Bad behaviour
Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest is a wonderful thing. I went once, with my mum. (I bought her a stein, she took one sip and said: “I wonder if they serve wine . . . ”)
Last week news emerged that locals are getting sick of seeing visitors behaving badly in skimpy costumes that mock the traditional outfits of Bavarian women — principally, it’s our boozedup cousins from across the Tasman and Italians (Kiwi beer fiends would be surprised by how much Italians and Spaniards love Oktoberfest).
For what it’s worth, I don’t think you can serve that much alocohol and be surprised when your guests misbehave. But there’s another point: How come some travellers demean every national dress they encounter and get their flesh out on display whenever they have a drink?
— winston.aldworth@nzherald.co.nz
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Email: sandy.kilgour@nzme.co.nz What was your greatest holiday?
From a long list of great holidays, and really not holidays but moments of travel that took me away from the ordinary, I would think driving a car through Italy.
And the worst?
A family vacation in Mexico.
If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Lying down.
If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
Wellington.
How about for a dream holiday internationally?
My dream holiday would be a journey through China but having somebody else guiding the whole adventure.
What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done when travelling?
Forgotten my passport.
Aisle seat or window seat?
I must have a window seat.
Complete this sentence: I can’t travel My passport. I say that three times before I leave.
What’s the best travel tip you’ve ever been given?
Travel light. I only do carry-on.
What was the most memorable meal you’ve had while travelling?
Eating live squid in Thailand.
What’s the best thing you’ve brought back from a trip?
A prized sculpture of a rhinoceros from South Africa.
Favourite airport at which to land?
A landing strip near a country home.
What’s the next trip you’ve got planned?
A trip to Alaska.