The Felloship of the Oktoberfest

by Patrick Doran (Ireland)

I didn't expect to find Germany

I have always loved adventure facing the unknown and challenging myself, I invite you to share an adventure with me. I worked in London, traveling back home to Ireland as often as possible by bus and ferry I love to travel as each day brings new adventures and meeting new people making new friendships. Departing London at 4 am, on this occasion in early September the weather was challenging, I was tired and eager to get on the bus. I awoke hours later, I felt something was amiss as I was in the company of many French speaking people. I relaxed somewhat, after hearing Irish accents from the rear of the bus, this was short lived, the bus driver announced we would be arriving in Dover shortly. That woke me! I spoke to the group of Irish people explaining my dilemma as I was supposed to be going to Hollyhead Wales. They informed me that they where traveling to the Oktoberfest campsite in Munich Germany “to sample the German Beer, ensuring Irish Beer is the best!” they invited me to join their Beer Quest, with much arm twisting I agreed! I used my Irish charm to good effect and credit to the staff at the terminal, they made some phone calls and changed my tickets, I was all set to go. We arrived in Munich Germany, I felt like a child in a candy store, Ferris Wheels, music and people dressed in traditional Bavarian attire. Hundreds of kindred spirited people on their own Quests where in attendance, I could not stop smiling. It was then I learned my first German words I was told would come in handy later. 1. Danke meaning Thank You. 2. Ich liebe dich meaning I Love You. I learned the history of the first Oktoberfest, October 17th 1810 was opened with a big horse race. This was to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Having been informed on the traditional Bavarian attire women wore, a Dindl was a sash with a bow on it: • Bow on the right: The wearer is spoken for. • Bow on the left: The wearer is single. • Bow in the middle: Relationship status is none of your business! This prevented me from causing International disputes! As part of the Beer Quest each member had to write and send a post card to a friend, ex-girlfriend, work and parents. For each pitcher of beer drank you had to fill in a line on your postcard. Postcards in hand we proceeded to the The Grand Beer Hall, I remember drinking some beer, at some point the cards got posted! To this day the sound of Pop Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” echoes in my head fondly when I order a beer! I walked a local girl home placing my jacket over her shoulder, checking she had a bow on her left and I got to use my new German words! I found my way back to the campsite, listening to the sweet melody of some Irish songs I found the tent. What a night! Laughing long into the early hours! I returned to work in London a few days later, exhausted from an amazing adventure! My manager shook his head when saw me, with that knowing look, and in his hand he held a postcard, beer stained and a style of handwriting I had never seen before! My ex-girlfriend made a supersize visit to my house wanting to “talk!” My parents never received their postcard, I must thank that postman! I received a call from my friend, inquiring if I sent him a postcard from Germany, the card had beer stains on it, the first line was edible, the next line the writing was upside down and the last line said I LOVE YOU! He was a having to explain to his wife who sent the card to him! I denied all knowledge of this postcard to him and his wife. Until now! These events transpired all because I didn’t expect to find a group of Irishmen going to a Beer Quest.