Starkbierfest

 Everyone knows about Munich's Oktoberfest, but not a lot of people know about Starkbierfest, which runs during the time of lent. It started in the 1700s when monks started brewing this strong beer in order to survive the 40 days of lent. The beer packs a higher percentage of alcohol and more calories than other beer, so everyone leaves the festival satisfied at the end of the night. There are lots of different breweries that celebrate Starkbierfest, but the biggest festival (and the one we went to) was at Paulaner am Nockherberg. The atmosphere is about that of Oktoberfest (minus the hords of tourists) with traditional German folk songs, singing, and dancing on tables. I can't wait to go back this week!

Fasching!

I just got back from Paris late last night, and there are a whole lot of pictures waiting to be posted from that trip, but the weekend before I left, it was Fasching in Munich! Fasching is Munich's version of Karneval, where everyone gets dressed up and the city turns into a giant party. Going out at night was great, but even before noon, Marienplatz was full of confetti, blaring music, stage performers, and stands selling wine and cocktails. Too bad this holiday only comes around once a year...

And a Happy New Year

Silvester in Munich! This year included a potluck style feast, watching fireworks from the 20th floor, a champagne toast, and melting lead shapes over candles (a German New Years game that's supposed to predict your future.)

Christmas Party

A Christmas party with all the students in my study abroad program, our professors and their families. Christmas songs, secret santa gifts, food, wine, talking, and games. I thought I had seen everything at American Christmas parties, until the last half an hour of the party when someone brought out a box of fig flavored vodka, which is apparently common at Christmas time in Germany. So we all took shots of vodka with our professors before we said goodbye (can you imagine this happening in America?)... Prost! And Merry Christmas to my lovely readers xx