Oktoberfest

I'm amazed that Oktoberfest is already here. Stefan and I spent the afternoon enjoying the Wies'n. There were definitely plenty of tourists and visitors. Many of them had already imbibed too many beers - that's one of the downsides to the celebration.

We also saw a group of very young teens asked to leave because they simply weren't old enough (under 16) to be partake in drinking. Stefan and I joked that because the tables are so crowded that someone probably asked the security to give an age check so they could steal their table. Then again, they were being rather loud and not exactly avoiding attention.

The other occasionally unfortunate aspect is the tracht. I am partial to the more conservative longer dirndls with the 'less is more' approach. It's really delightful when it's done well, however there are a lot of fashion faux pas that are made - especially with shoes. Boots and tennis shoes are just not acceptable. I am always surprised at the variations that I see... including this 'I just escaped from jail, but I am glad I found my tracht so I can blend in' look.

I'm also not entirely certain how I could forget, but Oktoberfest is seriously sensory overload. Not only is there plenty of beer flowing, the smell of roasted nuts in the air, and loads of décolletage, but there are the carney rides with blinking lights and interesting music to accompany them. I am curious how many people lose the contents of their stomach on many of these rides. I just hope I'm not underneath them when it happens.

Then there is the bathroom situation. It always pains me to have to wait in line for the restroom, because just like every other place the ladies line ends up being miles longer than the mens. While waiting there are inevitably interesting characters who want to talk... especially if you have a dirndl on. A few girls from one of the Contiki tours even asked to touch Stefan's lederhosen. They asked me if I come every year and if it was always this cold as they stood around in t-shirts in 50 degree weather.

For some reason I seemed to recall more people wearing tracht the years prior to this one, however the colder temperatures could definitely have something to do with that. Oktoberfest is definitely alive and well even with cooler weather.

I can't wait for Lauren to arrive on Wednesday morning (at 5:55am! - ouch). Then I will be able to play tourist with her and help her find a suitable dirndl. I already know she is going to have a heyday commenting on people's poor fashion choices.