Fall 2018
One of the biggest festivals in the world happens every year in Munich. Octoberfest lasts three weeks at the end of September and the beginning of October. Around this same time is Volksfest (Volk means people) in Stuttgart. While Octoberfest is a huge tourist attraction, Volksfest is smaller and a bit more German. Both are basically huge fairs with massive beer tents. There are lots of games, rides, food, and people in Lederhosen.
As a warmup for Octoberfest, I started with Volksfest in my home city of Stuttgart. A friend from San Diego, who now lives in Heidelberg, came to visit.
After a warm up weekend, I was ready for the big time, and headed back to Munich for Octoberfest. My San Diego friend joined for this adventure as well, unfortunately she took a tumble and sprained her ankle so badly we had to go to the hospital. Convincing her to go to the hospital was difficult, but once there the healthcare provided was great, a faction of what it would have cost in the states, and insurance covered it entirely. It made the whole experience a bit more interesting.
This is Lady Bavaria. Next, you will have a view from her nose.
Perhaps the best salmon I have ever had.
Here is an outside look at many of the beer tents. You can book tables in advance or walk in if only a small group.
I got in a day before my friend, so I went into many of the beer tents to check them out and make new friends along the way. These bros are from San Diego.
Spent a short time repenting my sins the next day.
We did a little sightseeing before heading into the festival. This is Marienplatz, the main square in Munich.
This continuous wave is on a small river running through Munich in the English Garden. Surfers come from all over to surf it.
We got into the tent with a group of Erasmus students.
We called this, “pass out hill.” This picture was taken around 3 in the afternoon and it was already full of people passed out from drinking too much beer. It later became, “busted ankle hill.”
Busted ankle, but it’s still Octoberfest.
Prost! (German for cheers)
The week after Octoberfest, I did some training to become a Duke of Edinburgh mentor. This included learning how to navigate and plan hikes with only a compass and map. The Duke of Edinburgh program is designed to create well rounded youth. A big part of the program, in addition to community service, skill development, and physical activity, is to plan a multi-day hike and get around without technology. It’s a great program for high school students. I am glad to be a part of it and to be standing on ruins of a Roman wall.
