has been channeled. You either stop, pick up your boat and portage. Or you lie back with steel tunnel only inches from your face. Itís dark and you can feel heat radiating from surface. Grit your teeth. Go with flow. Breath relief when you suddenly pop out into sunshine again.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest

Written by Jean Sutherland

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest

Travelers to Germany during late September and early October are in for an Oktoberfest treat: two solid weeks of beer drinking, revelry and entertainment. For a glimpse into festivities, as well as some of history surrounding event, read on.

Travel Germany: History of Oktoberfest

Even though event is named for month afterwards, travelers to Germanyís will notice that Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Originally, party began on 12th of October, 1810, with marriage ofCrown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event caused such a stir that it just had to happen again following year! This started German tradition that travelers from around world flock to see every year.

In 1818, celebration was comprised of one carousel and a couple of rides (appropriate for times). The beer tents didnít start popping up until 1896, and because Munich was quite a bit smaller than it is today, visitors to German Oktoberfest had to travel to a large, 31 hectare field known as die Theresienwiese, which was named after Princess. Locals, however, know area just as die Wiesn.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest Today

Oktoberfest in Germany to travelers is a lot like agricultural fairs elsewhere, complete with rides, merry-go-rounds, a