A True Field Researcher

As I begin the ritual of preparation and inner-self cleansing, I found my Field Research Team T-Shirt. While we have not visited all of Mr. Hawthorne's wondrous gathering places, we sure have made a significant effort. Maybe this trip will add another or two. I can wonder about Forshungs, Park Cafe, and Weisses Brauhaus. Three more for the record ! !

This is what my T-Shirt currently looks like....

Why we go to Oktoberfest

Bräustüberl – Zieglerkeller in Dachau

It is now time to pause, and share. Here are top reasons I go to Oktoberfest:

1. The bier. No matter where you go in Munich, you will be served some of the best beer in the world, by folks who care about what they are serving. The typical Munich style bier has great flavor, served at just the right temperature, and served in an appropriate size container, One Liter. And while drinking mass quantities will make you move slowly in the morning, I wouldn't describe it as a hangover, just your body's way of recovering from all the walking you did the night before.

2. The food. Sounds crazy, because I never go to German restaurants in the US. I am not a huge sausage guy, don't like Sauerkraut, or sauer braten. But give me some Haxen (pig knuckle), Hendl (Roast Chicken), Spaetzel (Noodles), and Bretzle (Prezel), and I am a happy guy. It may be the places we go, but I found that the restaurants are all good and all seem to focus on the quality of the food. The one thing that gets my goat more than anything is going to restaurants, bars, venues, where the proprietor doesn't care what they are serving to you.

3. The people. Bavarians are very nice people. In general, they see a lot of tourists, but are always willing to talk, and help us when we need directions, etc. The thing that always amazes me is the community feeling and tradition you feel in Bavaria. You'll see white haired old timers tipping glasses with 20 something with punk hair. I think it is a healthy thing. I'll also always remember the German couple and their kids I saw on the train, all heading out to the mountains for a hike. The boys, and dad, all had on traditional lederhosen. They had their lunch, probably bread, sausage, and cheese, in backpacks. A family oriented place.

4. The locale. Munich and its surroundings is a pretty magical place. Very neat and tidy wherever you go. The Alps and countryside is beautiful, and being from California, a welcome splash of green. The houses are built to last hundreds of years, with Geranium Window boxes. There are always new things to see, from the small hamlets, to the big city with hundreds of beer halls. It's just so goddamned civilized.

5. The Party. Oktoberfest is like a huge state fair, with a twist. The tents, with up to 9,000 people in each one, are unlike anything I have ever seen. thousands of people drinking one liter mugs of bier, singing along with the band, and generally having a great time. It is the reference of every event I have ever attended, and none even come close. I am sure Mardi Gras in Rio, San Fermin in Pamplona, and Palio in Siena are good parties, but when one thinks about 14 major tents, each with thousands of people, 16 days in a row, you get an image of how big a party this is. And in my 4 times I have seen maybe 2 "security" incidents. That is a testament to the German people, and the attitude that they bring with them to the fest.

6. The Friends. I save the best for last. I have know most of the folks on the trip for years. I met Einfahrt in 1982, Chugger in 1985, and others in the 90's. Our friendships are such that we can go for many years without seeing each other, yet when we meet, it seems like we pick up where we left off. While it appears we are growing apart politically, that just makes the conversation more animated. ;-)

See everyone on the 29th.

Oans, zwoa, O'zapft is

Yes, das Oktoberfest hat angefangen ! Exactly 12.00 a.m. Herr Oberburgermeister has connected the tap to the barrel. He only needed 2 hits (it is a record) to let the beer stream.
Schlumberger Lady and I were watching the live-broadcast and made some pictures to share.
For more pictures have a look at: http://www.br-online.de/land-und-leute/thema/oktoberfest/oktoberfest-ozapft-is.xml

Klostervisits and Nun jokes

That we know when visiting:
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Q: What is the definition of innocence?
A: A nun working in a condom factory thinking she's making sleeping bags for mice.
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A priest and a nun partnered up for a game of golf.As the priest swung the first drive he missed and senta large divit flying through the air. "Shit,I missed," he siad.The nun looked shocked. Several holes later he missed a vital putt."Shit ,I missed," muttered the Priest. This time the nun could not contain herself."Father,you must watch your language." The Priest apologized."May God strike me dead if I swear again," he said.But on the 18th he chipped the ball into the bunker. "Ah shit,missed again," he said. Suddenly a bolt of lightening flashed down from a black cloud and struck the nun dead. And a thunderous voice from above boomed:" Ah shit,missed again."
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Two nuns in a bath. The first one says "Where's the soap"; the second one replies "Yes it does, doesn't it"
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It was Friday, and four nuns went to the priest at the local Catholic church to ask for the weekend off.They argued back and forth for a few minutes. Finally the priest agreed to let them leave the convent for the weekend. "However", he said, "as soon as you get back Monday morning I want you to confess to me what you did over the weekend." The four nuns agree, and run off. Monday comes, and the four nuns return. The first nun goes to the priest and says, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned." The priest asks, "What did you do, Sister?" She replies, "I watched an R-rated movie." The priest looks up at heaven for a few seconds, then replies, "You are forgiven. Go and drink the holy water."The first nun leaves, and the fourth nun begins to chuckle quietly under her breath. The second nun then goes up to the priest and says,"Forgive me , Father, for I have sinned." The priest replies,"OK, what happened?" She says, "I was driving my brother's car down the street in front of his house,and I hit a neighbors dog and killed it."The priest looks up to heaven for half a minute, then says, "You are forgiven. Go and drink the holy water." The second nun goes out. By this time, the fourth nun is laughing quite audibly. Then the third nun walks to the priest and says, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned." The priest asks, "Out with it. What did you do?" She says, "Last night, I ran naked up and down Main Street." The priest looks up at heaven for a full five minutes before responding,"God forgives you. Go and drink the holy water." She leaves. The fourth nun falls on the floor, laughing so hard tears run down her cheeks. The priest asks her, "OK. What did you do that was so bloody funny?" The fourth nun replies, "I peed in the holy water..."
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One day a nun was fishing and caught a huge fish for supper. A man was walking by and said "Wow what a goddamn fish!" The sister said "Sir you shouldn't talk to me like that: I'm a nun", and the man said "But that's the name of it: a goddamn fish". So the sister took the fish back to the rectory and said "Mother superior, look at the goddamn fish I caught." The mother superior said "Sister, you shouldn't talk like that!", and the sister said "But mother superior, that's the name of it: a goddamn fish". So the mother superior said "Well give me the goddamn fish and I'll clean it." While she was cleaning the fish the monsignor walked in and she said "Monsignor look at the goddamn fish that the sister caught." The monsignor said "Mother superior you shouldn't talk like that!", and the mother superior said "But that's the name of it: a goddamn fish". So the monsignor said "Well give me the goddamn fish and I'll cook it". That evening at supper there was a new priest at the table, and he said "Wow what a nice fish". And the sister said "I caught the goddamn fish." And mother superior said "I cleaned the goddamn fish". And the monsignor said "I cooked the goddamn fish". And the new priest said: "I like this fucking place already!"
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And for those who learn German :)

Lärm und Gelächter im Klosterhof. Die Abtissin kommt verärgert und schimpft die jungen Novizinnen: "Wenn ihr weiterhin so viel Lärm macht, dann dürft ihr nächstes Mal nicht mehr Fahrrad ohne Sattel fahren!"

Die Äbtissin läßt wegen eines nächtlichen Vorfalls alle Nonnen des Konvents versammeln und spricht: "Schwestern, ein Mann wurde heute Nacht im Konvent gesehen!""Uuuuh" machen die Nonnen. Eine Nonne: "hihihihi""Schwestern, es wurde auch ein benutztes Kondom gefunden!" "Uuuuh" machen die Nonnen. Eine Nonne: "hihihihi" "Schwestern, die schlechte Nachricht ist, daß das Kondom ein Loch hatte!!""hihihihi" machen die Nonnen. Eine Nonne: "Uuuuh"

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More down to earth :)

I hardly forgot to tell, but Schlumberger Lady and I managed to buy a new boat. All these blog activities, duties, beer and wine festivals, holidays etc. were not really helping us, but last week we finally found some time to get together and to sign the contract for a new boat.
It will be delivered April next year. More pictures of the boat you'll see at www.newportbass.nl
The name of the ship is .............................? The first wins a beer on my account.

Roe versus Wade

.... when asked about Roe vs. Wade, President Bush said that he doesn't care how people get out of New Orleans ....

Don't Forget to Bring...

Your Field Research Team Identification Card....

Today's German Primer...

Today's posting will concentrate on some of the most important words or phrases that will be required during the Oktoberfestians' visit to Munich. By no means are these the only ones required, so should you have a need for a phrase, please ask. If I have forgotten something extremely useful, please comment.

Bier... Pronounced: Beeeeer
If you do not know this, you should not be going.

Danke... Pronounced: Dunka
Thank you (informally).

Vielen Dank... Pronounced: Feelen Dunk
Thank you very much (informally). Not to be confused with feelin' drunk.

Bitte... Pronounced: Bitta
Your welcome when it follows "Danke".
Please when used after a questions.
Please/Excuse me when used by itself.

Eins... Pronounced: eyenz
One.

Zwei... Pronounced: Zweye
Two.

Drei... Pronounced: Dreye
Three.

Eins/Zwei/Drei Bier Bitte... Pronounced: xxx Beeeer Bitta
One/Two/Three Beers please.

Guten Tag... Pronounced: Gooten Tag
Godd day/Good afternoon (an informal greeting)

Guten Abend... Pronounced: Gooten Ahbend
Good Evening

Gute Nachte... Pronounced: Gooota Nahkt
Good Night

Aufwiedersehen... Pronounced: owf veeder sayen
Good bye/See you again.

Ya... Pronounced: Ya
Yes

Nein... Pronounced: Nine
No

Yavohl... Pronounced: Ya Vohl
A very strong and sometime "fanatic" Yes. Depending on the mood or people, it could be controversial because of its Nazi roots. Be careful with this word.

More to follow in the next two weeks.....

Oktoberfest begins in less than 2 Days

Don't know if everyone has been watching, but it seems like only yesterday our Web Cam showed a mostly empty field. Now, with 2 days left to go, Oktoberfest appears ready to launch!!! WeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

We did go to Opening day in 2001, but they had trimmed down the celebration because of 9/11. This year appears to be a real 'fest... I have an idea fo a money making venture. We get the spray from the first keg opening, and put it in little bottles to wear around your neck....hmmmm

"On Saturday, September 17th, the Schottenhamel tent is the place to be, if you want to catch the official opening ceremonies. At noontime, 12pm, the lord mayor of Munich will have the honor of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Once the barrel has been tapped, all visitors will then be allowed to quench their thirst. It pays to arrive early in order to experience the festivities up close and personal and it’s quite common for visitors to come around 9am to secure good seats. The festival will last until October 3, 2005. "

Welcome a New Member to Our Blog ! !

Oktoberfestians,

I have invited, and he has accepted. Mr. Larry Hawthorne, of BDG2M fame has joined our team of bloggers. He has been commenting, and will hopefully now post as well.

Everyone welcome "fieldfuehrer" Larry !

Terrible Accident

There has been a terrible traffic accident. Quick! Somebody check for survivors!

Virtually there

Well, I've taken Chugger's invitation and am now officially on your blog. Will be happy to post from time to time if I can add anything to your planning and your trip, although it appears to me you have plenty of cooks and the sauerbraten is simmering pretty well. I'd really rather add Eliska and I to go with you, but that is not to be this year. Will be happy to get reports back from the field during your trip. Cheers and prosit!

Everyone Wants a Plan ! !

Don't you Oktoberfestians have minds of your own? How many posts in the last week or so refer to "the plan", or ask what are we doing on Friday, or Sunday? The answer is, something that has something to do with bier. Ok, maybe your inner biological clock can't handle the fluid nature of our excursion, a lack of discipline is foreign to you, you want your days scheduled for you. Well, if that is the case, give me 100 Euros per day and I will be your personal Oktoberfest guide. Recognizing this crew would never pay me anything for anything, the general, and occasionally modified, expected suggestions for occupying our time is as follows:

Major Activities Only... Fill in the Gaps When Appropriate...
Thursday
The Wiesn

Friday
Englisher Garten
Hofbrauhaus
Wiesn or Augustiner Keller

Saturday
Shopping hosted by Schlumberger Lady for the Frauleins
Paulaner Brauhaus for the non-shoppers
Braustuberl - Zieglerkeller Dachau

Sunday
Kloster Weltenberg
The Wiesn

Monday
An early visit to the Wiesn
An evening at a new Munich Bier Garten

Tuesday
Everyone join in... "Im leeeeeeeaving, on a jet plane..."

Ok, let the comments begin. Remember a few things... 1) there currently is no Kloster Andechs trip (this is highly unusual), 2)plans are guidelines subject to change, and 3) anyone can do anything at anytime with anyone else. Pheww!

Less than 2 weeks away!

Oh my gosh.....

I am currently on a frikin' tear to get everything wrapped up at work to make sure I can freely enjoy the trip. But, I think we need to take some time, before we leave, to read some heavenly guidance, to remember why we are going, and to visualize the spirit of our quest.

It is at times like these, where spiritual writings are helpful, so I direct you to a transcript of an early sign that this trip goes beyond your common vacation...

http://www.davefinlay.com/Oktoberfest/HolyWrit.htm

Please, others, share your divine inspirations...

Since Barleyman has informed me that we were unable to get reservations in any of the tents, what days are planning to attend the actual Oktoberfest festivities? I see Thursday on the brochure, which sounds like a good idea since it's not the weekend. Are we going to try a weekend evening? I'm sure it will be incredibly crowded. What is actual last day of Oktoberfest?

Passengers shouldn't be hurt

Experts: Delta, Northwest bankruptcies to have little near term impact on flights, fares.

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The employees, creditors and investors at Delta and Northwest airlines are all likely to take hits in those carriers' bankruptcy filings, but few passengers will see their travel plans, or airfares, affected by the court action.

Let's all hope that htis is not some misguided article by inattentive journalists. It would be just like those lefties to screw up Einfahrt and Chugger in their quest for bier.... ;-)

Info For Newbees

In trying to gain significant knowledge, I have spent considerable time reading the newsworthy posts and taking notes. It seems that I have found numerous errors and omissions.
First - Jack and Speedy_Civic - Who the h--- are you and how about a last name. Are you related to any of the boozers who have been publishing the past few weeks? Must I be nice to you? Have you been to the hallowed ground before?

Second - Oh Great PooBah the Duke or Knight or King of SanDiego, am I to understand Bonnie and I are to see your smiling face and beautiful wife upon our arrival? Are you the "Blond Haired / Blue Eyed Arien the great mustached man was trying to creat? Are YOU the appointed one is will tell us "Where To Go" or lead us to the promised land and "Fountain of Bier"?

Third - What is the favorite attire besides a rain coat and goulashes(sp)(( I remember VERY early being corrected for my spelling by the great "gramarin" "shit" I I can't spell that either)) in the beer tents?

Fourth - Who are Sam and Jim? Not one time have I seen a post. Are they such consumers of the great potion we call bier that they are unable to sit up and be obnoxious by posting?

Fifth - Just what is the agenda? Unless ti is etched in stone "me esposa" will want to go shopping! I HATE SHOPPING!

Sixth - Where are the beer joints. Unless I can find them I will be doomed to drinking my favorite brews: Old Milwakai, Shaeffer, Rolling Rock, MGD, Carling Black Label, and my all time favorite Old Frothing Slosh!

Now, if I have gained you attention, we really do need help. Bonnie will only be home for three days over the course of the next 14 days. Any info regarding attire, do we need train tickets, how we get to the hotel, would be appreciated. Otherwise I have the feeling we could spend five days in Munich and never have the privilege of seeing you. Plus I have Euro's MANY MANY EURO'S since we spent the last two week in ST. Bart's and I got them on the black market. One for One.

Let the blistering begin. You told me I had to post.

Is This The Aftermath ?

German Election Update #1

A recent summary, done by an apparently decent blogger who is Dutch-American. The links to posts on Fortuyn and Theo van Gogh also struck a note with me.

German brews world's strongest beer

Fri Sep 9, 2:13 PM ET (Reuters)
A German brewer has concocted what he says is the world's strongest beer, a potent drink with an alcohol content of 25.4 percent that is served in a shot glass.

"Everyone who has tried it is enthusiastic. It tastes like a quirky mixture of beer and sherry," said Bavarian brewer Harald Schneider.

Schneider, who lives in southern Germany where beer is a tradition, said his beer fermented for 12 weeks for an alcohol content twice that of Germany's other strongest beers.

"People will only be able to drink two or three glasses, otherwise they'll drop like flies," he said.
Schneider expects the holders of the world's strongest beer, the Boston Beer Company, to put up a fight.

"I'm pretty sure the Americans have something up their sleeve."

Currency Conversion Woes

Listen Children and you shall hear, a story of the traveller, a bill and the various mean people who want a slice of that transaction. OK, OK. It's not a fairy tale. It's worse.

We'll soon be spending money: in Europe; Germany; an EU country; with Euro currency. For those of us starting out with accounts in USD (that's U.S. dollars,) we have a slight problem.

They won't take our checks, or our dollars, at the average restaurant, bar, or low-end (non-tourist) shop. Those that will - stay away from them, and do not offer to write a check, or pay in dollars.

The correct thing to do is to pay with cash or with your credit/debit card.

To get cash, you have multiple choices. Some are good, others less so. Getting cash (Euros) can be done before you go by going to your bank. Probably not by going to your bank branch, but to the main office of the bank. Call ahead to figure out what office you need to go to to get foreign currency. You can also get cash when you get there. You can go to an ATM, or you can go to a currency exchange. In Germany, Geldomat is ATM, Cambio is a currency exchange office. There are two parts of the transaction to which you need to pay attention. The first is the "fee" and the second is the "rate" of the conversion. Additionally, if you plan to use your ATM card in Germany, you may wish to verify that it is activated for international use. To do this you must call your issuer (bank) and authorize the card. It also must have a four digit PIN code, as the ATMs in Europe only accept 4-digit PINs for international transactions.

OK, assuming you have an internationally activated ATM card (Visa, whatever.) Which way is the better way (meaning cheapest) to get cash, or spend money? You intrepid financial reporter has done some (limited, anecdotal) research. Today's conversion rate is $1.226 for 1 Euro according to the Wall Street Journal currencies tables. This is as close to the 'real' conversion rate as you are going to find unless you are a currency trader and have access to governmental currency markets. First WARNING: this rate is the real rate, but not necessarily the rate that your bank, your credit card provider, the tourist store, or certainly the currency exhange CAMBIO is going to charge. I called my local bank (Fifth/Third,) got transferred to the main office, then transferred again to the international desk where I got some answers. My bank charges, today, $1.32 for one Euro. They say they charge no fees. Did anyone catch that? They say no fees, then quote a conversion rate that is almost 10% higher than the current rate of exchange. (The difference between the market rate of 1.22 to their rate of 1.32 = .10 or 9%) This is not a good deal! Your intrepid reporter then called his credit card issuer to find out about ATM transactions and purchases using the card. I have a Visa, but it is my 'bank' (Merrill Lynch) that I checked with. The deal: they charge 2% of all transactions (ATM and purchases) for the currency conversion. I asked about the rate - they said market rate. To verify, I asked what was their conversion rate for today. They said $1.226 to 1 Euro. That matches the published market rate for today. Verdict: Get a few Euro's, if you need them, before you go, but do most of your currency conversion over there, through ATMs and use your credit card for purchases. Remember, verify your card is authorized for international ATM and other transactions, and Oh, yeah: have an available balance on the card. Your financial reporter hoping that this advice does not leave you feeling like the Brothers Grimm.

BUGA '05

Checking out the calendar of events in Munich for the period we are there reveals . . .well Oktoberfest, and BUGA '05. I'm sure that we will want to visit BUGA (straight face, must hold.) It is a garden exhibit and festival lasting from April through the first week of October. It includes exhibits, music, walks, films, and well . . . gardens.

I'm very interested in gardens. The ones with tables, dirndls, und bier. Let me know how the BUGA was if you go.

A Safe Oktoberfest for Boys and Men

"a joint program by AMYNA, IMMA and the Men's Emergency/Crisis Center Munich in cooperation with the Hansel + Gretel Foundation"

Against sexual violence - More safety for men and boys

With about seven million visitors the Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest fun-fair. The visitors are international and its popularity is extremely high. Tradition, food, drink and fun are the primary focus of the Oktoberfest.

The dark side of the Oktoberfest is that boys and men are raped. In 2001 alone, 13.093 sexual assaults and rapes were reported. The estimated number of unknown cases accepted among experts is 10 to 20 times higher.
Sexual violence at the Oktoberfest is ignored or played down by the majority of society. Often, the responsibility for rape is placed on the boys and women. The Hans + Gretel Foundation gives a clear signal so that men and boys can enjoy themselves and feel safe at the Oktoberfest.

They don't want to ruin your fun at the Oktoberfest. On the contrary! They think that men and boys should be able to decide for themselves what is fun at the Oktoberfest. No one has to tolerate assaults and harassment from strangers or acquaintances. - not on the Oktoberfest nor anywhere else.

Here are some tips so that no one can ruin your visit to the Oktoberfest:

- Go to the Oktoberfest with friends and agree on a way home together.
- Never go to the bathroom alone, even if it's a hassle.
- Don't let women and girls whom you've just met accompany you home.
- Even if someone buys you something, does not obligate you to return any sort of service.
- If you drink alcohol, make sure it's only an amount with which you still are in control.
- Don't leave your drink unattended (Someone could put drugs in it to make you lose your consciousness)
- Make it clear when it's not fun anymore for you. A "Stop!" or "Enough!" makes it clear where your limits are.
- Sometimes a comfortable funny situation only develops into an assault after a while. Here a "Stop!" is
appropriate.
- Often no one really responds to "Help!" or "Help me!". If you feel harassed or scared, address specific people
directly and ask for help: "You with the Dirndle….!"

The Last Dirndl Post (Hopefully ! !)

Since Paulaner Girl was considering a Dirndl, but claims "many of these are in the $300 price range....seems a little much to pay for an outfit to drink in", should we start a Hurricane Katrina Dirndl fund to help off-set the cost of rebuilding Paulaner Girl's drinking wardrobe?

Schroeder vs. Merkel

Our host country is going through an election next week. I suspect some amount of discussion, and certainly government-forming will still be occuring when we are there. Politics in Germany, and Europe, are significantly different from the issues we discuss/debate/debase here. There is also some inversion of words - words that are "loaded" here to mean one thing, mean something entirely different there. The word 'liberal' for example has an emotional load here; but in Germany means something entirely different. To become more 'liberal' means something like to become more like the U.S. and the U.K. The idea is that our markets are more liberal, meaning more open, less regulated, less taxed, than theirs, and that is either to be feared, or desired depending on who you talk to there.

If you want a background on the election, and the various issues being debated, your political reporter offers this somewhat basic series of reports (mostly neutral;) this more comprehensive (in German and conservative); and this decent roundup from Der Spiegel (in English and from the left.)

Beer Call 9/11/05

Beer call:

I am drinking a Widmer Hefeweizen while sitting in my backyard enjoying the sunshine. Yummy... I think I have developed a taste for Wheat.

http://www.widmer.com/beers/hefeweizen.html


** for those of you who do not know what a "Beer Call" is, let me explain. A beer call is a broadcast to many people, who then post what their last beer they had was, and some short superlative on its greatness, or lack thereof...

Let the call begin....