Train Passes Revisited: Yes or No ?

I believe it is time for a final discussion/decision on whether we should get train passes or not. My current opinion is No. What do you think?

I base my opinion on the following...
A twin pass costs $135US per person. So, assuming my math is correct, that's about $270 for the passes. Now, those passes will provide unlimited Deutsche Bahn travel and S-Bahn travel around Munich (not the U-Bahn). Looking at our proposed trips, the only true Deutsche Bahn travel would be to Kloster Weltenburg. This is approximately 18.8 Euro per person each way. At an exchange rate of $1.25 per Euro, that is about $93 for two people round trip.

An U-bahn single day/all zone pass, with a partner is 16 Euro ($20). So, even if a pass was purchased for four days, that's another $80. Total expenditures for train travel approximately $173; saving $100 over the passes. Now, I know I've probably underestimated a few things, but even with that, it seems like the pay-as-you-go method works out better.

Let the discourse begin......

Munich Preparation Day Has Arrived ! ! !

Eight members of this year's team begin the long and arduous training tonight at the Hofbrauhaus in Newport, KY. Beer and pork fat to be consumed, and reports to be delivered as early as Friday.

Dangers of Drinking Beer

Chugger specially for you reading your last HofBrauHaus posting about "Babes in Deutschland".

Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties and local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman.
Many females use a date rape drug on the market called "Beer". The drug is found in liquid form and available anywhere. It comes in bottles, cans, from taps and in large "kegs".
"Beer" is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and have sex with them.
A woman needs only to get a guy to consume a few units of "Beer" and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex.
Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several "Beers", men will often succumb to the desires to perform sexual acts on women whom they would never normally be attracted.
After drinking "Beer", men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before, often with just a vague feeling that "something bad" occurred.
At other times, these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life's savings, in a familiar scam known as "a relationship." In extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer-term form of servitude and punishment referred to as "marriage".
Men are much more susceptible to this scam after "Beer" is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females.
Please forward this warning to every male you know. If you fall victim to this "Beer" and the women administering it, there are male support groups where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter with similarly affected like-minded guys. For the support group nearest you, just look up "Golf Courses" in the phone book.

Some Thoughts as Munich Preparation Day Approaches

Unlike others, I have had the pleasure of sampling several (or should I say large quantities) of Hofbrauhaus brew in the last two months. Initially during the first week of May in Las Vegas I was able to consume the golden nectar at the Hofbrauhaus. One of those nights was with the pleasant company of BarleyMan. A few weeks later, I was also blessed with a three day visit to Munich, and actually stayed in the Hotel Platzl, right across from the Hofbrauhaus. Needless to say (but I will anyway), serious consumption was undertaken. I was even able to accomplish this with my traveling companions, the "Babes in Deustchland".



So, for you first timers, or at least for those of you that have not experienced a "Hofbrauhaus Moment" for some time, just remember....

1. "Ein Bier Bitte" will get you a bier. A litre that is!
2. Always visit a Hofbrauhaus with friends. If you cannot go with a friend, order "Ein Bier Bitte" and make some new friends.
3. Always document the occasion.
4. Your horrible singing voice will always sound great after a few biers, so please join in the singing. Especially if "Alice" is involved. (story to be told in person).
5. John Denver is the patron saint of German bier drinking. (another story to be told later).

Just that we know. Shopping !

When is Shopping ?

Shopaholics are in for a treat in Munich. The city's shops combine international names and designer goods with traditional Bavarian crafts. The main shopping areas are Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse, both lined with large department stores and international chains. Smaller, more exclusive boutiques can be found around Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse.

Fashion & Accessories, Shoes, Jewelries and Design.
René Lezard, Anne Fontaine, Louis Vuitton, Valentina & me, Bally, Burberry, Etro, Dolce & Gabbane, Gianfranco Ferre, Versace, Klamotte, Chanel Boutique, Tod’s, Hugo Boss, Prince of Wales, Hermes, Gucci, Unützer, Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, Escada Sport, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, Gil Sander, Petit Faune, Giorgio Armani, Wolford, Malo, Reiter, B&O, Mont Blanc, Rene Lezard, Jil Sander, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co, Loro Piana, Donaldson, Max Mara, Laurel, Georgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Hermes, Bogner, Longchamp.