In Melbourne steht ein Hofbräuhaus

Although the list is a major influence of our leisure time, there are pockets of fun that sidetrack the list. When compiling the list, I heavily relied on the recommendations of local Melbournians. That might be the reason why the Hofbräuhaus fell through the cracks and didn’t make the list. But rather than delving into an archeology session at this point, let’s get to the good stuff.

It’s late September and that means in Munich the Wiesn (the Oktoberfest) takes over the city. Early autumn paints everything with a warm golden brown tint. Locals wear their Lederhosen and their Dirndls at work, non-locals wear funny hats and everybody is a bit more relaxed and in a better mood for the 16 days of Oktoberfest. Although it is often portrayed as a beer fest, it is much more. It is a part of Bavarian culture, where parents take their kids for an afternoon out and friends meet for a beer after work. Even if you don’t like the Oktoberfest itself, you’ll most likely enjoy its impact on the atmosphere throughout the city. In stark contrast to my Kiwi girlfriend, I’ve never been too enthusiastic about the Wiesn. However, I enjoyed my annual visit or two enough to make me now feel a bit nostalgic about not being in Munich at this time of the year.

Melbourne and it’s surrounding areas have their own little Oktoberfest events going on right now. There is Cuckoo in the Dandenongs or the Red Hill Brewerie just to name two options. We chose the Hofbräuhaus to relieve our home sickness. Wearing Lederhosen or a Dirndl in Melbourne is as exotic as it can get. We got more than our fair share of looks and compliments in the tram and on our walk through the CBD. It’s all about the attitude how you sport your outfit. The only weird question was Emma being asked,  “Are you in the Amish?”

Although the place was booked out, we were greeted with a thick Bavarian accent at the entrance, received a warm welcome and were praised for our ensemble. Although the place was booked out, the staff went out of their way to get us a table inside. The power of the Lederhosen. Considering that the Melbournian Hofbräuhaus is more than 16.000 km away from its Munich headquarter, they do an upstanding job of creating a Bavarian experience. Of course, it’s not Berchtesgaden, but getting a proper Hax’n and a proper beer in decently sized glasses helps easing home sickness considerably.

They had a live band consisting of an Irish drummer and a German accordionist playing a great selection of Wies’n hits. They were all present: Skifoan, Wahnsinn and the Fliegerlied. Since we were the only ones who knew the lyrics, wearing our Bavarian outfits and having gained some Dutch courage from our first Maß, we quickly became part of the inventory and provided some entertainment for the other visitors. It’s not often that I’ve got to know so many new friends in one evening. Again: The power of the Lederhosen.

In Munich’s Hofbräuhaus there is a slogan prominently featured in the main beer hall “Durst ist schlimmer als Heimweh” (thirst is worse than homesickness) which Harriet was shown early on her arrival to Munich. Although I haven’t seen it in the Melbournian Hofbräuhaus, they do a good job at easing both. We’ve had a grand time and are looking forward to coming back. Next year, same time, same place.