Blythe Spirit

Rocky Mountain High

Yesterday we drove to Munich and spent several hours at Oktoberfest, Germany’s version of the state fair only with gallons of beer instead of boring needlework exhibits. I feel a little bit bad that the first photos I’ve posted depict some of the most stereotype-enhancing images in the country, but I was living the stereotype too as a tourist wandering the food booths and pointing at pretzels and litres of beer. I did surmise a couple of things:
-”Take Me Home, Country Roads” is Germany’s informal national anthem. The hordes in the beer halls leapt to their feet whenever the bands began to play this song. And they all sang along, word-perfect. I wonder if they know where West Virginia is? Let’s face it, many US citizens barely know where West Virginia is. I remember that my fellow exchange students from Latin America really loved that other John Denver song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” Maybe he was the David Hasselhof of the seventies – international superstar?
-People here really do wear lederhosen. I estimate that roughly one-tenth of the revelers at the ‘fest were wearing traditional garb. I loved this, since I’m all about costumes. It made me want to rush out and buy a cute dirndl to wear next year. I’m not sure I have the (ahem) assets to pull off the décolletage part, but I like the slimming nature of the full skirt and apron. I’m serious about loving it – I can respect a culture where traditional garb is still a tradition. Like cowboy boots in Montana, maybe?
Now that I’ve seen the Disneyland of German beer fests, I’m looking forward to the smaller, more regional versions that will take place next summer in the villages throughout our region. By then, maybe I’ll find an appropriate outfit?

Thanks to those of you who are keeping your fingers crossed for us as we hunt for an apartment. We’re still working on it, but I remain optimistic. I used to spend a lot of time in hotels for my job and I did enjoy it, but I’ve realized that the enjoyment lasted because I knew I had a real home to return to at the end of each trip. Right now, we’re still searching for a place that feels like home.