Mugs n' Jugs
Oktoberfest is coming and the people of Bavaria are outraged. First, rumors were rampant that this year, beer would be served in plastic Maß (giant beer mugs to you and me). Yes, plastic, as opposed to the 20 pound glass Maß, that once filled with a liter of beer needs two hands for lifting, feet firmly planted on the ground, and two men to 'spot' you as you take a sip. Perhaps the plastic wouldn't bruise your forehead as badly each time you take a drink, but I'm still partial to the glass mugs (somewhere on this blog is a picture of Heather and Abby each with a Maß of beer, if you need a visual).
The second point of contention is regarding dress. It seems there was a move by the European Union to protect Bavarian breasts from skin cancer, with threats of outlawing the Dirndl in beer gardens. Now, as it turns out, it seems the Dirndl can stay, but it's fun hearing folks get riled up over it. Hopefully we did not show up in Munich a year too late to enjoy glass mugs and cleavage-stay tuned. You can read about the fiasco (and get a visual) here.
Speaking of Fests (as Munich is full of them) last week was the Jakobidult, in a section of Munich known as the Au. It was the 100th anniversary of this fair, which is kind of an antiques and house wares fair, but with rides, food and carnival games.
According to the official Muenchen.de website, “the name "dult" is derived from an old German word meaning 'observance': it was originally a fair in connection with an ecclesiastical celebration, attracting junk dealers, quacks and performers.” The festival is held in the plaza in front of Mariahilf church, and today seems to be a healthy mix of carnies and Catholicism. I went myself, and picked up a couple German B-movie posters from the 60s. One was for a movie called Das Dschungel-Mädchen, have you seen it? (The Jungle Girl auf English). Praise the Lord.
What else can I tell you? I passed my first German Language course, and am on a bit of a hiatus until I start the next. Additionally, I finally managed to get in touch with my internship supervisor, and have a meeting this coming Thursday to discuss possible projects, start date, and work hours. I am ready to start working, but also little nervous about diving into a workplace where English is not spoken. It is a good learning opportunity…it is a good learning opportunity… repeat as necessary.
Last weekend I went for a three-hour run along the Isar. I've befriended a girl who is training for the Munich marathon, and joined her for a training run. I have to say that I am unceasingly awestruck by all of the green space in Munich. I head out my door and in two minutes, I feel like I am miles away from the nearest city. Of course, on this particular run, it DUMPED rain after I was out for only half hour. I was completely soaked from head to toe for the remainder of our run, puddles in my shoes and everything. A cold soaked Dschungel Mädchen running through Munich's own enchanted forest. It was actually kinda fun.
This coming weekend, we are headed to French Basque Country! There are a handful of us going, and we have rented an apartment in Biarritz, France. Everyone surfs except me, but I may take a lesson when we arrive. I have started doing a bit of research, and am looking forward to seeing the sights, learning a bit about the culture, slipping into Bayonne (the nearby heart of the French Basque region), and hopefully San Sebastian, Spain as well, which is just a short drive from Biarritz. It will be a road trip, and I'm sure there will be much to take in during the ride. The next time you hear from me, hopefully I will have lots of good stuff to share.
Wort Auf!
The second point of contention is regarding dress. It seems there was a move by the European Union to protect Bavarian breasts from skin cancer, with threats of outlawing the Dirndl in beer gardens. Now, as it turns out, it seems the Dirndl can stay, but it's fun hearing folks get riled up over it. Hopefully we did not show up in Munich a year too late to enjoy glass mugs and cleavage-stay tuned. You can read about the fiasco (and get a visual) here.
Speaking of Fests (as Munich is full of them) last week was the Jakobidult, in a section of Munich known as the Au. It was the 100th anniversary of this fair, which is kind of an antiques and house wares fair, but with rides, food and carnival games.
According to the official Muenchen.de website, “the name "dult" is derived from an old German word meaning 'observance': it was originally a fair in connection with an ecclesiastical celebration, attracting junk dealers, quacks and performers.” The festival is held in the plaza in front of Mariahilf church, and today seems to be a healthy mix of carnies and Catholicism. I went myself, and picked up a couple German B-movie posters from the 60s. One was for a movie called Das Dschungel-Mädchen, have you seen it? (The Jungle Girl auf English). Praise the Lord.
What else can I tell you? I passed my first German Language course, and am on a bit of a hiatus until I start the next. Additionally, I finally managed to get in touch with my internship supervisor, and have a meeting this coming Thursday to discuss possible projects, start date, and work hours. I am ready to start working, but also little nervous about diving into a workplace where English is not spoken. It is a good learning opportunity…it is a good learning opportunity… repeat as necessary.
Last weekend I went for a three-hour run along the Isar. I've befriended a girl who is training for the Munich marathon, and joined her for a training run. I have to say that I am unceasingly awestruck by all of the green space in Munich. I head out my door and in two minutes, I feel like I am miles away from the nearest city. Of course, on this particular run, it DUMPED rain after I was out for only half hour. I was completely soaked from head to toe for the remainder of our run, puddles in my shoes and everything. A cold soaked Dschungel Mädchen running through Munich's own enchanted forest. It was actually kinda fun.
This coming weekend, we are headed to French Basque Country! There are a handful of us going, and we have rented an apartment in Biarritz, France. Everyone surfs except me, but I may take a lesson when we arrive. I have started doing a bit of research, and am looking forward to seeing the sights, learning a bit about the culture, slipping into Bayonne (the nearby heart of the French Basque region), and hopefully San Sebastian, Spain as well, which is just a short drive from Biarritz. It will be a road trip, and I'm sure there will be much to take in during the ride. The next time you hear from me, hopefully I will have lots of good stuff to share.
Wort Auf!
posted by mel at 9:17 PM
2 Comments:
Ok im confuzled please tell me what the fish on sticks are>? being a former carnie myself i cannot think of any game that involves these fish on sticks. Ok thinking thinking ummmm nope still cant, please explain.
I am totaly waiting for more posts and wishing my life was as exciting as yours. I get to live vicariously thru you my dear and learn the ins and outs of another world SO WRITE MORE EHY
Love Shannon friend from way way back (did you realize were old?)
Chickpea - you are such a brilliant writer! Wow, I love your site and stories. Please take pics and post them so I can pretend I'm right there with you. Oh wait, I'm single - maybe I should send you pics and see if you can find me someone to date. I'm done with the ones over here (i think) ;)!!!! Send my love to your gatos and Todd. Over and out, Garbanzo.
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