Member-only story
20 Oktoberfests in a Row
The beer has left my system and the emotions have cooled, I can finally write with a clear and cool head
I love the Oktoberfest in Munich. Love it, love it, love it. Imagine if this had been an emotional article.
Lest you think the Munich Oktoberfest is about beer, let me tell you in a voice that is still hoarse from singing it is not. It is about people, songs, dancing, food, and celebrating life.
Yes, that’s it. The Oktoberfest in Munich is a celebration of life even though pretty much everything about it kind of speeds up the aging process. Or does it? Does it make us younger? If you can survive it, that is.
For now, though, let’s agree that this massive, beer event is really just a celebration of life and nothing less. And, yes, it is oh-so-much more. For instance, take a look at the image that accompanies this article.
This is one of the many rides that fill the space of the Theresienwiese, the large park-like field in the middle of Munich where the festival has taken place since 1810. This ride is my absolute favorite. If you are familiar with the swings found at other amusement parks, well this is the swings on steroids.
Called the Jules Verne Tower, it lifts riders 80 meters (240 feet) above the…
