September 2005
When you’re Smiling...
Reasons to be cheerful this September
Ugh. The holidays are over. But, before you sink into that post-summer depression, here are a few reasons to be cheerful: for starters, September is possibly one of the best months to be in Munich. After months of volatile “call this summer?” weather, September often brings with it a glorious Indian summer, meaning, yes, you can swan around in that holiday kaftan one last time—this year’s must-have garment, after all, is likely to be next year’s big no-no. Meanwhile, you’re unlikely to be envious of friends jetting off for a few days, because, let’s face it—most of them will be heading here. Yes, it’s
Wies’n time, when Munich is the only place in the world worth being. And, this year, the fact that the holiday to mark the Day of German Unification falls on the Monday after the Oktoberfest means we even get an extra day. Now, whether you’re the type who hums “Hey Baby, ooh aah” in the bath, or whether the first strains of Viva Colonia have you wishing you were indeed far away in Cologne, you can’t fail to welcome that air of permanent drunken elation that descends on Munich for two weeks. In town, in the S-Bahn, everywhere you look: any grumpiness is forgotten and people wander around beaming, almost as if weltschmerz never existed. We’ve compiled a special guide to the
Wies’n in our “News & Views” section—check out what’s new at this year’s festival. If you’re after some essential trivia to keep the conversation flowing, be sure to read the
Beer Wars feature on page 20. It seems Munich’s favorite tipple has not always been the source of much happiness! Of course, the Oktoberfest is not a matter to be taken lightly. Knocking back liter after liter of Helles is a challenge for even the most hardened party people. Which is why, this month, we’ve put together a special health feature on ways to get you through
Wies’n fortnight (p. 14).
And, speaking of health and fitness, September is also a great time to kick-start your life. Never mind waiting until the new year to get to grips with those things you’ve been meaning to do for years. Do it now! Unlike January, which is a cold and miserable month, September is a far more inspiring time, mentally. You’re refreshed after a summer break and yet the autumn depression hasn’t yet set in. How about attempting a cycle marathon around Munich? Check out our feature on page 41 for details. Or, if sports are not really your thing (and never will be), then why not better yourself in other ways? Pick up a few tips from the pros at one of Munich’s numerous cookery schools, for example, and make sure your Christmas dinner parties are the ones people remember! We donned our aprons and tested the best for you (p. 36).
If all that doesn’t manage to chase away those post-holiday blues, then there’s only one thing for it (short of hooking up with a few of the Italians who habitually descend on Munich for the Wies’n, mamma mia!): go away again! There’s no need to go to the other end of the world, or fork out a small fortune. Our travel feature on page 38 looks at a host of undiscovered Italian gems, within just a few hours’ drive of Munich—perfect for a weekend break to recharge those batteries. Ah, la dolce vita! <<<
