It's Never Too Early to Plan

Well, 2008 is an off year for us routine Oktoberfesters, but I recently had a wild idea. I know, the difference between wild and stupid is a fine line; but please bear with me for a moment.

Next October 11 is Gregory's wedding day, and he has always wanted to go to Oktoberfest. So, I was thinking, maybe a bachelor party in Munich some time in late September. Just a small intimate outing with a few hundred thousand of our closest friends (or 4-5 real friends). I would also make an offer for some of his friends to join, but knowing their state of finances, I wouldn't expect any attendees. Maybe his Best Man/Best Friend since mom and dad seem to pay for almost anything anyway.

So..... would Gregory and I be the only attendees, or is anyone else willing (crazy) ? It's still a thought, but as we know, these trips are all about advanced planning.

Starting the Off-Season Postings

One of the problems with Oktoberfest is it only occurs once a year. Even worse, for our entourage, we only go once every two years. My attempt with this blog will be to encourage year round participation, regardless of whether it is an attendance year or not.

With that said, there might be some special dispensation for next year because of Gregory's wedding. What does that mean? Maybe an off-year trip.

What say the wild ones of the bunch?

Who knows, by then, a beer might be back done to $10.00 a litre.

A Sad Day in Oktoberfest Land

As I watch the dismantling of the tents, I long for that next fresh Mass, which is only 687 days away.

Good times.

Oktoberfest 2007, a good time had by all. (actual picture from this year's festivities...totally.)

Oktoberfest 2007: In Retrospect

Well, I sit here today at the office wishing I had a nice Mas of the Golden Elixir. Since I don't, I'll just reflect on our latest sojourn.

It was a success. Everyone is accounted for. There were no injuries (except for maybe Cathy's forehead Friday night). And most importantly, there were no arrests.

The weather was Wundervoll ! ! Lots of sun, warm, and no rain. Please thank The Grand Puhba for these arrangements.

The trip to Braustuberl Tergensee was a hit as well. Not only was it a new venue, but the town and scenery were great. And...... it was the only trip with ALL Oktoberfestians. Which leads us to my next point...

While the group was smaller than 2005 (10 people vs. 17 people), it still was difficult (and frustrating) at times to manage. Maybe the next Grand Puhba will have better success (or at least less frustration).

The reserved table at Paulaner was good and bad. First the bad... The tables were much smaller than those on the main floor, and they were crammed very tightly together. Who would have thought that the tables on the floor actually afford you some room. In addition, most of the people in the reserved balcony area seemed a little too reserved for us. No singing, no partying, and you weren't even allowed to be on the benches. YUCK ! ! ! ! The good.... It guarantees entrance ! ! ! ! If the tent had been closed, we would still have gotten in. So we were able to utilize our included beer tokens and coupons, and then scout out room on the main floor. All in all, it appears that the consensus is to try it again next time. ACTION ITEM FOR DAN ! !

While we always say "this is the last Oktoberfest", somehow these trips keep happening. I look forward to being a follower next time, and having the new Grand Puhba lead the way. Who will it be? BarleyMan who was unfortunately missing, or potentially the first international Grand Puhba, Barbus. While Barbus was elected during our final dinner in Munich, there seems to be some controversy about the type of ballot (not secret, hanging chads, etc). Barbus still purports that "if nominated, he will not run, if elected, he will not serve". We shall see.

I'll close for now with a final thought.....

The Prost was with us.

Did the Oktoberfesters make it home?

Did they survive? We haven't heard from them in a while...

I hear the Dayton Liver Reunification Center is working overtime.

Secret of the Brown Envelope Revealed

The mystery surrounding the envelope has been solved. Prior to leaving for Oktoberfest, The Grand Puhba was in secret consultations with hotel management, and the result of this international statesmanship was a Reserved Table at the Paulaner Tent ! ! !

That's right Paulaner Girl.. we had reserved seats, bier tokens, and coupons for more bier and food at your namesake tent. A great time was had by all.... Wish you could have been there.

BarleyMan... we missed your guiding influence, and look forward to our next sojourn with you in charge. I must warn you, however. Barbus is very excited about being the first International Grand Puhba. We have even anointed him Grand Puhba Elect. I suspect he would relinquish his title in honor of you, though.

Anyway, here's a link to all of the photos The Grand Puhba took during the escapades at Paulaner. These have not been edited or resized yet, so they are large. Be patient while viewing. A consolidated collection of photos and videos will follow shortly after our return.

http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u27/kvozel/oktoberfest_2007/?start=all

Until we meet again.... May The Prost Be With You.