Prost!

We made it to Oktoberfest this year!

Okay, not really. We missed it by three weeks.

During a recent hop to Munich for a look around, we happened upon the fest site. I told my husband I wanted to get closer to snap a few pictures. To our surprise, the majority of Oktoberfest was already set up...and the grounds were open. In the States, you would never see a fairgrounds open to the public prior to the event, but here you could wander freely.

It was strange as we walked the streets of the famed fest. They weren't filled with masses of people or a barrage of sounds, rather it was quiet, with the only noise coming from the occasional bicyclist or walker also out to enjoy the area.



The Munich Oktoberfest opens tomorrow and runs for sixteen days. I'm actually happy that we were able to enjoy it the way we did. But to all those going - PROST!

Walking

Cobblestones in the woods near Stuttgart
August 2009

Autumn is coming. The mornings are cold. The air is crisp. My little boy started school. To me, autumn feels like New Year's. Everything starts over again...at least in the world we live in.

I took a walk in the woods this morning to clear my head. Amazing what a little fresh air can do...and some selected music on an iPod. I think better when I'm out walking on my own. I can get a grasp on things. I can get all my ducks in the proverbial row. And now I'm ready. Come on, autumn, show your colors. I'm ready.

Music from my iPod... The Show by Lenka

Stuttgarter Weindorf

The Germans love food and drink festivals...and I admire them for that.

We spent a recent afternoon at the Stuttgarter Weindorf. Nothing like a festival where it's just booth after booth of fabulous local wine and food.


So many choices, I finally settled on a plate of mushrooms and spaetzle, followed by a glass of Bottwartal Kellerei Trollinger. Trollinger is a light red wine produced in our area of Germany, perfect for this mid-afternoon treat.


Sadly, I was so full after this that I had to pass on the waffle with raspberries and cream. Heaven help me when the beer festivals start at the end of this month.

The things you see

Flexible
Stuttgart, August 2009

I file this under the same category as the Indian - you just never know what you're going to see.

Can you imagine being this flexible? I certainly cannot. Joining her in her street routine was her fire-eating husband and three boys who could do various balancing tricks. I guess that is one way for a family to earn a few extra Euro.