It is reported that over 200,000 people attend the parade and I think most were on the same street as we were.  The parade was amazing with lots of Belgium, Percherons and Clydesdales and Guernsey bulls pulling beer wagons.  The costumes were authentic and  traditional.  It sprinkled during the parade with some sunny breaks, but as the last float went by, it was like a switch was turned on and it started to pour.  Most of the 200,000 spectators tried to get into the beer tents all at the same time!  We decided to head back to the hotel to dry out and have lunch.  We played cards and drank wine and it is only now - 6ish that it has quit raining so we'll go back into Munich tomorrow to check out the celebrations.