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Mr_Mike 講師のコラム

Oktoberfest: a playground for kids and adults!

今週のテーマ: 今まで見た中で一番ユニークなお祭りは?

2020年8月27日

 

The most unique festival that I’ve ever been to is the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. This two-week event appeals to all ages because on one side you have games, haunted houses and rides while on the other side there are massive beer tents full of locals dressed in lederhosen – traditional Bavarian attire – and tables full of mouth-watering German cuisine and 1 litre mugs of beer.

I was twelve years old the last time I went, so sadly I’ve never had the privilege of drinking beer there. However, when I lived in Germany, I’d go with a group of friends every year and we’d blow all our money on (= spend all our money recklessly on) shooting games and roasted candied almonds. We’d line up for ages to get on rollercoasters like the Olympia Looping (five loops!) and entertain each other with horror stories of rollercoaster cars coming off the tracks!

Although I’ve never been in one of the beer tents as a drinker, I have heard stories of romance that began in these Oktoberfest tents. Apparently, my uncle and aunt first met under a table in one of the beer halls when she was looking for her shoe! Decades later, they have four kids and a grandchild! Fate works in mysterious ways.

Unfortunately, the Oktoberfest has been cancelled this year because of the coronavirus. The video above will help your listening skills and give you some idea of the one-of-a-kind atmosphere at the Oktoberfest.

Have you been to the Oktoberfest before? What was your favourite thing about it? Write your answers in the comments section below.

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