“Next, let’s discuss the romanticism and superiority of the European fests. They were fun, but let’s stay honest about it.”
The fests were awesome! Why? Gluehwein!
The key is to try to make a connection. When American Service members respectfully attempt to speak the local lingo and tries to understand local customs, the locals are often quite kind.
Many years ago, before I met the Mrs, I spent a lot of time wandering outside the comfort zone of most GIs. While enjoying the fests, I would meet groups of locals and I tried to speak as much of the lingo as I could, to the best of my ability. Often, they wanted to try their English and they would provide most of, if not all of, my drinks. Due to these interactions, I did not lack friendly female companionship; although I was very careful concerning the age of the young ladies; I turned down a lot of underaged girls.
All in all, I enjoyed myself. Now, looking back...I'm would not want to turn loose a teen-aged daughter at any of those events. It was fun for a young GI, but not a good place to send your kids.