Munich is the kind of place beer dreams come true. As I have mentioned before Brad and I are home-brewers, so Munich was a must as we traveled through Germany. Our hotel was located a quick three minute walk from the Oktoberfest grounds, treading that path felt a little like a religious quest to the Mecca of all things beer. We intentionally missed October Fest by a week, but the festival fair grounds were still impressive.
The German culture has been a stark contrast to the other countries that we have visited. I get the sense that some of the precision and efficiency that German engineering is famous for is due to deeply embedded cultural values. The benefit of this attention to detail is reliable public transportation and an over-all pleasant experience.
Munich's notoriety for beer led Brad and I to accept the "Munich Beer Challenge", this challenge entails visiting 4 different venues, drinking copious amounts of local beer, and a single participant emerging victorious after a series of tasks that demonstrate your dexterity and beer drinking prowess. (Brad made it to the final 3, but was beat out by an Irishman)
The beer challenge was a wonderful adventure led by a delightfully sassy guide. She showed us a few of Munich's notable beer halls, taught us a drinking song or two, and filled us in on some of Bavaria's historical and cultural highlights.
Now, I am really jealous. In my days of drinking, beer, really GOOD beer, was my choice of alcohol. You two are in contests enjoying the best! How much fun can a couple have?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the postcard. I was delighted to receive it. I was away for a week visiting family. That's why I've been mum. Have another beer for me...or two, or three...love K.