Friday, September 18, 2015

AFP: Germany braces for collision of refugees, Oktoberfest - "But I wonder where it's going to stop," she said, referring to the nearly 75,000 migrants who have arrived in the region since September 1.





Munich (Germany) (AFP) - Ursula Stellenberger, a 70-year-old Munich native, has been joining the annual giant Oktoberfest beer party for more than half a century but says this year's edition is unlikely to resemble any other.

The largest influx of refugees seen in decades in Germany has run smack into what Munich calls the world's biggest popular festival, starting Saturday, creating a massive headache for security forces and leaving some locals nervous about an awkward culture clash.
Sipping a lager in a beer garden opposite the sprawling Wiesn grounds of the Oktoberfest, Stellenberger says she is "proud" of her hometown for welcoming war-weary Syrians and Iraqis with an outpouring of donations and hospitality.
"But I wonder where it's going to stop," she said, referring to the nearly 75,000 migrants who have arrived in the region since September 1.
"How many more are coming? Where will they all sleep, who will feed them? We want to help but there are also poor Germans who need help too." ...