Gender or Bender? Munich....

Well TSV 1860's progress in the German equivalent of the FA Cup was terminated by Hamburg SV on Tuesday night, three goals to one, but it was expected. But this got me thinking about posting a new "Gender or Bender" post, of which I haven't done for a spell. So, to get back on track with it's weekly posting, we take a trip to the capital of Bavaria, to discover whether its a destination for skipping or gipping.

Price- I visited during the world famous Oktoberfest, so you would expect to get a bit of a rinsing, but accommodation apart, it was very reasonable. If they had something akin to this festival in the UK, you just know that your pants would be thrust round your ankles at every opportunity, but our German cousins seem to have a fairer attitude to these kind of things. A stein would set you back about €6, which at the time was very reasonable, equating to about a fiver for a litre of top notch beer. Of course, as you are all probably aware, Sterling has taken a nose dive, so it isn't going to be the value it was a year ago, but in comparison to the likes of Holland, Ireland and France, I still think it rates as good value. The same goes for the grub, and the local transport system, very affordable. 5/10

People- What isn't there to love about the people who celebrate binge drinking for two whole weeks? Being drunk is not just accepted, but it is expected. Word to the wise for all you half pint Heroes though, the local Feds are tooled up and ready to go, so I would ward against any scrapping. Around the Festival site, legions of people can be found sleeping off the afternoons excess, in readiness for more of the same in the evening. If this weren't enough, the fit bird quota is sky high, and they enjoy dressing in local costume, which gets their breast shoved up nicely to eye level. In the City itself, the beer hall rules. They get rather busy, so you get sat where ever there is a space. My self and Funky, both lashed up to the hilt, found ourselves sat with a very friendly Bavarian family, who were very nice. This after a gang of grannies helped us find our U-Bahn train when hopelessly lost. Even the bouncers are helpful. When a pissed up Shouty and Crespo tried to gain entrance to an expensive Gentleman's club, the doorman asked what they were after. "I just wanna see some tits and arse!" slurred the Right Honourable. "I do not think this is ze place for you, it is €50 a drink" and pointed them in the opposite direction. I really can't find fault. 10/10

Stuff- "So all there is to do is drink" I hear you say, and you do have a point. I have no doubt there are many fine galleries, theatres and opera houses, but it is not the reason why you would visit. It is home to Bayern Mynchen, the Manchester United of Germany, but I would recommend a TSV 1860 match over them any day. No tourists (our selves excepted), just loads of locals out for the crack. A good tip as well, is to wear some TSV merchandise when trying to get into one of the big tents at the O'fest, as the guys who determine whether you get a seat or not, are more than likely Lowen fans themselves. There are excursions to the Alps and what not, but who cares when your at beer central? 7/10

Reputation- Superb. Anybody who has been will tell you it is brilliant, and not just those for the beer fest. As a European city, this to beer what Amsterdam is to hash. It was a dream to visit for years, and it didn't disappoint. 10/10

Intrigue- Right up there. I am sorry to harp on about the Octoberfest, yet again, but it is the worlds biggest party, 6 million revellers will visit during the two weeks it is on. Even when it isn't on, there a beer halls galore, including the world renowned Hofbräuhaus’, and several others of equal, if not higher calibre. The Löwenbräukeller near Stiglmaierplatz, is also an exceptional place to quaff a brewski. If I were to put together a plan, and I am trying to as we speak, everybody would jump at the chance. Of course, with the economy in its current downward spiral, affording it is another kettle of fish. A must do, before one dies. 10/10

Verdict- 42/50 Are you kidding!! Drinking schnapps with the chaps...............BENDER