In our recent gathering, the conversation naturally flowed from our culinary journey to the reasons people drink in our respective countries. It was eye-opening to see how attitudes toward alcohol varied.
In India, where I come from, there’s a stigma attached to drinking, often associated with challenging situations or seen as something only done by the less fortunate. It carries a more negative connotation.
Denis, representing Germany, shared a different story. In Germany, drinking is woven into the cultural fabric. It’s not just accepted; it’s normal. It’s a social glue that brings people together.
Milan, from Hungary, added his perspective, highlighting a unique cultural norm. In Hungary, there’s a certain societal expectation that everyone should drink, and not participating in this ritual might raise eyebrows—it’s just the way things are.
A big part of German drinking culture is, of course, the world-famous Oktoberfest. I got to experience a slice of this cultural at Heidi’s beer bar, a German establishment in Tampere.
Celebrating Oktoberfest was a blast. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and clinking beer mugs.
As I soaked in the Oktoberfest spirit, I couldn’t help but appreciate the diversity in our drinking cultures. From the stigma in India to the normalcy in Germany and the social expectation in Hungary, it’s fascinating how our backgrounds shape our relationship with something as simple as raising a glass. Cheers to cultural diversity!
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