Glückliches neues Jahr 2012

Glückliches neues Jahr 2012

Heaven

I would love to finish the beer and place my head on her bosom.....

Christmas Beers

Nice article reviewing a few beers to drink during the holidays.. Of course Ballast Point Victory at Sea is a favorite too. Just had the Two Tortugas at Karl Strauss.. very nice..

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/12/16/berrong-on-beer-hoppy-holiday-brews/?hpt=hp_bn8

Home Brew

BeTrunken just made two different types of home brew. Five gallons of a Bavarian light beer and five gallons of a dark Irish stout. Now in two more weeks we will be enjoying some very good home brew. I post later and let you know how good and inexpensive it is.

Beer Call

Enjoying a nice Sierra Nevada Porter... Ahhhhh.

A Halloween Salute to Oktoberfest

Happy Halloween

PROST....

Having a cold bier at the Eagles Nest

Betrunken and Alkoholische enjoying a cold bier at the Eagles Nest.

We were really happy to meet der kubaner and his son at the airport, and running into Chuggar, Barleyman , and Barbus at the Augustener. It would have been nice to sit down with everyone and enjoy several biers and exchange stories. So much to do so little time. The good thing is there is always next time.

Obersalzberg, The Eagles Nest

Climbing the Alps at Hilters Eagles' Nest in southern Bavaria on crutches just 6 weeks after breaking my hip / femur. I must say I need several biers for pain management after this task.

WOW! It was an awesome experience! Good to be American.

While I am very sorry to have missed the opportunity to party with everyone, it was an awesome experience. It is something neither I nor my son will ever forget. Our travel companions have the same opinion that it is truly the experience of a lifetime. The information gathered in this blog was very helpful and I appreciate the help.

Although I have many, MANY stories I will share just one:

On Saturday we decided to try our luck at the tents. We had such a great time at the tents we decided to go back to the tents. We got stuck in a mass of people trying to get into the tent. We were smashed together and all trying to get in. Every time a server would come out to take people into the tent, and everyone in the mass of people would hold up their hand to try and get in. We were in, "line" for about an hour and a half trying to get into the tent.

While we were in line a waitress came out to take some people into the tent. She looked at a bunch of people in line and refused them. She looked at me and the 4 fingers I had in the air (a way of informing her that there were 4 in our party). She looked at me and the following exchange took place between her and I (remember that she is looking past a bunch of people in front of us while talking to me):

Waitress: American? 4, yes?
Me: Yes, 4.
Waitress: American yes?
Me: Yes, American, there are 4 of us.
Waitress: No Italian, all American.
Me: Yes, the 4 of us are Americans.
Waitress: Come vis me!

At which point we snaked our way through the crowd, under the rope, past security, and entered the tent with the waitress. On our way in I asked the waitress why she asked so many questions about American. She proceeded to tell me that she did not want any Italians in her area because they order one (1) beer, they don't tip, and they stay all day.

I gave her a 10 euro tip with our first order of beers. I wanted to make sure that she knew we were not Italians. She smiled, gave me a hug, and thanked me. About 10 minutes later 2 people left a table next to us. Our waitress went back outside and promptly replaced those two with, you guessed it, Americans.

Oktoberfest 20011 is History

Well, I'll make this short, and everyone can add value later.  Hopefully with some pictures.

Another wonderful time was had by all.  We got to meet some new friends in Betrunken and Alkoholische, but unfortunately we were unable to sync up with der Kubaner and his crew.  Maybe next time.

I think we are all home (haven't heard from Jane about her cancelled flight), and not too tired.  It was unnatural, though, to start work first thing in the morning with out a bier.

Just because this trip is complete doesn't not mean the posting need to stop.   Keep up the activity and stay in touch.  It is silly, but we have already started planning for 2013.

Our 20th Anniversary.

Betrunken and BarleyMan

We all finally meet.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Day 1 a Success

Hofbrauhaus AND a tent. We didn't sync up with our other travelers, but did finally meet Betrunken late night at Shakespeare's. We did miss der Kubaner though, but it sounds like they are having fun.

We are off to Kloster Andechs today if anyone wants to join. Meet at 10A by the main S-bahn area in the Hauptbahnhof.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Arrrghhh! Missed Everybody today...But had a blast

Gentlemen: We had no luck finding any of you today. We went to both the Hofbrauhaus and to the Lowenbrau tent. We had to give up our table at 6 pm for a reservation. But for the few hours in the tents, WE HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! What a tremendous time we enjoyed.

Is there a plan for Saturday? Is there a time to meet, or a certain tent to go to? If we go I would like to be able to stay in a tent and not have to give the table up for a reservation. So far, we have really enjoyed our stay.

The Revelry Begins

At the Hofbrauhaus. Missing someone important.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Still Delayed

Do not arrive Munchen until 15:50.

Argh
.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Deustche Bahn Let's Us Down

Our scheduled train out of Frankfurt has been cancelled! We are on the next train, but.... no seat reservations and we do not arrive until 15:10.

Never had this much chaos on the german rail system. The bier gods are testing our resolve.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

The Final Leg

Our journey is almost complete. Our train travel from Amsterdam to Frankfurt was on-time and uneventful. We are now awaiting our connection in Frankfurt. What is wrong with Deutsche Bahn? the train is 15 mins late, that's precious bier drinking time.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Comment for der Kubaner

Wilkommen im Deutschland,

I don't know if there is a plan for everyone, but our plan is the Hofbrauhaus about 15:45 - 16:00. That means we leave Hotel Alfa about 15:15 - 15:30.

You can meet at either venue. Evening plans are then determined after several litres of brew.

Prost
.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Here!!

OK. We are here and all checked in to the Hilton Munich City. We are 3.1Km from the Hotel Alfa. Are we going to meet at the Hotel Alfa tomorrow or are we meeting at the tents? I saw from a previous post that the plan is to be at the Hofbrauhaus around 1530. But I think it might be easier to meet at the Alfa. Is there a plan in place? Really looking forward to it.

Bob D. Finally Starts Training

But he starts small..

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Minneapolis

Land of the sky blue water... And Hamm's beer.

Wheels Up in Dayton

Detroit here we come.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

At the Airport

Sam Adams Oktoberfest !

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Ignition locked, full engage

At office finishing up some work. Have bags. Just checked exchange rate... $1.36 to the Euro. About as good as we could expect. Weather looks to be great... not too hot, not too cold, not too much rain. Looking forward to meeting everyone...

My Very First Oktoberfest !

1987.... That's Chugger on the right, by the way.  A few pounds lighter.

Confessions of an Oktoberfest Waiter

I thought this was funny!

This Paulaner, and for some reason the blog wouldn't let me post

Confessions of...An Oktoberfest Waiter

Last year, revelers drank a record 7 million liters of German beer at Munich's annual Oktoberfest, billed as the world's largest fair. But for our man in the trenches, it's not all cold beer and hot pretzels. Think drunken brawls, filthy tents, and bad tips—all while dressed in traditional lederhosen.

By Nicholas DeRenzo, Wednesday, Sep 14, 2011, 12:00 PM Subscribe to the magazine

STEREOTYPES FIT
For Germans, Oktoberfest is more for families and older people—a place where businessmen meet for lunch. When it comes to foreign tourists, the stereotypes kind of fit. English people tend to brawl more than others. It's not uncommon to actually see glasses flying through the air. But in my experience, I'd say people end up quite the same when they get really drunk. Doesn't matter anymore where they're from.

YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW DIRTY IT GETS IN THE TRENCHES
For first timers, it's kind of hard to imagine how noisy and dirty it can be in the Oktoberfest tents. Each of the big ones holds about 5,000 people. In the evenings, it gets really messy. People leave behind their umbrellas, their raincoats, their cell phones. There are loads of broken glasses on the floor, spilled food. People stand on the benches with dirty shoes. And then: People drink and throw up. They puke in the tents, under the tables. We carry these big trays with maybe 12 or 14 different plates of food on them. The worst thing I ever saw was when a colleague of mine put one down on the table, and a guy puked right on it. So…that was kind of disgusting.

PREPARE TO HAVE YOUR CLOTHING DESTROYED
It doesn't bother me when tourists wear lederhosen (leather shorts), as long as they wear real lederhosen and not one of those T-shirts with the pattern printed on it! I would actually recommend wearing one, because you'll probably destroy every other item you could wear. They're tough. You can wipe things off them. Especially in Oktoberfest party tents, people wave their beer glasses around with the band—I haven't seen anybody get out of there clean. It's really a mess. For example, waiters can carry 14 beers at a time, six in each hand, and one balanced on top of each group of six. And you tend to spill a lot. You have to move fast, and then you set them down heavily. You end up soaked in beer after your shift. I wouldn't wear anything else but lederhosen. I don't envy the girls!

DRUNK ON THE JOB
"Officially," I don't drink on the job. But I can hardly think of anyone who lasts the whole 17 days without drinking at work. It's quite common for guests to buy you a beer. It's probably the best way to get on the waiter's good side.

WE DON'T HAVE TO BE NICE
As an Oktoberfest waiter, you make the patrons treat you well, or they just won't get served. So it's not like in an ordinary restaurant where you have to be really nice to people. If you don't like someone at Oktoberfest, you just kick them out. For 17 days, I get to behave a bit like an a--hole!

THE WORST JOB IN ALL OF OKTOBERFEST
Being a bouncer is really a hell of a job. You get abused all the time! On the weekends, they close down the tents, because they get so full. Every door is closed and guarded by about four to six bouncers at least. "Why won't you let me in? I'll give you 50 bucks…Why won't you?!" And then there's name-calling. It's a tough job. But I wouldn't mess with an Oktoberfest bouncer. Really, if they say go, then go, because that's not going to end well.

IN MY EXPERIENCE, ITALIANS CAN'T HANDLE THEIR BEER
The second of the three Oktoberfest weekends is nicknamed "Italian weekend," because it's when all the Italians come and none of the waiters like them very much. They drink about two beers, and they tip badly. Plus, they aren't used to beers, so after one or two, they're usually sick.

WE LOVE AMERICANS
The United States might have a bad reputation internationally, but the general American population does not at all. I've been a waiter for years, and if I could choose, I'd have all American guests. And it's not just because of the good tips! Germans and other tourists are really tight and not very grateful. Americans are easier to talk to. They're not so complicated. If you tell them a little bit about whatever they want to see or where they should go, they appreciate that. They're not like, "Oh, I don't care." They treat you like a regular guy, not just some guy who serves them.

Less than 24 hours from now....

The Dayton crew will be "wheels up", and headed to Detroit on our way to Amsterdam.

John Denver at Oktoberfest

O'zapft is! Wiesn-Auftakt 2011

Read about how Mayor Christian Ude does it again ...

Nothing but net!

I have the next 4 days planned to the minute. I have already completed the vacation hand offs at work. My house is in order. Laundry, packing, planning under way. A stack of miscellaneous gear is sitting on the bar, iPod, Ipad, camera charged and ready to go. Apps installed on phone. Credit card companies alerted. Trade offs with ATM versus cash made. price of Mass of bier calculated. Weather checked and clothes waiting for packing. Bills all paid, or scheduled. Car full of gas. Backpack ready, plane itinerary, and passport already in it. Ride to work and taxi to airport cleared.

Maps printed, reservations double checked. Beer drank, and events planned for my return. I am ready. I am one. Ich bin Oktoberfestfuhrer!

Ein prosit!

White House Honey Ale

Almost makes me think better of our president (NOT!)

Nonetheless, a great report on homebrew at the White House, and an intro into some Oktoberfest biers.  Unfortunately you need to sit through the 30 second commercial.
NOTE: Just realized the video is not iPad friendly.

Oktoberfest Weather

We all know how horrible weather forecasts are, but the 10 day outlook for Munchen looks wonderful at the moment:

Feeding Tube With Beer

Fill my feeding tube with beer
Fill it with what I hold dear
Let me smile and greet my fate
Tube me with beer, now that’d be great

Skip the Ensure, don’t like the taste
Tube me with beer, now that’d be great
Only want food if I can chew
Don’t want a sandwich from a tube

Fill my tube with beverage malt
Keep it coming, please don’t halt
I feel St. Peter's gettin' near
Sure hope he's at the gates with beer

Don’t cry ‘cause I won’t be ‘round
Let me go, I’m Heaven-bound
Send me on my way with love
And perhaps, a little buzz

Fill my tube with beer, don’t fail
Fill it with lager, fill it with ale
As I go travel that last mile
Let me do it with a smile

Fill me feeding tube with beer
Fill it with what I hold dear
I see the light, it’s getting near
So fill my feeding tube with beer

Something's wrong, it's hot in here
Better fill my feeding tube with beer

C. Jones (Copyright 2005)

Is this the calm...

before the storm?

der Kubaner

So I saw that you were on the same flight leaving out Dullas on the Sept. 21, 2001. You should come introduce yourself to me and the rest of my group. At least 3 of 9 of us will be wearing lederhosens. I should stand out like a sore thumb. Lederhosens and crutches that have blue and white tape on them.


Alkoholische
Mark...

Cant Keep Me From Attending

I have been planning this trip to Oktoberfest with my brother in law and best friend Betrunken for over a year. Approx. 5 weeks ago I broke my femur neck at the hip and had surgery to correct the injury. I informed members of the blog that I would not be attending this year however Betrunken and several other friends would still be attending. Next week I will be at the six week mark since surgery and I am recovering well. I think my age, light weight, and overall athletic demeanor have helped. Oh, and of course my desire to drink bier with all of you. I’m still using crutches however I am walking very well and without out any pain. So I have decided to attend the fest. I will have to drink half as much bier this year because walking drunk on crutches is not an easy task. The way I see it, I would rather come to Oktoberfest and drink half the amount of bier than stay home thinking about everyone else drinking without me. In closing I have one damaged leg but god blessed me with an extra one. I have two good arms to support the crutches. You can knock me down but I’m getting back up to fill my glass.
Prost.

Alkoholische

Starting to feel it

It is starting to sink in that this is right around the corner. I now know that we have companions on our flight, which will be great. Our hotel is booked and we have a pretty good idea of what day trips we might make although we are definitely not set in stone. We will be adaptable...

At some point is there going to be a "meet up" post for the beer tents or group functions? Since we are the virgins, we are at the complete disposal of the more seasoned/pickled among you to tell us where to be and when. Ours is not to question why, ours is but to do or die!

Can't frickin wait.....

Oktoberfest Training

Randy and I enjoying a mass of beer watching the Chargers... We are in the final stretch....

Transportation Question

Looking into buying a MVV ticket for the time we are in Munich and I have some question I thought you guys might be able to answer.

1. I believe we will just be traveling in the inter city, which tick should I get the Munich XXL (München XXL) - white and green zone or the 3 Days Inner District - white zone?

2. Would these tickets be good for all the local forms of city transportation? Such as S-ban, U-ban, and Bus?

3. With the fest going on would it even be worth it to use the city transportation system or should we just stick to feet and taxi?

Good News

The problems in Europe are finally having a positive impact on the cost of beer this year:

 

Euro Exchange is now 1.37087  (down 6 cents int he last week).  Keep it up!

Enjoying the darkness

San Diego blackout 2011

Good time to enjoy a beer.

Training with lager

Not bad... Got it in a mixer for my bday.  Time to start moving up to 22 oz.

New Bier Gardens to try?

Chugger... Any new place to go this year? We always try to hit one establishment we have not been to..

2 More weeks!!!

I can't wait!!!

Beer turns man into woman

Are you a Beer?

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Not Beer or Trip Related.....

But doesn't eveyone want one of these:

Amsterdam Prostitutes:

From production to consumption.....

Amsterdam-Volendam: THE FOOD part 2

Herring from production to consumption

Amsterdam-Volendam: THE FOOD part 1

Sandwich Eal from source to consumption.

Two Weeks Until Departure

Two weeks from today, BarleyMan, Bob. D. and myself head off to Amsterdam for a couple of days before Munchen.  This will give Bob. D. a chance to ease into international travel before we take the big leap. 

In keeping with full disclosure and the educational nature of these trips, I would once again emphasize the rules (more like guidelines) for newbies....

1. Never feel compelled to do anything.  Go with the group if you want, or go out on your own if that seems best.
2. Always know how to get back to the hotel on your own.
3. Do as we say, not as we do.  Especially when it comes to consuming mass quantities.  We are professionals, do not attempt this at home.
4. Finally, be sure to acquaint yourself with BarleyMan's Recommendations and Tips.

Prost !

Who has tried this?

I'm all for experimentation, and love IPAs, but is this too much?

Three Weeks From Today ! !

We will be rasing our steins in a boisterous Prost at the Hofbrauhaus.

I expect the volume of posting to heat up now that we are within shouting distance.  Next milestone is our departure for Amsterdam.  Looking forward to showing the newbies the sights, and seeing our good friends Barbus and Schlumbergerlady.

SORRY

As some of you have heard, I had an unfortunate accident and broke my hip / femur. I will no longer be attending Oktoberfest this year. I not only regret missing out on the event, I’m sorry I will not get a chance to have a drink with you guys. There is always next year, God the sucks to say. My brother in law “ Betruken” will still get to have a drink with you guys and take pictures for me. I hope you all have a great time. Drink a lot, stay safe, and most immortally, PROST,

Bowling night!

In training... Rolled a 218!

He'Brew

Forgot to post this yesterday.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

More Training

Lobsterfest is about to start:

He'Brew
The Chosen Beer
Genesis Ale

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Is this Barbus beer?

Sampling Holland's finest beer... Called Bavaria

München Survival Map

For this year's Newbies, here's all the important sites you need to know in  München...

Did I miss anything BarleyMan ?

W O W ! ! !

I love the view from the web cam.

Stone Brewery 15th Anniversary Beer Festival

An awesome time was had by all. Even though we were limited to 10 tastes, it was great day. Stone Porter with Vanilla, Belgian Ales, Paulaner, IPA, Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Stout, Tripels, Cider, Russian Stout, Cask Ales, hand pulled. Plus stellar San Diego weather, and a great support crew: daughter Mandy, Roy, and Bill. Followed by margs, beers, and cigars at the Hacienda de Vega, then Mani-Pedis, more beer and food at Miguels, then a nightcap and cigars at Casa Finlay.

Unfortunately, I had to teach the staff at the Paulaner booth Ein Prosit. They were nice and all, but didn't speak any German. :-(

Full Photos here

Flight Arrangements - FINALLY!

OK, we are booked! Here is our arrival and departure information:

Arrive Munich Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 9:05 AM

Depart Munich Monday September 26, 2011 at 11:35 AM

Based on this, we can make arrangements to meet up with those already in Munich.

It really seems like such a shame to travel so far for such a short time. But, it's all we can spare from school and it's really something we are looking forward to. We will just have to make the best of our short time there.

Really, looking forward to it.

Training Event in San Diego, This Saturday

Stone 15th Anniversary Celebration
Cal State University San Marcos

* A 15th Anniversary Celebration commemorative tasting glass
* Admission to one 3-hour session
* Tickets for ten samples of delicious craft beers
* Over 40 participating guest breweries
* Over a hundred amazing beers to choose from, including one-offs and special releases
* Stone Collaboration Tent featuring our latest collaborative efforts
* Special cask section with half a dozen Stone brews on cask
* Free homebrewed sodas by the Society of Barley Engineers
* Samples of the world-famous Mike's Beer Cheese

Thailand... Getting closer to Germany!

Next step in training.. Switching to lagers.

I am half way now. 53 more to go!

Tough training.

more training at Eataly Torino

will start training now!

New Version of "Take Me Home..."

I hope this doesn't catch on in the tents.

Barbus: What's Up For Amsterdam?

Bob D. and I arrive 08:05 on Wednesday, and I believe BarleyMan arrives around 13:00.  Any thoughts on plans for the boys?  Do you know what time the girls will depart Thursday for München?

Oktoberfest Security

Makes you want to get arrested

Betrucken

Betrucken competing in a beer boot relay race.

Bless me Father for I have sinned

I have strayed from my training routine by consuming a Bad Juan (or 2). For those not familiar with this concoction, it is simply the best Margarita around.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Too Many Choices

Oktoberfest at the National Harbor 2010.

42 more days to Munich.

Prost...

I've been shamed... Hi Paulaner Girl

As was appropriate, BarleyMan called me out for my short (and some might say inappropriate) comment to Paulaner Girl's post. I can only say my mind was preoccupied, I just finished viewing the Australian Women's Sand Soccer team pictures. BarleyMan knows of what I speak.

Sorry Paulaner Girl, I will never again allow foreign athletes to impair my thinking of you.

Welcome back, and keep us honest.

The Training Intensifies

God it feels good.  Really can't wait. 

A growler of Home Brewed Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale.  Sehr Gut !

I hope this isn't BarleyMan's Silver Bullet

Day Trip - Weihenstephan

One of the trips we have not taken is to the Bavarian State Brewery, Weihnstephen. This is socialism at its best, folks. Since 1040 (no, not the tax form, the YEAR) they have been brewing beer. After 1,971 years, they may have a clue on what tastes good.

From Munich? Only 25 minutes by train. I have sent the proprietors an inquiry.. we shall see if they respond.

Hi, it's me Paulaner Girl

So, I'm starting to be soooo jealous of all of you who are attending Oktoberfest this year. September just won't be the same!

I wanted to let you know that I referred a 20 year old student who is studying abroad in the fall, and has plans (thankfully including hotel reservations) to attend the last weekend of Oktoberfest. It sounds like there is a group of students from USD meeting in Munich. I know that you seasoned veterans will help her out if she asks questions.

At Sea World...

It's all they got.  I may need rehab after this...

Training with beer and food

Williamsburg VA. Training not only with beer but three different types of Brats, Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage, German Potato Salas, and a Pickle. Oh and of course Oktoberfest Beer.

Chugger Setting the Standard

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Training is Working

Bob D is "movin' on up".

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.

Oktoberfest Training Event

Chugger and Bob D. at Mecklenburg Garden in Cincinnati. Notice Bob's baby bier; starting slow like BarleyMan.

.......
Keith...
Sent from my BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)
Language is about communication, not spelling.