Opinion

Bacon in Amsterdam

With this special Autumn Leaf Festival edition of the Clarion Call, it would only be right to talk about what I did to kick-off the fall season since I couldn’t attend ALF this year. This year will mark my last ALF as a Clarion University student.

With that sad thought, I decided to experience the celebration of fall in a traditional European way. I journeyed outside Holland this past weekend and drove to Münich, Germany for Oktoberfest. There is this mental image of Oktoberfest from what the movie “Beer Fest” provided us.

However, it’s a traditional celebration in Germany that dates back to the early 1800s. When we first arrived in Münich, one of the first things I saw was a man in Lederhosen, which are the brown pants, high socks and suspenders. “Wow, that man’s going all out,” was my initial reaction.

But I soon came to realize my jeans, T-shirt and Vans were out numbered compared to everyone in the traditional German attire.

More than six million people attended Oktoberfest this year, and I’m happy to say I got to be one of them. Much as it should be celebrated back home, the festivals in Europe mark the last time communities can get together before the nights get longer, the days get colder, and winter finally falls upon them.

So, while I’m missing my last ALF and the apparent chocolate- covered bacon at one of the vendors, I’ve still been able to experience the change of seasons. I wish you all a safe and happy ALF.

For up-to-date stories of Bacon’s Amsterdam adventures check out baconthyme.blogspot.com or you can email your questions to bacon@clarioncallnews.com