* experience the thrill of the Alpina Bahn or Das Omen?
* eat corn-on-the cob, salt dill pickles, bratwurst, pork steaks, cotton candy, and chocolate dipped strawberries to one’s heart content?
* catch a view of Düsseldorf from high up in the air?
* partake of dozens of beirgartens?
At the annual Kirmes am Rhein of course, otherwise known to Buddy and I as the annual Düsseldorf summer carnival. Well, it is not exactly the State Fair of Texas (but again, what really is?) but it is THE place that for the next 10 days Düsseldorfers will be flocking to in order to enjoy the summer, be a big kid, ride the midway rides, and just eat, drink, and be merry.
Let me explain. Apparently, this is a big-time event in the summer lives of Düsseldorfers. Every summer, for about 10 days, a traveling fair basically sets up an entire fair ground with the typical things seen at a fair. Yes, there is a roller coaster (known as the Alpina Bahn), a ferris wheel, bumper cars, kiddie rides galore, a log ride (known as Wild Wasser), scrambler, fun-house…the list goes on and on. The names of the rides may be German but the concepts are universal. What is a bit fun are the local “tweaks” that the Germans have put on it.
For example, today, the various “oompah bands” from around Düsseldorf dressed in their German traditional costumes, played their German music, and marched through the streets of the fair into the largest biergarten on the fairgrounds. Very festive, although the woolen jackets, knee socks, and hats were looking a bit warm to me. Actually, the words "itchy" and "hot" came to mind.
The annual fair started yesterday, and Buddy and I were invited to join some other expats for a Saturday afternoon of fair enjoyment. For Buddy and I, we must confess it was the food that was the best part, as we had not had sweet corn on the cob dripping with butter for months (the Germans are not big fans of corn-on-the-cob – we don’t know why.). The piece de resistance was the huge strawberries that were dipped in chocolate (choose your poison: white, milk, or dark chocolate). Usually there are 5-6 chocolate dipped strawberries on a stick…pure heaven (see shots below).
After resting up after our first outing on Saturday afternoon, Buddy and I decided to check out the fair later that evening…lots more people, and a really nice summer evening to enjoy the festivities. The best part is that the carnival is literally located on the Rhein, about a 5-minute walk from our apartment. Of course, our neighborhood of Oberkassel has restricted driving access for the next 10 days so everytime we leave, we must make sure our special parking pass is prominently displayed in the car window, otherwise, there will be no admittance back into our neighborhood. Traffic is a bit of a challenge, but the proximity of the fair is perfect for heading down on foot from our place. So much so that we headed back down on Saturday evening for round 2 of "fair food". Not to be outdone, we went back today (Sunday afternoon) for a few spins on the ferris wheel (what a view of the Rhein), and yes…more food…including the chocolate dipped strawberries.
The good news is that we have another week of “fair fun” (and “fair food”, for that matter) before the fair packs up and heads to the next German city. The bad news is that I head out on a business trip to London and Warsaw on Monday and will miss the rest of the fair…as well as any future food runs. Fortunately for Buddy, he will be here and since it is only a 5 minute walk….well, you know the rest of the story…
PS – wonder how many more sticks of chocolate covered strawberries will be eaten by the Budman this week?
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