Why we go to Oktoberfest

Bräustüberl – Zieglerkeller in Dachau

It is now time to pause, and share. Here are top reasons I go to Oktoberfest:

1. The bier. No matter where you go in Munich, you will be served some of the best beer in the world, by folks who care about what they are serving. The typical Munich style bier has great flavor, served at just the right temperature, and served in an appropriate size container, One Liter. And while drinking mass quantities will make you move slowly in the morning, I wouldn't describe it as a hangover, just your body's way of recovering from all the walking you did the night before.

2. The food. Sounds crazy, because I never go to German restaurants in the US. I am not a huge sausage guy, don't like Sauerkraut, or sauer braten. But give me some Haxen (pig knuckle), Hendl (Roast Chicken), Spaetzel (Noodles), and Bretzle (Prezel), and I am a happy guy. It may be the places we go, but I found that the restaurants are all good and all seem to focus on the quality of the food. The one thing that gets my goat more than anything is going to restaurants, bars, venues, where the proprietor doesn't care what they are serving to you.

3. The people. Bavarians are very nice people. In general, they see a lot of tourists, but are always willing to talk, and help us when we need directions, etc. The thing that always amazes me is the community feeling and tradition you feel in Bavaria. You'll see white haired old timers tipping glasses with 20 something with punk hair. I think it is a healthy thing. I'll also always remember the German couple and their kids I saw on the train, all heading out to the mountains for a hike. The boys, and dad, all had on traditional lederhosen. They had their lunch, probably bread, sausage, and cheese, in backpacks. A family oriented place.

4. The locale. Munich and its surroundings is a pretty magical place. Very neat and tidy wherever you go. The Alps and countryside is beautiful, and being from California, a welcome splash of green. The houses are built to last hundreds of years, with Geranium Window boxes. There are always new things to see, from the small hamlets, to the big city with hundreds of beer halls. It's just so goddamned civilized.

5. The Party. Oktoberfest is like a huge state fair, with a twist. The tents, with up to 9,000 people in each one, are unlike anything I have ever seen. thousands of people drinking one liter mugs of bier, singing along with the band, and generally having a great time. It is the reference of every event I have ever attended, and none even come close. I am sure Mardi Gras in Rio, San Fermin in Pamplona, and Palio in Siena are good parties, but when one thinks about 14 major tents, each with thousands of people, 16 days in a row, you get an image of how big a party this is. And in my 4 times I have seen maybe 2 "security" incidents. That is a testament to the German people, and the attitude that they bring with them to the fest.

6. The Friends. I save the best for last. I have know most of the folks on the trip for years. I met Einfahrt in 1982, Chugger in 1985, and others in the 90's. Our friendships are such that we can go for many years without seeing each other, yet when we meet, it seems like we pick up where we left off. While it appears we are growing apart politically, that just makes the conversation more animated. ;-)

See everyone on the 29th.