Weissbier Carousel

In addition to the many beer tents at Oktoberfest there are a lot of amusement park rides and activities. You can ride a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, water rides, swings, etc. I did this once with my son, Spenser, and vowed never to do it again.

However, there is one ride that I truly enjoy. I have introduced it to many of my guests and friends and I they all agree it is definitely the single best ride at Oktoberfest. It's subtle, it's understated, and yet it's a delight: The Weissbier Karusell!

So, how does one ride the Weissbier Karussell? As you approach the attraction, you'll see that it is already spinning counterclockwise. Looking for an opening on the 360 degree bar, time your jump from the asphalt on to the moving Carousel. It is important to get both feet onto the ride at approximately the same time. There are, however, many handrails to ensure your safety. Once on board, I recommend that you first acclimate to the speed before proceeding to step two: Ordering.

Once you are ready to order, you must make eye contact with one of the three or four bartenders on board. Simply hold up your finger indicating how many Weissbiers you require. For one, raise your thumb - just like the American thumbs'up signal. For two, it's the thumb plus the index finger; for three, the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger, and so on.

The bartender will tap you a fresh one in a real Weissbier glass and then set it in front of you. At this point you need to fork over the dough - the going price is something like 3 Euros, plus a 3 Euro deposit on the glass.

Once everyone in your party has been served, it's time to look your buddies in the eye and say "Prost". Gently clink the bottoms of the glasses together with each member of your party and then take your first sip. Ahhh, that first Weissbier of the morning is a special feeling, isn't it?

Enjoy your beer without rushing. You're in Germany. In Munich. At Oktoberfest! Enjoy the beer and savor the freshness. Take note of the decor of the Karussell, the ladies in Dirndls (or the lads in Lederhosen, whatever does it for you) . You have the best perch for people watching.

One the Karussell that I frequent, the ride is decorated with the images of women from Ludwig I's Schönheitsgalerie. In the days before Playboy Magazin, Ludwig I had portraits of the most beautiful women in Munich painted for him. These portraits were all placed in one room inside of Nymphenburg Castle on the outskirts of Munich. In fact, even Lola Montez is here - the hussy that almost brought down the Bavarian king.

Unfortunately everything has an end (only the sausage has two). When you are ready to dismount carefully take your glass in one hand, grab a handrail with the other and ever so carefully dismount the apparatus.  You should have noticed that there is a station set-up next to the ride to take back the glasses and return your deposit. Make your way to the person there with your glass and chit and you'll get your 3 Euros back.