Oktoberfest Doha Style.

Oktoberfest in the middle of the desert in an alcohol barren land - who knew it could be such fun. Tonight, we spent a great evening at the Intercontinental Hotel Beerfest tent hosted by all of the German companies present in Doha right now. It was a huge event under a massive marquee and attended by thousands of predominantly German speaking people, or so it seemed. The long tables and benches stretched out over the space, covered in gallon-size biersteins. Lederhosen and dirndls were everywhere (where do these people get the space in their luggage for this one time only apparel??).

There was hardly room for breathing, but there was certainly a vast amount of drinking and toasting going on. Singing, swaying and stomping reverberated through the place. The buffet was fabulous - tables groaning under the loads of Bratwurst, potato salads, sauerkraut, beef, and mouthwatering apfelstrudel. No pork...go figure??

A German oompah band had been flown in and added to the merriment and atmosphere - the sounds of the tuba and horns, the accordion, and the yodelling made for distinctly volkmusiek.

We joined with our companions at the table swaying from side to side, but refrained from standing up on the benches and didn't join those other brave folk dancing on tables. Space was limited (phew!) so we weren't able to join in the line of mensch being taught a German linedance equivalent or maybe it was the Polka? All in all, happy to be enthusiastic observers in our first real Oktoberfest, even if it was outside Germany.

Another memorable event in Doha.