We's Went to za Wies'n

Who'd have thought a snapshot of Oktoberfest could ever be so beautiful?

We went. We danced. We sang. But most importantly...we made it out alive. I shouldn't even mention the crowds, seeing as how Oktoberfest is the largest fest in the world. Man oh man, it was such organized chaos. Lynn and Stefan visited me Thursday until Saturday morning, and we had a nice two days of eating, walking around the city, speaking Engleutsch, and experiencing true Bayern culture.

I gave both Lynn and Stefan one of those heart cookies that you wear around your neck, usually given by a significant other or special friend. I knew what Lynn's said when I bought it--her's meant Think Of Me. But Stefan's on the other hand, I didn't know but I bought it anyway. The second word looked like it said Diene, and I thought that had something to do with serving. So I thought everything was cool. But sure enough, a few moments after we said our hellos and exchanged hugs, Stefan asked me if I knew what his meant.

Me: No...tell me.
Stefan: It means "horny bee."

Ooooooooooops!

I suppose that set the tone for the rest of our time together. As I shared my story about Julia and I getting stuck on the u-bahn (while the three of us rode), it happened...again. We got stuck! And speaking of stuck, guess whose face got stuck in between the closing u-bahn doors...Stefan! (There's a picture of him with hard evidence of the tragic incident.)


Thursday night's Oktoberfest trip wasn't too successful because we couldn't get a seat in a tent. It was too bad, too, because Lynn and I had worn our dirndls. Friday night however, we were approached by two young German men named Manuel and Max, who asked if we wanted some of their nuts. (Auf Deutsch...you know, those good roasted almonts or hazelnuts.) I just started laughing because that's what I do. I couldn't quite understand Manuel because he was speaking quickly, but I did understand that he kept telling Max, "sie lacht! sie lacht." (she's laughing!) Not before long, we decided these were decent people. Stefan approved. It worked out in our favor, because Manuel knew someone inside one of the tents. A guy came out to our group, put out his hand and said, "you're from Chicago? Come with me." I looked back and said, "No no, I'm not going if they're not going." Then I look back at our group and they were all like, "Gooo!!!"

So Nemo took my hand and led me into the big tent. It was actually quite hilarious from my two eyes because it was like we were VIP, German style. We completely got to bipass a huuuuge and crowded line and just waltz right in there. One by one, Nemo led us in the tent, and the five of us enjoyed each other's company.





It was so nice to have two guests with me; especially ones who are, or feel like, family. It's been tough to meet real Germans, too, so I'm glad we at least got to meet some "real" people and get an authentic taste of their culture. Classes went fine this past week. Even though we did current events and politics-two subjects I don't even like in English-I survived.

Also, for those who may be wondering, I received an e-mail yesterday congratulating me, saying that I have officially been accepted into the Strategic Communication major. I passed my test. So that's what's new. Sorry this has been such a random post. That's what happens when I don't get the chance to write for a few days. Wait just kidding, I'm always random.