Hegwein Family Blog

THE SITUATION ROOM, SIESTA KEY

Due to our inability to marvel about young people and their trials and accomplishments, I will nevertheless contribute to the Hegwein Blog to bring some entertainment to the attention of all users. First, I will enlighten you about the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest, 18 days long and ending next week.

The current event is # 173 and naturally the largest. The large meadow, the Wies'n, 31 hectares in area is occupied by 14 large tents, provided by mostly breweries with seating capacities raging from a few thousand to 8400. There are over 100,000 seats for all those meandering through the tents and 235 amusement centers, among them an old-fashioned carousel and toboggan. The city fathers expect in excess of 6 million visitors who are in all probability consuming some 6 million Mass beer. Visitors are from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and of course most European countries. The Arab countries are unable to participate, preparing some sort of onslaught after the Idomenea incident in Berlin most recently. One liter beer ranges from 6.90 to 7.50 Euros. To pass the beer in effortless fashion, 964 toilet seats and 878 toilet stands are available, located in strategic places. I felt you always wanted to know some peculiarities about the art of drinking beer. The Oktoberfest started with a 7 kilometer long procession of old German and particularly Bavarian national costumes. They were joined by large groups of equally picturesque groups from nearby countries, like Italy, France, Slovakia, Montenegro and Czechoslovakia.

Those not in the mood of stemming a (heavy) Mass beer can visit their favorite restaurant of which there are some 75! One needs to be young to stay several hours in this very, very noisy environment. 60% of the visitors are 30 and younger. When dating, it is the ideal occasion to test the partner in a large assortment of "tests." Of the visitors 72% are (naturally) Bavarians. In 1985, some 7.1 million people waddled through the area! Organizers of the yearly event (since 1810) employ some 12,000 people during the two weeks of "fun." Since a Dachshund is the favorite dog in Munich and seen everywhere, actually a real fashion dog, he has become, since 2000, the official mascot, called appropriately "Wies'n Wast'l."

Our little Wies'n Wast'l

Noteworthy:

While in a seated position after many days executing my gardening duties, let me congratulate Karl and Natalie about their dedication to the silent sport of swimming. Much willpower is certainly needed to participate in such a program. In a few years, your effort will be rewarded. Good Luck for the next meet.

Stay Tuned!

Confidential sources revealed most recently that HUNTER was twice bitten by a co-visitor at the local hospital maternity ward while he was gazing in amazement at a new arrival: a girl the color of a Sudanese. We were assured that HUNTER will retaliate in swift fashion the next time the attacker advances!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Opa