Une boteil du Champaign

Une boteil du Champaign.

Dom Petrus Perignon

I found the Holy Grale. Dom Perignon, he who gave us the Champaign and the Quality Lifestyle. Champaign is only Wine that makes a Woman every year more beautifull. God save our Soules. R.I.P. and I promiss I will always drink your invented Nectar with full respect.

Is this more original?

Stein of Munich Beer
Mass of Munich beer at the Seehaus

The Siegestor

I think we should stop and see the Siegestor. It looks very cool. But should we first quench our thirst at Englisher Gardens?
The Siegestor (en: Victory Gate) in Munich, is a three-arched triumphal arch crowned with a statue of Bavaria with a lion-quadriga, similar in style to the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Marble Arch in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. It is located between the university and the Ohmstraße, on the intersection of the Leopoldstraße and the Ludwigstraße. Therefore it divides the two Munich districts of Maxvorstadt and Schwabing.

History

The gate was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, designed by Friedrich von Gärtner and completed by Eduard Mezger in 1852. The quadriga was created by Martin von Wagner. The gate was originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian army (dem bayerischen Heere zum Ruhme). Today the Siegestor is a monument and reminder to peace. After sustaining heavy damage in World War II, the gate was - similar to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Berlin - reconstructed and restored only partially. The inscription on the back side is by Wilhelm Hausenstein and reads Dem Sieg geweiht, vom Krieg zerstört, zum Frieden mahnend, which translates as "Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, reminding of peace". In the last couple of years, the statues that remained were meticulously cleaned and restored. The Siegestor is 21 meters high, 24 Meters wide, and 12 meters deep.
It was featured in The Amazing Race 9 as a pit-stop.

Lets Go To Schwabing

Maybe a combo trip to Englischer Garten, combined with lunch or dinner in Schwabing... It sounds like our kind of place, but I don't think I have been there. Near where the Hamilton's stayed.

Schwabing

The Siegestor (front), on Leopoldstraße between Munich's Maxvorstadt and Schwabing

Schwabing is a borough in the northern part of Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria. It is divided into the city borough 4 (Schwabing-West) and the city borough 12 (Schwabing-Freimann). For further information on the Munich boroughs, see: Boroughs of Munich.

Schwabing used to be famous as Munich's bohemian quarter and is still popular among tourists and locals for its collection of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Another popular attraction is the Englischer Garten, or English Garden, one of the world's largest public parks.

Since Munich's largest universities, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität and the Technical University of Munich, can be found in nearby Maxvorstadt, there is a lot of student activity on and around Leopoldstraße.

Schlumberger Lady says hello to Paulaner Girl from France.

Stenay Musee de la Biere

www.musee-de-la-biere.com
Nous etions ici!

Es ist offiziell: die Maß kostet bis zu 8,60 Euro

The price of a Maß as been established for Oktoberfest... 8,60 Euro.

With current exchange rates, that amounts to $12.04.

Read about it here...

Alternative daytrips

In keeping with earlier sports car posts:

The BMW Museum
Porsche Museum

And in reference to Wine:
Iphofen, Germany

The European Beer Museum

***** TEASER *****

Tomorrow we will visit the European Beer Museum in Stenay. 2500m2, graphics and exhibitions describe the origins of beer making, its history and process. And of course in the Tavern a range of 50 artisan and commercial beers await us.

***** STAY CONNECTED *****

A New Type of Blog Entry

As I sit on my patio with my laptop and a glass of wine (hope the wine isn't sacrilegious on a bier site), I began to reminisce. My mind wandered, and I began to see bier gnomes cavorting in my back yard. They looked oddly familiar. One was carrying a large sack of barley, another was disturbing my concentration through loud intestinal rumblings and expulsions as he marked his territory.

As they went about their activity, I noticed something intriguing yet puzzling. Something, or someone, was missing. I couldn't pinpoint the discrepancy, so I went over to them to ask. They spoke in a tongue that was totally unfamiliar to me; even with my vast travel experience and cultural exposure. Being bier gnomes, I expected to hear German, or at least something vaguely familiar. But no, it almost sounded like Dutch. It wasn't Dutch, but was more like a combination of a French accent, with Chinese sounding phrases, interspersed with something from eastern Russia. We could not communicate. So I drank some more wine, and offered them a bier. It took awhile, but once they understood, they began slamming the Hofbrauhaus Dunkel I had in the 'fridge.

After 3 biers each, their garbled speech began to make some sense. Maybe the wine was affecting my senses. As they began to walk away, I finally realized my earlier puzzlement. I was in the middle of a Joe Shannon story.

It made no sense, moved all over the place, and no matter how much I tried to change the topic, they managed to pick right back up where they left off. Ahh, I was about to go insane. Ever have that feeling when listening to Joe?

Fortunately, the story I was in was actually a dream. Joe was not really there. Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I think there is a moral here somewhere, but I cannot find one. I'm sure Marion's pizza and a pitcher of Budweiser for lunch with Einfahrt had nothing to do with it. Don't punish me bier gods, Einfahrt ordered the swill. I'm sure I will be paying for it in other ways for 2 more days.

overheard while traveling

This is from a fodor's forum in which people posted the funniest thing they ever heard while traveling

Copycat Castles
"Sitting on the steps of Sacré-Coeur in Paris, overhead two young women perusing brochure of Southern Germany and planning the later stages of their trip:
1st woman: "Do we want to go to this New-swan-stine castle built by this mad king they talk about in here?"
2nd woman: "No, I heard he just copied the one in Disneyland." -- overheard by Fodor's member twoflower

This Year's Trip Theme

Chugger and Einfahrt were overheard today (while sampling an amber nectar) discussing proposed themes for this year's excursion. Many off-the-wall ideas were raised, and Einfahrt opined that a religious theme, something like "back to God" or "Thank God for Bier" might be appropriate. He suggested that all our day trips, and local venues include something of the religious nature, such as a monastery. In keeping with that theme, Einfahrt was heard to suggest this attire as the official uniform for the trip.

Wunderbar! Official Website Updated

Mein Freunts!

Ich bin ein Webdesigner. Das doppleganger fur das Bill Gates. Javohl!

Check out the updated Official Site. Requests for additions and corrections gracefuly accepted. I will be adding day trip info. RodG CHECK IT OUT DUDE!

Click Here if your brain is addled with Barley!

My Beer Song

My lovely wife found this and purchased one for me. FYI in case you care to do likewise:

http://www.tshirtoutlet.com/685.html

Random Heart Wrenching Picture

Dilbert Still The Best

Certainly targeted at our network experts...

Week-end fête de la bière (CHARLEVILLE MÉZIÈRES) en Champagne Ardenne

http://www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com/activites/forfaits/week-end-fete-de-la-biere/charleville-mezieres/o_7168.aspx

Today we will go to Charleville Mezierees and will stay for 2-3 days. Although still in the French Ardennes, it is close to the Champagne area. So the call it Champagne Ardenne. Interesting is they organize Beer Festivals next to Champaign events. I'll keep you posted!

Tegernsee

This is what Frommer has to say about Tegernsee

On the eastern side of this lake, a former Benedictine monastery, Sankt Quirinus, has been restored, and with it, a brewery (Herzogliches Bräustüberl) and a more formal restaurant (Schlossgaststätte). Owned by her Royal Highness, Elizabeth im Bavaria, the complex with its beer hall is the oldest in the region. The food at this drinking and dining facility is vastly improved.http://www.frommers.com/destinations/munich/0099010044.html#ixzz0HuRe7aR0&D

Is this the place we were talking about previously? Have you guys gone before?

In keeping with "Une Boteil du Vin"

How can a place named "Nooner" be anything but great?

After Einfahrt Gets Serviced ...

This is what he will see out his windshield as the Corvette quickly pulls away...

54 Famous and Important Words

"... Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that in future in all cities, markets and in the country, the only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be Barley, Hops, Yeast and Water. Whosoever knowingly disregards or transgresses upon this ordinance, shall be punished by the Court authorities confiscating such barrels of beer, without fail. ..."

While only a small portion of the overall Reinheitsgebot, it is infamous nonetheless.

Djoseph & Francwes

Saw this in Namur Belgium. In the cage there is a little Snale. The bigger Snale outside could be the Mother Snale. I have no clue what it is about, but somehow the two Guys reminds me on some of the members of our Oktoberfestvisits gang. I leave it up to you :)

Time to clean up the sports car

Summer is here, weather has been a bit on and off, but mostly warm and sunny. A weekend is coming up where a drive on curvy, hilly roads, with top down and a fine looking woman in the passenger seat - with a destination involving fine dining and wine overlooking cliffs and river views.

Net: got to get the car serviced, polished and in full Porsche splendor.

Une boteil du vin

Une boteil du vin.

Grand canyon in the Fall

For those thinking of hiking in September

Test post via BB email

Well, again: Hi!

Test post via SMS

Well Hi!

New tech

Congrats to Everyone !

Congratulations to all 2009 Oktoberfestians for 100% posting participation this week. Special congrats to the newbie, RodG, and our traveling bloggers, Barbus and Schlumbergerlady.

The problem, though, is that with 100% blogging, there is no free Bier this week. I'm sure that over the next 100 and some odd days, there will be a few rounds that accumulate. I'm so confident I will not be a non-poster, I'm even posting this today before the next week's requirement starts (didn't want Barley Man complaining again).

Anyway, glad to see some on-topic posts (enough with Englisher Garden, though). I like Barley Man's call for posts about new venues to visit, and they do not need to be train trips. As we accumulate suggestions, we can begin debating those sojourns that make sense. Obviously Kloster Andechs for our Sunday pilgrimage is a requirement. Anyone interested in Englisher Garden? We will let this year's Grand Puhbah proclaim a suggested itinerary, and disseminate the appropriate speakings of Bier according to Larry.

May the Prost Be with You.


p.s. Hey Barley Man, want to update your website with this year's roster?

Insanity

Considering a 30 day moritorium on booze to jumpstart my weightloss efforts - somebody talk me out of it!!

Europe

The Finlay girls are going to be unleashed unattended in Ireland and France in a few short weeks. Europe, beware!

Oh the places we could go!

New places to visit should be a continuing topic. We've all been to Munich many times, so while some can be seen again and again (like Kloster Andechs), others are not viable candidates for the agenda due to a high cost to value ratio (like Rothenburg, Neuschwanstein, Bamberg, Berchsgarten). Value being a subjective assessment of enjoyment. Sadly the ISAR raft trips don't run that late in the year (would be fun). My postings will be focused on the new trips we can take.

First up a local Munich Favorite: Residenz Royal Palace (OK, I think I have been here, but never inside)

The Residence (German: Residenz) is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs in the city center of Munich. The Residence is the largest downtown palace in Germany and serves today as one of the finest room decoration museums in Europe.

Königsbau of Munich Residence

The complex of buildings contains ten courtyards and the museum displays 130 rooms. The three main parts are the Königsbau (near the Max-Joseph-Platz), the Alte Residenz (towards the Residenzstraße) and the Festsaalbau (towards the Hofgarten). A wing of the Festsaalbau contains the Cuvilliés Theatre since the reconstruction of the Residence after World War II.

Yeah or Nay?

Should I delete all the alumni names above that are listed since they do no post, or even pay attention any longer?

OK, one more graduation post. The twins, Candy and Maura, with the graduate. I'm in foreground taking a picture. This picture was in the Dayton Daily News this morning (web version).

Obama Man

A musical tribute...

Two eggs in the morning

After some Beer consumption the evening before. Just that you know.

Graduation Complete

Dinner for fourteen, then off to Dayton's largest performance center for ceremony, procession, and congratulations. There are still two or three graduation parties each day, sometimes for two, three or four graduates at a time. So far, we've only attended three of them. Michele a couple more. Thankfully, not all are for parents.

Another Sad Day...

But we all knew it was coming.

Hey Chugger,

I think it is great that we ar enow tracking posts. Especially since this all started on June 1st. I really like the whole tracking matrix as well. Truly helpful in seeing how we are doing. I love metrics. ;-)

Belgium and Beer

Just to let you know that today we have arrived in Liege. As in Germany the national drink is Beer. A "pintje", as they call it in the Flemish part. They have all sorts of Beer; from light to dark and little to high alcohol percentages. All not my taste. I am glad that by the end of this week we will get closer to the Champaign area in France. Reims here we come!

Welcome to June ! !

Only 109 more days. And, June 1st starts the tally on the weekly post requirement. Most of you have been meeting your requirement, but let's keep it rolling. Soon we should begin discussion around day trips.

The new feature at the top will track those that have (and have not) posted for each given week. Enjoy.

Maastricht or Cannes?

't Bassin. Porte de Plaisance ! Zon, terassen, lekker eten. Zo komen wij de pinksterdagen wel door.
For our US friends: we will stay here till Monday. First week gave us everything; hot wheather, thunderstorms, rain, sun etc. Monday we will be heading for Belgium.

High School Graduation

I don't remember this much activity surrounding high school graduation. Last week was Michele's last day of school. Tonight, we attended an awards ceremony where honors were conferred, scholarships awarded, and valedictorian announced. Saturday is baccalaureate, Sunday the actual graduation. Company coming in, family and friends. I'm glad the painting is (mostly) done and the house is back together.

Montreal's Old Town reports strong consumption

Clipped from the Montreal Gazette, Tuesday, May 26, 2009:
.... the gang, dubbed, "yankee buveurs," raided at least 12 establishments in three days leaving the entire Old Town neighborhood running low on beer, white and red wine, bourbon, and Irish whisky. Witnesses agreed that the two female gang members were, "darling," but accounts varied widely regarding the men who were described as both tall and short but dashingly handsome. Regarding the vast quantities the gang consumed, one proprietor noted, "it was as if they were training for something ...."

Hertog Jan in Cuijk

Lekker zeg. Na 45 km verder de Maas op is een biertje verdiend. Twee grote sluizen; een mini bootje naast de grote zandschepen.

Bonjour !

No pictures to share, but Guten Tag, BonJour from Montreal. Here for the weekend with Rod and Debbie.

Mass quantities of alcohol will be consumed.

Au Revoir

Keith..
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

A Desert Flower

Some like the forest, some the beaches, others river trips, still others mountains. For myself, deserts. No, not desserts - although you might think so given my girth - deserts. The clear skies, the quiet, the raw shapes of the earth, rocks and sand all combine to make the desert both visually stunning and deeply moving. Many think there is not much life in the desert other than rattlesnakes, lizards and scorpions. Not true - the picture is a flower on a cactus. They quickly bloom after the briefest of rains and disappear as quickly. By the way, my weight is down 40 lbs!

Pieces are falling into place...

First class cabin, with private shower and toilet has been reserved and paid for to transport Barleyman and Paulaner Girl to the Holy Land in time to meet everyone early Friday at the Hauptbahnhof.

Final prep is being made in paris, then we'll officially be on autopilot.

Alles gepakt !

Woensdag 20 mei
Alles zit er in. Dus nu even een biertje. Morgenochtend gaan we dan.

Just for Paulaner Girl and Her Friends

Hello from Paulaner girl

Just spent an evening drinking with my belly dancing friends. I realize this has nothing to do with Oktoberfest, but neither does Chia Obama.

This is a picture of my friend Helen and I at our annual belly dance production last Saturday.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

I proudly present….. Chia Obama…

Ein Prosit from Mobile Blogger Barbus

Guys,
Only 8 more days and I will send you a Prosit like this one (this time it is an Italian Forst Beer) every week (and maybe more) during 2-3 months :)

Thanks for the update Chugger

Chugger,

Thanks for the valuable info on posting! Now if we can get Paulaner Girl to get her act together.

Barleyman

Sent from HTC FUZE™

Minutes of May 2009 Board Meeting

This documents the May 2009 Board Meeting of the 2009 Oktoberfest Organizing Committee. Pursuant to Article II, Section 2 of the by-laws, there were the required minimum number of member States present (2 is the minimum, United States and The Netherlands were represented).

Old Business:
Minutes from the April meeting were summarized and approved.

Treasurer's Report:
- Starting Balance for April: $0 US
- Expenditures for April: $0 US
- Ending Balance: $0 US

New Business:
Discussion of H1N1 virus and how it might affect attendance and the health of attendees.
Should the committee pay for masks or immunizations when available? The decision was tabled until further study, but most thought drinking enough bier would kill any virus. In addition, consuming the local Pork products could also build up one's immunity.

Discussion on how to encourage Blog postings, or punish non-posters.
The Dutch representative, Barbus, brought a motion to the floor to punish members who do not post at least once a week. The American representative, Chugger, seconded the motion, and discussion continued. After further discussion of alternatives, the following requirements were agreed to by unanimous vote of the attending member states and entered into the bylaws:

• Beginning the 1st full week of June, all Oktoberfest attendees must post a minimum of one new Blog topic per week (Comments to topics do not count)
  
• Multiple postings in one week cannot be "carried over" to any subsequent week; each week starts a new requirement for posting
• A husband and wife team must meet the weekly posting requirement, but no one member of the team can make all posts for a given month
  
• Posts can be made through the traditional Web interface, or via email. Please contact Chugger if you need to know how to use email
  
• A weekly tally will be maintained at the top of the Oktoberfest Visits Blog detailing each attendee's contributions
• For every week that an attendee does not post, that attendee will be required to buy a round of bier for the team
• Waivers and exceptions for non-posting must be brought to the attention of the full committee, with a super majority of 2/3 of the attending members agreeing before a waiver can be approved

The meeting ended with a rousing rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads, and a joyful Gemutlikeit to All !

OK Already!

A Post: Today, WSJ had an article about EuRail passes being discounted to some earlier historic price. I emailed it to our travellers. One of which immediately checked and found the discounted price to be sold out.

IMG00015-20090512-1842.jpg

Tuesday May 12; not sure what you are doing at te moment, but I am drinking a glass good S-A redwine In te sun and thinking within 9 days from now we are on our boat trip.
Of course I will keep posting when it has to with Beer. Next to this visit my journey blog Barbusmmr2009.blogspot.com when you are interested in Wine.

New Way to Post

That's right. Not at your PC, but want to share some Oktoberfest thoughts? Or maybe your BlackBerry just doesn't render the blog properly. Now you can post via email, just like I'm doing now.

Send me an email if you want to know how.

Ein Prosit !

Keith..
+1.937.545.4841 (C)
+1.937.436.2779 (H)
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

Oktoberfest is cancelled due to Swine Flu.

LATEST NEWS!
Oktoberfest has been cancelled due to the Swine Flu "pandemic.

Of People, Families, and friends

It never ceases to amaze me how different every person is. yet in all this confusion we call life, we cull out our friends from the herd, we adapt to our families, and manage the people around us.

Sitting in the backyard of Casa Finlay, listening to Jimmy Buffet, and sipping, nay drinking, a nice Claret, anticipating a bacon wrapped filet, I ponder the world. I whistle a jaunty tune. And I yearn for the buzz of the tents, the rush of the train, the scent of the sausage, and the spirit of Bavaria.

Peace to all and cheers!

Something we have missed...

Is there really something pertaining to bier in the Land of Oz that we have missed?

Check it out...

Happy May Day !

Seems like an appropriate way to start off the morning and month.

Now, what did that Scare Crow in The Wizard of Oz sing...

Ah, I know, "If I only had a bier".

Guten Tag!

Is everyone still on board? Joyce and I are looking at train options for Thursday and getting aisle seats for her leg.

10 Reasons I go to Oktoberfest

10. The food. OK, not my fav, but in Munich it is fresh and wonderful.... hendl, Haxen, Brats, etc. All wonderful Oh yea, the radishes are good too.

9. The Hotel Alfa, a now familiar and comfortable hostel. Yet so perverse in its own way... need I say more.

8. The beer is that good. Yes, the beer is wonderful. It is fresh and clean, and even when drunken in mass quantities, it has a certain joie de vie about it.

7. The adventure. We base our trip on experience and dreams. Nothing better than landing "in country" and setting off to get checked in, find our friends, and have a cool beer. we travel so far, it makes it worth it!

6. The tents. where else can you party with your choice of 100,000 people to party with at any given time. The precision they are run with is incredible.

5. The music. John Denver? Yes.. who the F*** is Alice? yes, but also many bavarian and european hits. Wunderbar!

4. Bavaria. It is Heidi on steroids. The cleanest state in the world . Bar None. No rust on the cars, dirt on the walls, or fece smears in the toilets (although sometimes a chicken carcass or two).

3. The day trips. Bavaria has so many great spots to visit. It is like being able to go to Moraine and still have a good time. Just the process of getting on the train and getting off in some town is still exciting to me.

2. The people in the tents. You see all kinds in the tent. from the 80 somethings who probably shot at my father in WWII, to the spike haired students, to the young aussie girls so eager to...... anyway, they all seem to get along and enjoy the party.

1. Seeing my friends again. I have now been gone from Dayton for 10 years! I miss my good buddies, and when we meet up, it seems like no time has past. They are the best!!!!

Ever Wonder...

What to do with all those empty beer bottles?

Here's a novel idea.

Oktoberfest 2009 !!!!!!!!

Haud scho !!!!

for all "Hundlings"

See you all in "Mingga"

Attendee Update

While it appears that FlyingDan and the Mrs. are still going, their schedule is still "fluid". They are trying to get Ma and Pa to go, and that means agreeing on dates and any side venues. I have been assured by Mr. FlyingDan himself that they are planning to go, just do not know how they will overlap our weekend at the Hotel Alfa.

I have cancelled their room :-(

Please.... prayers for them to see the light.

Emails in support to: djpmrang"at"woh"dot"rr"dot"com

Prost !

Say It Isn't So.... #2

Bräustüberl Dachau

Say It Isn't So..........

Outrage over proposed 1,900% beer tax hike

Fine French Wine

OK. Besides traveling with Einfahrt, and dropping the good name Lynch (of Lynch-Bages fame) , what's the best way to enjoy a nice glass of French wine in Paris?

Surely the esteemed blogosphere (not be be confused with an Illinois Governor) have some pointers for some neophytes?

Skirts up, Panties Down,,.... Boys!!!

Flights are booked!

Getting closer

Delta and Northwest have allowed transfers between accounts! We are 1 step closer to getting our tickets! Yippee!!!!!

A Request for BarleyMan

Please post the picture (assuming you still have it) that started it all. What am I talking about, you ask. All of us on the small train, in our coveralls, during the 1993 Salt Mine tour.

Cannot find my copy.

Name that year.....

The Quintessential Lynch

Name that Venue Contest...

Here we go again..

Official Flights from Dayton

Chugger, Einfahrt and RodG have flights booked as follows:

What is this year's theme?

Remembrance trip:
Relive the glory day trips and Munchen activities.

New adventures trip:
Concentrate on something never before attempted.

Farewell tour:
A nostalgic look back, not expecting to return in 2011.

In Retrospect III.....

Name your favorite Overall Trip. Which year and why?

I'll start....

I must admit, my favorite trip was the first, 1993. Not that the others were uneventful, but 1993 was unique. Being the first trip, we didn't know what to expect, we didn't know our limits, and we were all virgins. Well, sort of. I had attended Oktoberfest in 1987, but only as a day trip from Augsburg. We found new excitement, new activities, and set the benchmark for future trips.

1993 was certainly a ground breaker and foundation for the future. How do you top that?

In Retrospect II.....

Name your favorite Day Trip.

I'll start....

1. Kloster Andechs
2. Berchtesgaden
3. Bräustüberl Tegernsee

Per Einfahrt....

1) Weltenburg
2) Weihenstephan
(Editor Comment: Einfahrt, don't think we've ever been there)
3) Dachau (the city)

In Retrospect.....

Post your most memorable moment.

I'll start....

1. Stair Diving Olympics
2. Tuna Fish Pizza
3. Scottish Bachelor Party at Augustiner Keller
4. Einfahrt at the ATM
5. Flying Dan "un piccquito (sp?)"

Name That Year !

Be the first to name the year this picture was taken. Sorry for the lack of quality, but it was a rush job taking a picture of a picture.

Current Oktoberfesters - Revised

We have had our first casualty. Rod and Debbie G. are now just Rod. Long story, but please treat RodG as one of own own, even though he will be our token virgin on this trip.

Prost RodG !

Happy New Year ! !

Or is it Gutes Neues Jahr !

Now we no longer need to say "next year" when referencing our upcoming trip.

Hope everyone's holidays were great. Now get busy posting.

Let's Start the Day Trip Ramblings...

Oldie but Goodie... Kloster Andechs

Well Worth Another Visit...Bräustüberl Tegernsee

Worthy of Another try.... Kloster Weltenburg

Something new... Bräustüberl Weihenstephan

Welcome to Our Newest Blog Member

Rod Goelz, aka RodG, has joined our group.

Everyone say "hi", and let's hope that RodG gets into this posting business better than some others.

Hotels for the 'Fest

As mentioned in previous emails, I have reserved 4 double rooms at Home Base Alfa. Because of the price (mostly due to the dollar), I will continue to search for an alternative, as long as it is still convenient for us.

2009 Day Trip

Make it so, since I believe they serve bier.

From the Book According to Larry

Their very own web site

Current 2009 Oktoberfesters

Those that are currently planning to attend include the following:

Chugger
Einfahrt
Barley Man
Paulaner Girl
Flying Dan
Mrs. Flying Dan
Barbus
Schlumberger Lady
Rod and Debbie G. (handles to be determined)

Current Thoughts on Flights

Here's my thinking about flights for this extravaganza. Since next year seems to be bringing two international trips, doesn't look like I can use mileage for this one, and do not plan an up front trip..

Dayton, OH (DAY) to Munich, Germany (MUC) on Thu, 24 Sep 2009
DL#1257 to Atlanta leaving at 12:30
DL#130 to Munich arriving at 7:50

Munich, Germany (MUC) to Dayton, OH (DAY) on Tue, 29 Sep 2009
DL#131 to Atlanta leaving at 10:05
DL#1404 to Dayton arriving at 17:55

Let the Planning Begin

I know it's early, but it's never really too early. I began looking at Delta flights (we are within the 331 day window) and I want to use miles while seats are available. Most importantly, use them while I'm Platinum.

So Grand Puhba 2009, what say you? Is the weekend of the 25th The Weekend?

Hurry, my advance planning skills are being taxed with nothing to do.

Oktoberfest Babes Collection 2008

When will the FUN be back again ?

There was an interesting story published in "die Welt" by a Biologist named Josef Reichholf .
"MUNCHEN - nomadic people started 12,500 years to choose a fixed residence after it had been discovered that of barley beer could be made.
That is what biologist Josef Reichholf writes in a study form Bavaria which the German newspaper Die Welt reported on Saturday article"
Reichholf now proves that almost immediately after the last Ice Age, the switch to agriculture -and the root of all civilization- was not caused by the fact that this is a more productive mode of production (this was already questioned in the 1970s); the real reason why human beings became sedentary farmers, is because they had discovered how to make beer of barley.

Btw: he also interviewed about Global Warming
I have to believe the guy. He is right about BEER too!

100% Vote for the Weekend of September 25

Me and BarleyMan

BarleyMan said...We can do the weekend of the 25th. Alex moves back to Santa Cruz the weekend before!

What More Can I Say?

Just look at the real-time clip above and tell me you do not yearn for the Golden Nectar.

Prost.

It's Never Too Early to Plan ... Part II

As the start of Oktoberfest 2008 is just around the corner, I begin to yearn for that nice Maß of the Golden Nectar. I know we have recently frequented the Hofbrauhaus in Newport, KY and Las Vegas, but it is just not the same. So, since time always seems to fly as we gracefully move along in our years, I begin to think about planning for our 2009 sojourn. So, my current Top 10 serious questions begin to float to the top of the wort....

1. Is the group returning for our 8th adventure?
I sure hope so. I might even have two young Vozelinies who want to go.

2. When should we go?
Well, the schedule for The 'fest is 19 September - 4 October. I would suggest 25 September through 28 September, the middle weekend.

3. Who would be the Grand Pubah 2009?
I believe we anointed barbus in 2007, but he was somewhat hesitant. I wonder if he is really up to the challenge.

4. Is there a unique, never before been attempted Day Trip possible?
Kloster Weltenburg in 2005 was a great opportunity, but the weather "dampened" our spirits just a bit. I wonder if the Grand Puhba (whoever he may be) can set the bar so high that surpassing the excitement of the trip would be next to impossible?

5. Do we limit attendance to the core male Oktoberfestians, sort of a modified originals (+ barbus) reunion?
A novel approach (not withstanding my comment in answer #1).

6. Would another reserved table be on the agenda?
Would be nice. We could ask the Hotel Alfa again, and Herr Rang has said his Paulaner distributor friend could help.

7. Will the Dollar:Euro rate make life more affordable?
Absolutely. The Euro has reached its peak.

8. Should at least one of the Wiesn days start bright and early and last forever, much like our 2005 trip?
Sure, why not. Let's dedicate a day to sitting, drinking and visiting the pissorts.

9. Would the agenda include a pre-trip?
Right now, I don't think so, but I could be convinced otherwise. Part of my thought process could be changed based upon answers to #1 and #5.

10. Are we getting too old for this type of childish mayhem?
HELL NO ! ! ! !


So, please add your value. It will be very interesting to me to see who posts first, and most importantly, when.

The clock is ticking.

Prosit !

Anyone Listening?

While this isn't an Oktoberfest year, maybe we can use this for our Vienna trip.

What say you?

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.)