Fruhlingsfest

Yesterday, Justin and I got exposed to one of the infamous German fests, the Fruhlingsfest. This is the Spring equivalent to the Oktoberfest, and yesterday was the kickoff to the month long event. Our host parents, Jeff and Hope Call, took us down there to meet up with some of their coworkers. We took the subway, which was packed, and everyone got off at the same stop. The fest is set up in the fairgrounds in downtown Stuttgart and the place was absolutely packed. Everyone was dressed in their Fest-best ranging from miniskirts and heels to full-blown lederhosen getups. We were very impressed with the set up; the carnival rides, games, and food venders were similar to a State Fair in the U.S., but on a much grander scale like a permanently established amuzement park would have. The smell of "wurst" and fried snitzel was in the air, which was hot and sticky. It was one of the hottest days Jeff and Hope had ever experienced in their time in Germany. We decided to pass on the gut-tossing carnival rides, and headed straight for a beer tent.

The beer tent was huge and packed with drunk "festers". Of course it was loud, crowded, and sweltering hot in the tent, but it was the place to be. There was a live band playing American songs, and everyone was singing along and dancing on the tables. Because the beer was only served in one size mug, 1 liter, it was not long before we were joining them. After a couple hours, we had had enough and decided to go check out what kind of greasy goodness the food venders had to offer. We decided on splitting a rothwurst and some schpfnudln cooked with sourkrout and ham pieces. I also got a chocolate covered banana from another cart that had pretty much any type of fruit (strawberries, coconut, pineapple, chili peppers) covered in chocolate. We also stopped by a cart on the way out that sold carmelized, roasted nuts. I would say (minus the carnival rides) we experienced everything the Fhurlingfest had to offer. It was fun, but I think I've had as much fest as I can handle.

Prost!

~Michelle