First, more pics!!! Check em out. I've tried to be selective so as not to overload you. You have pics from my romp in the boonies with the cows. A party here in Aachen. Oktoberfest and Brussels. Find it as usual in the link bar.
So I made it out of Oktoberfest. Not exactly what people in the States (or others outside Germany) hype it up to be. Before going, I could never understand why so many Germans I had spoken to said, "Nope never been there. Not really interested." And now I sort of understand. The whole Oktoberfest is really just a temporary amusement park with some beer. That's it.
1) It is not across all of Germany.
Nope, just in Munich which is in Bavaria. In fact, Oktoberfest is actually just the place where the amusement park is. The rest of Munich of course has more going on because of the influx of toruists, but there is nothing special that happens throughout the city in general.
2) It's a big celebration with much German history.
Nope. There is certainly German tradition involved, but just Bavarian traditions. Most other Germans outside of Bavaria (which are many, many) don't care about or have anything to do with it. This leads to a big point.
3) Germany is not simply Bavaria.
Although not directly realized, that is a common stereotype for people outside Germany (and was for me too). Lederhosen, big pretzels, yodeling, fat white sausages. Actually, many germans sort of dislike Bavaria because: 1) They are more conservative and religious than the rest of the country; 2) They are proud to be Bavarian and a little arrogant maybe; 3) The rest of the world thinks that all of Germany is like Bavaria. Basically, Bavaria is like the Texas of the US. Including the fact that the rest of the world thinks that all of the US is like Texas and thinks like Bush (and has guns, etc.)
Since Oktoberfest, nothing is really new. Still single, no success with ladies. Um, pretty busy but enjoying myself here too. Making some good friends, particularly with a coworker called Sebastian. Good guy. Know many of his friends and they have all been really nice to me. If you guys read this, what up. Been partying the last two nights and working during the day on german, website, other stuff. Yesterday I rode my bike through Holland with Sebastian and another friend. Really nice backcountry Europe style - old buildings, small towns, farms, rolling hills. Stopped at a Hollandish cafe for some amazing cake and beer made from cherries. Unfortunately I don't have any pics cause I didn't want to be the tourist for the day. Just enjoy the moment.
Aight, gonna go and pretend to understand german tv. One last thing. If any of you have the money and the time to come and visit, know that you are welcome, and very much invited. I would love to see you and show you around. It's much cooler to be some where different when you can share it with friends. So let me know if you are interested, and we can make plans. later
