Regensburg: Party On!
Even though this native of Texas has now been living in Regensburg for three years, some things still manage to surprise her.
It’s no exaggeration to say that you can find the best beer in Bavaria. Beer has been brewed in these parts since 1050, by monks from the oldest brewery in the world, Kloster Weltenburg. You can still visit this exact location, and drink yourself under the table with one good, dark Bock Beer. Bavarian breweries have got the skills!
The French have their wine, Bavarians their beer, and Americans… I have to think. But what amazes me as an American in Bavaria is the beer culture. Beer in the soda machine at the University, beer at the movie theaters, beer fests, beer gardens, and beer at work! In Texas, we have “Dry County’s”, or suburbs of the main cities that are forbidden by the government to sell alcohol! I remember driving my dad half an hour away from our city just to buy a six pack!
Regensburg has the highest density of bars in a single area in Bavaria, and you can party like a rock star just by zigzagging your way down the streets of the old town. I was shocked to see the many drunken guys staggering through the streets, singing soccer songs at the top of their lungs (even if there’s no soccer game), or puking in secluded corners. In Texas, you may be stumbling home and get arrested anyway, due to our strict Public Intoxication Laws.
The Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission even sends undercover officers into bars to make arrests for people who “appear” intoxicated, resulting in a $500 fine or a few hours in jail. Bartenders are also fired for drinking on the job or fined for selling alcohol to the intoxicated.
In Regensburg? You walk into a bar, and the bartender is dancing on the table! And if you’re lucky, you’ll see them set the bar on fire and blow alcohol filled fire balls onto the ceiling.
And you know it’s your night when they say, “You’re hot! Here’s a free shot.”, “You’re from Texas? Here’s a free shot.”, “Your German is terrible? Here’s a free shot.”, “You’re wasted? Here’s another shot, then maybe you’ll want to dance on the table too!”, and I’m thinking…
Regensburg is cool.
14.04.09 - online redaktion