5 things I learnt at Oktoberfest

Big flashing lights, crazy rides, lederhosen, beer maids, wooden food huts, thousands of people, giant beer halls, lively music, beer, beer and more beer...

Oktoberfest in Munich is something everyone should experience in their life time. Having spent a long weekend there, here's five things I learnt about the crazy beer-fuelled festival along the way:

1. Beer is better at Oktoberfest

Why does beer taste better in Germany? Especially when wearing a traditional beer maid's outfit and drinking it out of a litre steiner?

I don't know the answer to this question. All I know is that it's true.

2. Traditional outfits are a must

My black and blue drindle is officially my new favourite dress. Having arrived with a cheap, short dress impulse bought online, it soon became apparent nobody does 'fancy dress' as such. With the exception of a few silly t-shirts and hats worn by those who didn't get the memo - and that were frowned upon by the Germans, even requested to be taken off in the most traditional (and our favourite beer hall, Marstall).

There are two options at Oktoberfest: normal dress (which even then is questioned) and traditional lederhosen and beer maids outfits. The latter is not only more fun, but the dresses hold you in in all the right places, and if you're blonde make people think you're actually German - always interesting!

3. Italian men get a little overexcited

Being mistaken for German did have its disadvantages, however. Namely the effect it had on Itlian men, who felt it was not only acceptable, but necessary to make comments, take photos, grope, kiss, even follow you. It was like they were on heat. Not cool.

4. The Germans don't do Jäger bombs

Jäger bombs... a beautiful British invention. Definitely not German. Jäger? Yes. Jäger and red bull? No.

We knew this from a previous trip to Berlin, but it's an easy fact to forget once you've had a steiner or four. Alas, our after party at a wonderfully trashy Munchen bar, involved drinking a wonderful concotion of Jäger and red bull, poured like you'd have a vodka and lemonade. Surprised it didn't blow our brains off!

5. Curry Wurst is basically sausage, ketchup and some curry powder

Curry Wurst is an essential when you're in Germany, no? Well, no.

I managed to avoid Curry Wurst on previous trips to Germany, and now I know why. There's nothing exciting or appealing about a bit of sausage in glorified ketchup with a bit of curry powder sprinkled on top. I'd recommend steering clear.