Andrew Pell: German Shenanigans

After 3 and half full on weeks around Norway, Scotland & Ireland both Isaac and I were on somewhat exhausted. However we had to power on as Germany awaited. We caught a very early plane from Dublin to Munich and then a train to Stuttgart where Isaac's Aussie cousin Luke is now studying and working. It was so nice to be back in the comfort of a home, hot shower and a bed long enough to lie horizontal! We spent the next day sleeping, showering and shopping for a lederhosen (traditional beer drinking pants with suspenders!)

The boys suited up in our Lederhose - ready to go!

We were now ready to catch a train back to Munich to take part in Oktoberfest. Over 6 million people attend this 16 day beer festival which is an important part of Bavarian culture. So with around 14 tents (not just your average backyard marquee) that can fit up to 7000 people you have one huge festival space that apparently takes 3 months to set up! Ok enough with the facts..... What do you do at this festival you may ask? The answer is simple.... You drink 1 litre beers, eat half a Hendle (chicken) or Schweinsbraten (roasted pork knuckle) for lunch whilst enjoying music from a live brass band and the company of your fellow beer drinking neighbours.

Chickens.... Lots of them!!

Beers... The beer wench can carry 10 of these 1 litre thumpers!

Live brass band (this one in a boat) and a packed tent!

The only thing Oktoberfest has against it is that there are a ridiculous amount of tourists, mainly Americans and yes you guessed it.. Australians! Ahhhh we were reasonably lucky not to bump into too many boardshorts and thongs! 1 day at Oktoberfest was enough and we caught the last train back to Stuttgart after a huge day of indulgence and dancing!

Germans love a festival... And beer festivals take place all over the country in late September early October. Lucky for us there was one right on our doorstep in Stuttgart! Volksfest or Warsen as the locals call it is basically exactly the same as Oktoberfest but minus the 100 000 drunken Australians! A rest day was well needed after Oktoberfest however the AFL grand final had us awake at 6am in order to watch it live. Isaac and I were both feeling tired, hungover and now homesick as the sun was shining beautifully over the grand final in. My homesickness faded as I imagined the streets of Melbourne to be infested with feral Collingwood fans!

We spent 2 and half days at Volksfest (yes mum we did go home for sleep) and each day seemed to get better as we learnt all of the German songs and dances. So much beer, so much chicken, so much pork, so many friendly locals and a ridiculous amount of fun. I would recommend this festival to everyone, even if you don't drink beer. Families with young children and the oldest of oldies even come to get into the festival spirit. If only Australia had some festivals half as good as this!