Thursday

After a two hour bus ride, we arrived in the village where Steiff bears originated in the early 1900s. We all had fun making bear heads (the body takes an additional 7 hours to make) and touring the museum. I had the best schnitzel - cheese schnitzel, which is basically mac and cheese, but with homemade noodles.

We then boarded the bus for the trip to Munich. It is a large city about the size of Las Vegas with the population of Phoenix. We are staying at a Four Seasons hotel right in the middle of the fashion district. Gucci, Faragamo, Chanel, Tiffany (see video), Dior.

Octoberfest originated in Munich, however, the date was changed a few years ago due to the constant rainy Octobers. Today, it starts in mid-September and goes until Oct. 3. Approximately 7 million people come to the city. It celebrates the marriage of King Ludwig and is held on the grounds that the wedding took place. The significance of Oct. 3 is the date that the reunification of Germany (East and West) occured.

Since beer is so prevalent here, for all ages, I asked about the incident rate of alcoholism and DUIs. Our guide said that because it is not the "forbidden fruit" it is in the US, it is not a problem. He said that when he was growing up, he wanted Coca-Cola and his mother said, "Come now, drink your beer." So for him to have Coke was a big deal and beer was like milk. They also have a great respect for beer since it has religious connotations due to its beginnings tracing to the Monks in the 1300s. I think the tolerance level must also be high because when they toast, they drink 32 oz in one swoop. The tradition of toasting also originated here - again, with the knights. When you toast in Germany, you are expected to look directly into the eyes of the person that you are toasting (probst) to see if they are trustworthy - to make sure they did not put poison in your beer.

Maypoles also originated in southern Germany (also referred to as Bravaria). Each town has a beautifully decorated one reflecting items of significance to the village. Ours in DC would have windmills, cement/garbage trucks, rebar and a snake! The maypoles are celebrated, obviously, on May 1 and must stay up for 7 years.

Jaci's observations:
Four-wheelers are treated like motorcycles. They are licensed and driven on the street.
There are a TON of bees here - I've only seen one fly and no mosquitos!
I am getting ready to come home!