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.