Four Great Things about Oktoberfest (Other than Beer)

As students, our first priority is school. We lose sleep over studying for exams. We cancel plans when we realize we didn’t finish that one assignment that’s due the next day. We spend more time with group members discusing presentations than we do our own family members. Every once in awhile, though, we need to just pack our bags and get away for a weekend. A change of scenery to recooperate from our stressful lives. This was the case for me at SFSU and it hasn’t changes just because I moved to a different continent. I jumped on a train to Munich, Germany to attend Oktoberfest opening weekend, a festival that’s known for serving millions of gallons of beer to millions of people. After three full days at Oktoberfest, I found that’s it’s more than just a place to get drunk. Here are four great things about Oktoberfest other than beer.

 

I’m pretty sure I ate just as much food as I drank beer. Between tri tip sandwhiches, hot dogs, ginger bread cookies, corn on the cob with garlic butter,  pretzels bigger than my face and so much more, I came home a few pounds heavier. I’m not sorry. The Bavarians take pride in their food and they should. Everything was cooked to perfection. I was never served anything cold. If I looked unsure about any type of food the employees took out the time to explain what was what. The variety had me eating five to six meals a day.

 

If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not wearing a traditional dirndl. I was never judged or laughed out for wearing jeans, a vneck and a scarf, but dressing for the event would have made the experience feel more authentic. I’m not talking about the cheap costumes you see online. You know, the kind where the skirts and neckline barely cover that they’re supposed to. Buvarians know the different between a costumer and a traditional dirndl. Some find it offensive, others use it as a way to spot tourists. Either way, the Buvarians take a lot of pride in their tradition and culture. Though it isn’t a requirement to dress like them, it’s a sign of respect. One that I wish I had given when I attended the event.

Fourteen tents. Numerous liters of beer. No personal space. This type of environment forces you to interact with people aroound you. It’s also part of the fun. I spent a few hours talking to girls from New York who spent 90 days backpacking across Europe. The first night I met a man from Ireland who just sat right next to me and struck up conversation. The last evening I met a group of students from Germany. They had recently visited San Francisco and we enjoyed talking about our traveling experiences. By the time my boyfriend and I were leaving, one of then gave us his name and number and told us we were welcome to stay with him should we ever wish to visit Munich again. At Oktoberfest, every one is friendly and open. Be ready to strike up conversations with random strangers. 

 

Oktoberfest isn’t all about the beer tents. It offers so much more. Rides, games and food stands can keep you busy for hours. It’s also appealing to those who wish to have an alcohol free night In the morning afternoon, parents bring their children to run around and go on the different rides. By night, intoxicated men and women come out to get away from the hot and stuffy beer tents. Nothing is more amusing than riding bumper cars with intoxicated people who can barely see straight. The carnival-like environment is also appealing to those who want an alcohol-free night. Rides, games and food stands can keep you busy for days at time.

 

Oktoberfest didn’t disappoint. It was worth the six hour train ride there and the ten hour train ride back. It’s an event I will put on my calendar next year and would recommend to anyone  who is able. Munich was a great location for a getaway weekend and I look forward to going back soon.