Oktoberfest, Third Day DT's
Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 4:48 PM by Lonely Planet
Around about now you start having very fond feelings for Betty Ford. But it's definitely time for an after-dark soiree. The horror...the horror...the Australian teens have been off-loaded in our hostel having arrived by bus from the 'coffee houses' of Amsterdam. Their projectile vomiting abilities have been raised to a fine art and results serve as our signposts along the sidewalk to the Wies'n. Unearthly 'traditions' take over Oktoberfest at night and one of them seems to be that if you can still walk, you haven't behaved well at all. There was talk about the locals not encouraging or even tolerating the worst of inebriants this year. Yeah, right.
A real oddity at Oktoberfest is that it's almost impossible to buy a beer. I spotted only two little cafes - 20 to 30 deep in people queuing - where you could score a frothy glass or a bottle. Your only other option is to somehow make it into one of the vast tents. Problem is thousands of roaring drunks have been sitting at the tent tables since 8am, holding down places for others that will arrive later. You want in? You wait. And wait. And keep yourself fortified with roasted wurst, handfuls of caramelised almonds and whatever beer arrives courtesy of passing strangers or 'scouts' that are sent out into the fray to score. 
The mating rituals of Oktoberfest can be as visually assaulting as anything else you're likely to see. Dark patches of shadow just off the midway become cluttered with writhing bodies while in the tents themselves you'll encounter pairs of blotto'd faces doing their level best to mutually suck themselves out of existence. The faint of heart should stay well within lighted areas.
And the lights themselves on the Wies'n at night from the horror houses, ballistic rides and the occasional ambulance arrival are a huge part of the show all by themselves. You'll want a tripod if you really want to get the full spectrum of this weird spectacle. But, come to think of it, you'll probably need that tripod just to lean on by now.
- David Peevers is keeping us updated on the business of beer at the 2007 Oktoberfest so stay tuned for his next post (if he manages to stay up straight).
Labels: Culinary culture, Europe, Festivals and events
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5 Comments:
I went to Oktoberfest last year while I was studying abroad through the Italy CIMBA Program (www.cimbaitaly.com). It was great. We lucked out and one of our week long travel breaks fell during Oktoberfest. We had so much fun!!! We made some friends with some locals who taught us their songs!
This past month, four 40 something year old dads left the comfort of our cushy homes and families in Central Connecticut and ventured to Oktoberfest via Prague and Salzburg. By the time we had made it to Oktoberfest and the HaufBrau tent we were in shape for the festivities of the night. However, we were ill prepared for some of the sights we would witness. Oktoberfest is not for the faint of heart, but it was as enjoyable a time as I have experienced along w/7000 of my closest friends all singing in unison, "who the f*ck is Alice?"
I haven't been fortunate enough to go to Oktoberfest yet, but I just went to Munich this summer on a Contiki. I went to the Hofbrauhaus, and it was the best time I've had in a while. We sang, danced and drank (of course). I taught my friends how to ask for a beer in German, "Ein bier, bitte." In all, I loved Munich and definitely want to go to Oktoberfest the next time I'm in Europe.
I'll be going again this year. We go every year, I'm a die hard fan.
This year the average price of a litre of beer will be 8 euros.
I actually have a fan site, dedicated to providing people with the info they need from a fan perspective, rather than the organisers:
http://www.oktoberfest-club.com
We'll be there from Weds 24th Sept to Sat 27th, go on my forum and let us know if you want to p.a.r.t.y!
I ll be there as well :)
by the way, for anyone coming this year, I ll be happy to share a room.
have a look if you are interested:
Oktoberfest
2008 room / accommodation
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