With over 3050 registered varieties, Germany is a "Bread Paradise". Almost all available types of grain are used from wheat, rye, barley and oats to millet, corn, rice and potato starch, while bread rolls go under so many different names in the regions it is easier to just point.

Almabtrieb, ceremonial mountain cattle drives, have been part of farming life in Europe's alpine regions for centuries. Processions of decorated cattle creating cow bell symphonies, as they return to the valleys from alpine pastures during the last days of summer and beginning of autumn.

It's "Oktoberfest" although most of it takes place in September, an "Angel" on a hiatus from heaven attends every year, and one Munich Mayor opened it shouting "I'zapt os" instead of "O'zapft is", (it's tapped)...before any beer was consumed.

Albert Einstein worked there as an electrician, an intoxicated dachshund "came to" in Lost and Found, electricity used would give a home for four 52 years of power, and German emigrants have begun versions all over the world...but "Oktoberfest" began in Munich over 200 years ago.

Life without Currywurst is unthinkable for many Germans. Grilled sausage with curry sauce, the iconic fast food snack enjoyed everywhere from tourist spots to city streets, as well as a favorite photo opportunity for Presidents and Film Stars. Authentic recipe for the special sauce.

Federweißer might look like grape soda but is a delicious young wine with a KICK and short end of summer season. Although its traditional harvest time accompaniments Zwiebelkuchen and Treberwurst, a rich onion pie and sausages marinated with grapes then fried, can be enjoyed at any time of the year.