Oktoberfest 2017
It all began for us with a friendly invitation, back in 2012. Then for the next several years we were back. I even wrote about it in beijing kids! The Paulaner Oktoberfest at the Kempinski remains our favorite thing about October in Beijing.
This year, of course, we attended. We had to choose the last date of the festival because Randy was going to be out of China for a few weeks earlier in October, and we had a special guest joining us, our friend Jenny who introduced us to this five years ago. She happened to be back in China for a few weeks, and wanted to stop in Beijing for a weekend.
Jenny came bearing gifts, including an Edelweiss bracelet for Brigid and a Gamsbart for Myles' hat.
There was food, piles of it. As well as Bier and Apfelschorle for the toasts.
G'suffa!
The Paulaner changed bands again this year, and, contrary to my suspicions with any change, they were fantastic. During the earlier part of the evening, when most people were eating, they positioned themselves in spots around the tent.
Up on the bandstand, they played a fantastic mix of expected Oktoberfest songs (like "So a schöner Tag" and "Cowboys und Indianer"), English-language pop songs ("It's My Life" and "Let me Entertain You"), and some German pop songs (a few by Helene Fischer and Die Toten Hosen).
"Tage wie Diese" is one of my favorite songs in any language, and I think I'm not alone.
So much dancing.
Brigid has waited years--YEARS--to participate in the cowbell ringing. She didn't push or shove, but she was definitely on her feet when the Showgirls brought out the table.
Such a great evening!
Best of all, old friends.
The Kempinski is currently undergoing extensive reservations. As a part of this, their normal brunch space has been closed for months. However, for Oktoberfest, they have been hosting a Bavarian-themed brunch in the tent. It was a nice way to hold on to the spirit of Oktoberfest a little longer.
The Showgirls performed a little more a few times.
And the band also played a few times on the floor, similar to what they did during supper the previous night.
Brigid took several videos of the Showgirls.
So viel Spaß.
This year, of course, we attended. We had to choose the last date of the festival because Randy was going to be out of China for a few weeks earlier in October, and we had a special guest joining us, our friend Jenny who introduced us to this five years ago. She happened to be back in China for a few weeks, and wanted to stop in Beijing for a weekend.
Jenny came bearing gifts, including an Edelweiss bracelet for Brigid and a Gamsbart for Myles' hat.
There was food, piles of it. As well as Bier and Apfelschorle for the toasts.
G'suffa!
The Paulaner changed bands again this year, and, contrary to my suspicions with any change, they were fantastic. During the earlier part of the evening, when most people were eating, they positioned themselves in spots around the tent.
Up on the bandstand, they played a fantastic mix of expected Oktoberfest songs (like "So a schöner Tag" and "Cowboys und Indianer"), English-language pop songs ("It's My Life" and "Let me Entertain You"), and some German pop songs (a few by Helene Fischer and Die Toten Hosen).
"Tage wie Diese" is one of my favorite songs in any language, and I think I'm not alone.
Brigid has waited years--YEARS--to participate in the cowbell ringing. She didn't push or shove, but she was definitely on her feet when the Showgirls brought out the table.
Such a great evening!
Best of all, old friends.
The Kempinski is currently undergoing extensive reservations. As a part of this, their normal brunch space has been closed for months. However, for Oktoberfest, they have been hosting a Bavarian-themed brunch in the tent. It was a nice way to hold on to the spirit of Oktoberfest a little longer.
The Showgirls performed a little more a few times.
And the band also played a few times on the floor, similar to what they did during supper the previous night.
Brigid took several videos of the Showgirls.
So viel Spaß.
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