Germany Thinks Its Beer Is As Important As The Great Wall Of China And Egypt's Pyramids

Who are we to argue...

Read the details here.

Oktoberfest 2013 Trip Review

This year's visit was another great success.  Due to scheduling logistics we only had one trip in 2013, but it was for a full week. We had a great mixture of 'newbies' and veterans.  The continued return of veterans shows the value of our service.  In addition, three of our Senior Oktoberfestians anchored the visit and provided the usual guidance and Oktoberfest expertise.  

​Our organized Day Trips included a trip to Berchtesgaden to see the Salt Mine and the Eagles Nest. Another pilgrimage to Kloster Andechs was also in order.  It was a beautiful day along the Ammersee as we visited the church, had lunch, and just enjoyed the vistas.

This trip was notable for several firsts.  We celebrated a birthday during the trip as well as a marriage. What a true experience.... a honeymoon at Oktoberfest. We were also able to visit two breweries; Paulaner in München and Riegele in Augsburg.  We introduced our travelers to the only 'after hours' tent at Oktoberfest, and actually closed Oktoberfest !  A true first.  

​Free time for our travelers included some visits to Englischer Garten and the Viktualienmarkt.  Food, fun, new people, and of course bier.  

Finally, what would an Oktoberfest Visit be without visiting the Wies'n?  Well, the team had plenty of time to enjoy the festivities, the music, and the tents.  We were also able to secure two tent reservations for our visit.

​The planning for 2014 is almost complete and we will be publishing our trips soon.  Please keep watching our Home Page and Trip Details Page.  Start your planning and we hope to see you next year.




Prost !

Oktoberfest 2013 photos

Chugger I'm waiting for some new pic's.

Tough to Blog

When you are having a great time. Our table was full but we buried the Aussies, Russians and other Americans.

Prost!

Two Senior Oktoberfestians

Oktoberfest 2013

Great times!

Eat your heart out Einfahrt

Dave?

Barley Man Wasted?

You judge....

2013 Commemorative Oktoberfestvisits Coin

If you don't have one of these coins, come to Munich to pick yours up!

If you do have one of these, please leave a comment, and tell us your favorite Oktoberfest story!

Life Begins Anew !

Two hours ago it happened...

Save the best until last!

Limo picks us up at 4:45 in the morning.  Needed a final training beer.  I have BUTTERFLIES!  ;-)

See you all in 24 hours! 

Need I Say More?

Last Minute Training

Keith ... Sent from my iPhone

Oktoberfest tents told to stop skimping on beer - The Local

Oktoberfest tents told to stop skimping on beer - The Local

Weather appears to be outstanding!  Mid 60's and partly sunny to sunny the whole week.  No sign of rain.  

Ten Day Forcast

A toast to the 2013 Oktoberfestians.

Staying Connected During 'The Fest'

Barley Man, Barbus and I will try our best to keep everyone up to date with the activities of this year's Oktoberfestians as best we can.  Since we are so connected these days, we might need to have a few Maß to keep things straight.

Please follow us:

1. Here at http://oktoberfestvisits.blogspot.com
2. On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oktoberfest-Visits/1404384883116706
3. On Twitter at https://twitter.com/FestVisits

The Interwebs will be bustling with activity next week. 

Prost !

Albert Einstein

Did you know... Albert Einstein once worked at the Schottenhamel tent at Oktoberfest as an electrician.

I wonder how many  steins he consumed.

Training includes breakfast, too.

Paulaner Girl and I ventured to a local place that is German Focused...  Tip Top Meats and European Deli.  Excellent sausage in the morning,  then had pork chops for dinner.

I believe my I am sufficiently ready for a week

in Germany.

Oktoberfest 2013

To those who are about to travel to Oktoberfest, I salute you. 

Stay safe, drink much, have fun, and God speed to you all. 

Entering the final turn!

Stopped in La Jolla yesterday to sample the Brew at The Public House...

Countdown: 2 weeks!!!!!!

Ready for Munich.  Only 2 weeks until we hop on a plane!

I don't know what will be better...

My first bier or my first Donner.

Guess I'll need to have both.

Bundhosen and Dirndls on the way!

Ordered on Saturday,  shipped on Sunday.  Be here soon!  I may have to wear out and about here in San Diego.

Barley Man: A Challenge

Designated Walker says she is disappointed with my BDG2M t-shirt. Says too many non-checked places. I guess we have a challenge to meet.



Keith ... Sent from my iPhone

The Newest Hofbrauhaus

Road Trip?

http://www.hofbrauhauschicago.com/?no_redirect=true

Keith ... Sent from my iPhone

An Afternoon of Training

A Training Question...

As experienced Oktoberfestians we know the importance of good training before the event.  I am specifically talking about bier consumption as well as elbow, wrist and shoulder exercises.

However, I am a little perplexed about my training for Pork Products.  Should I ease into it? Jump in by consuming the best of the best?  Or just wait and take the plunge in Munchen?

The Wies'n Evolves....

Check it out here...

30 Days! Time is running out!

Paulaner Girl and I have started the final prep for the trip... Only 30 days away!

Our Dirdl's and Bundhosen will be on order shortly.  I have Spaten in the fridge, and a special surprise will be delivered today by 10:30...  you will have to wait to see that one.  ;-)

I'll be busy putting together some suggestions for random times we are free during the trip,  doing appropriate research, etc.  Coincidentally, a friend from work will be there at the same time. He an his wife will be visiting Munich for the first time.

I Decided a Quick Trip to Ausgburg Was Needed

Finally, A Reason to go to Augsburg?

Brauhaus Riegele

Time for Intimacy?

Paulaner Girl........ Barley Man,

We will have two days in Munchen with just the three of us.  Are there things to do or places to go that would be appropriate for our small group?

Another Proposed Day of Culture

Here's some thinking about what we can do on Wednesday to enhance our cultural experience......

In the morning I propose a return visit to Kloster Andechs.  This delivers our normal religious experience while enjoying the wonderful food, brew and beautiful scenery.  Since the trip is not very long, about 40 mins plus the bus, this is very easy in the morning for an early lunch. 

Jane has also proposed a walking tour of Hitler's Third Reich.  Take the link and see what you think.  This is an organized tour that leaves from the Hauptbahnhof daily at 15:00 and lasts about 2.5 hours.



Comments?

Salt Mine Tour Tickets....

Have been purchased.  We are committed (or should be) for the 11:20 tour on Monday, 23 September.

Prost !

Sequoia Toilets

Ladies and Gentlemen... we are not alone in our amusement by the Alfa's rather curious receptacles.

Behold:   Click Here

Wine call by Miracle Ice

Beer call by Miracle Ice

Point of Order

I know I have not been consistent, so I want the crew to opine.

Are we 'Oktoberfesters' or 'Oktoberfestians' ?

I think Oktoberfestians has a more formal sound to it.

What say you, oh 'Oktoberfest-er-ians'?

Ok, Let's Start Getting Serious

Time is quickly approaching, and I sometimes tend to over plan. So this will be my final attempt to gain agreement for our initial excursion.

The proposal is a trip to Berchtesgaden on Monday with a visit to the Salt Mine and Eagles Nest.  There is some concern as to whether we can actually do both in the same day.  The original crew did it back in 1993, so we know it can be done.  The issue, especially with a large group, is timing.  How early can we get there and how late can we stay?

If we do the trip on our own, here's some detail....
The first two Salt Mine tours (one of which we should take) are at 9:56 and 11:00.  I believe the tours are 90 minutes, so the later one would be finished around 12:30.  The travel options for getting there in time are:

• Leaving Munich at 5:53 with arrival at 8:54
• Leaving Munich at 6:38 with arrival at 9:23.  Then only have 30 minutes to get to Salt Mine.
• Leaving Munich at 7:27 with arrival at 10:01.  I actually think this connection, with the bus, stops right at the Salt Mine.

Barbus and Schlumberger Lady will be meeting us in Berchtesgaden as they are driving in from Italia.  So...  Barbus, how early can you be there?

Getting to the Eagles Nest means back to the Berchtesgaden Bahnhof, then a bus to the Dokumentation Center, then another bus up the mountain.  The buses from the Bahnhof leave about every 20 minutes.  Same for the trip back.

Traveling home has several options as well...

• Leaving Berchtesgaden at 17:20 with arrival at 20:17
• Leaving Berchtesgaden at 18:20 arriving at 21:11
• Other trains leaving the next two hours on the 20 minute mark

Two other items to note.....

1. I suggest we pre-purchase our Salt Mine tickets.  They only take 50 people at a time, and the first tour is already 50% sold. 
2. If we agree on train schedules we should also get group tickets.  It appears we can save about 20%, but it also looks like they must be purchased online ahead of time.

So, let the opining begin ................

A Wonderful Suggestion....

... from Jane.  Maybe on Tuesday before the tents?

Behind-the-Scenes Paulaner Brewery and Beer Tour in Munich

Tours & Sightseeing

Whether you're in Munich for Oktoberfest or just want to experience its famous beer scene, this behind-the-scenes beer tour will give you the inside scoop of one of the city's most renowned breweries - Paulaner. Beer brewing is an art in Germany, a centuries-old tradition that you'll learn about with an experienced guide. Tour Paulaner Brewery, meet the master brewers and enjoy a beer sample accompanied by a fresh Bavarian pretzel.   $38.83 a person

Oktoberfest Bier Prices

On average, up about .35 per Maß.  Here's the overall view and link.....

Tent	Beer price 2013
Armbrustschützen-Festzelt	€ 9,85
Augustiner-Festhalle	€ 9,60
Bräurosl	€ 9,80
Fischer-Vroni	€ 9,80
Hacker-Festzelt	€ 9,80
Hippodrom	€ 9,80
Hofbräuhaus-Festzelt	€ 9,75
Käfer Wies'n Schänke	€ 9,80
Löwenbräu-Festzelt	€ 9,85
Ochsenbraterei	€ 9,70
Paulaner-Festhalle	€ 9,80
Schottenhammel-Festhalle	€ 9,85
Ammer	€ 9,40
Fisch-Bäda	€ 9,50
Glöckle Wirt	€ 9,70
Haxnbraterei	€ 9,50
Heimer Enten- und Hühnerbraterei	€ 9,50
Heinz Wurst- und Hühnerbraterei	€ 9,50
Kalbskuchl	€ 9,60
Münchner Knödelei	€ 9,70
Poschner's Hühner- und Entenbraterei	€ 9,60
Vinzenz Murr Metzgerstubn	€ 9,40
Wildmoser's Hühner- und Entenbraterei	€ 9,70
Wirtshaus Schichtl	€ 9,60
Zum Stiftl	€ 9,70
Zur Bratwurst	€ 9,70
Festzelt Tradition (Oide Wiesn)	€ 9,60
Herzkasperl-Festzelt (Oide Wiesn)	€ 9,70
Museumszelt (Oide Wiesn)

Dog Beers

19.07.2013 Oktoberfest Aufbau - 5. Wiesnaufbau Tag (Freitag)

Oktoberfest 2013

The building had officially begun.

Trip to Bamberg

Well.... The Rothenburg proposal didn't seem to go very well.

How about Bamberg and Rauch Bier?

 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Should we visit on Wednesday?  Depending on the various schedules, it is a 2.5 - 3 hour trip each way.  If I remember correctly, then another 20 minute walk from the Bahnhof to the old town area.

What think you oh Oktoberfestians?

Click here for some info...

Should Have Bought the MicroBrewery when We Had the Chance

Shoulda-Coulda-Built My Life Around Beer

Dirndls

Guys, I really hope our Oktoberfest ladies succeed buying their Dirndls. I already booked them for the Dirndl Springer (Jumping) contest.
http://m.youtube.com/?reload=3&rdm=mopa2r45m#/watch?v=w9voi1mlGB4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dw9voi1mlGB4

Less than 100 days until we leave for the Promised Land.  Are you ready?

I suggest a strict training regimen.  A healthy mix of Bier, and Pork products in ever increasing doses until leaving for the trip.  An occasional Pretzel, or Sauerkraut as a tracing round.

The time to start is NOW...

Der Kubaner reluctantly backs out

RRRGGGHHHH!  I have been going nuts trying to put this together this year.  It's not going to happen.  You may remember that I took my oldest son to Munich.  Well, now he is leaving for college and the semester starts right around Oktoberfest.  My traveling companions can't go because their sons are also going to college and will be involved in the moves at the same time.

What started as great enthusiasm to attend again this year, has ended in failure and despair.

Maybe next year and/or next time.

Be well! And have one for Der Kubaner.

Prost!

Guys, I know you have been going strong for twenty years but my adventure started in 2008. I thought this picture would sum up why I'm hooked.

                                                       Official beer mug of 2008.

Dirndls

Need help finding a source for a dirnd or ladies lederhosen.  I would prefer to buy one from a German company , because  I don't like the ones I've seen  imported by the American  companies.  Schlumbergerlady, can you help me? I liked the lederhosen you had.  And guys, I'm really not asking for your fashion advice.  I remember the last time I went through this. :-)

Berchtesgaden Travel Options

The following travel option seems the best if we want to go to the Salt Mine and Eagles Nest on Monday.  We take a train and bus, which takes us directly to the Salt Mine.  Return trip is all train.

Thoughts? 

Let's Start Planning the Day Trips.....

I was going to recommend Berchtesgaden and the Salt Mine along with Eagles Nest on Monday.  This would be a full day since we need about 2.5 hours on each end for travel.  However, I believe Barbus and Schlumberlady do not arrive until Monday.  Is that still accurate, and if so, what is your expected arrival time?

San Diego Ranked #3 in Best Beer towns of America

I personally think San Diego is a better beer town that San Francisco (#2),  but will bow to the greatness of Portland Oregon (#1)..

Chugger ... start planning now for your visit in July!!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/travel/usa-beer-towns/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

Well, friends... Paulaner Girl and Barleyman are booked.

Flight from Paradise arrives at 10:15am on Sunday, September 22nd,  and leaves at 11:40 on Sunday, September 29th.

Now all that is left is the drinking!

Offical Logo for 2013

Beer Call from Shanghai

Who would have thought, our Blog is blocked in China ! I guess we made the big time. I am posting these very appropriate pics from Barbus who is visiting Shanghai with Schlumbergerlady...

Hummmmm....

What are the possibilities?

The Stage is set....

and rehearsals have begun.

The attendee list seems to be finalized, and most people have their flight reservations.  Hotel Alfa rooms have been reserved and will be paid next week.  Tent reservations are arranged for TWO NIGHTS ! ! !

The countdown clock is quickly approaching 5 months.  Who would have thought that these past two years would have gone by so fast? 

D you see the similarities.

AMEN.

O'fest is right around the corner.

Less than 6 months to O'fest.  Countdown to destiny!  Don't have my plane tickets yet.  They are painfully expensive this year.  Ouch!

Attendance is Growing !

Looks like another stellar trip for our Anniversary Tour.

As of now, a total of 11 people.  Mostly old core, some returnees, and some newbies.  Looking forward to starting the banter about day trips.  I think we have general ideas, just need to see how we work them into the schedule and drinking.

We will miss those that cannot attend.

Prost !

btw.....  2 weeks from today I will be slamming Mai Tais in Hawaii.  Might even try to find some local microbrews as well.

Der Kubaner returns...wooooo hooooo!

Fellow Oktoberfestians...

Last time was such a hit I am planning to take my second son with me this year!  I will provide a bit more info soon.  But, I pretty much made the commitment.

Be well, and in the modified words of Proximo from Gladiator, "So [Der Kubaner], we shall go to [Munich] together and have [beer] adventures. And the great [beer tents] will suckle us until we are fat and happy and can suckle no more."

Der Kubaner

It's All Over But the Drinking

Oktoberfest Anniversary Tour travel arrangements have been booked.

About Time for Reservations

Been checking and checking, not much movement in ticket prices.  I have never waited this long to make reservations, so will probably pull the trigger this week.

Been looking at either flights out of CVG through CDG, arriving MUC at 7:50 on Sunday, or out of CMH through ATL, arriving MUC at 10:00.

Stay tuned.

This Day on Blogging History

Clicky this linky  --->  February 24, 2011

No waste of education going on here.

Miles per Gallon

Now I know some of you drink more than average and walk less than average.

Einfahrt Can't Decide

In Training

Catholic Mass

If church was more like this I would go every sunday.

Bless the Holy Father.

PROST

Two Years Ago Today...

http://oktoberfestvisits.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-oktoberfest-theme.html

Some things never change.

Let the Training Begin....

As if it ever stops.

Next weekend Einfahrt and I will be in Las Vegas for some well deserved time away from Dayton.  While we do not have anything scheduled as of this moment, I am sure we will engage in some training rituals here  --->  Training in Las Vegas

Recommendation for a day trip

We gotta go!

Salt Mine Berchtesgaden

Dressed in miner's clothing, the visitor enjoys rides on a train, a funicular, a raft and down slides through the Salt Mine in Berchtesgaden.
In former times only privileged dignitaries were allowed to visit Berchtesgaden's salt mines, in operation since 1517. Today, this fascinating underground world can be visited by all thanks to continuous guided tours. Dressed in miner's clothing, the visitor enjoys rides on a train, a funicular, a raft and down slides! They also learn about mining history and techniques thanks to a new film featuring our mascot "Pauli" and numerous exhibits with a recorded commentary.
New: mystical "light and sound" show & "rock-blasting" on the way out
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience more than just another tourist attraction: mining and exporting the "white gold" was the focal point of regional economy, technological progress and international politics.

Detroit contingent is on board

3 Newbie Oktoberfesters (my nephews) have given the signal that they are on board for the trip:  Chris Schad, Kevin Schad, and a friend.  I also understand that maybe my niece, Jeni and Rachel may join us as well.  Whoa Nellie!  I will get more details...  but this year is going to be great!!

Just Dreaming a Bit

New Tent Reservation Rules

I don't know what the current rules are, but they are changing, and from what I see, they are actually reduing the number of reserved tables.  This should mean it would be somewhat easier to find a table.

Here's the new rules; again, I don't know the old rules:

There have been some changes to the availability of reservations at the Oktoberfest that will become effective in 2013, reducing the number of tables that can be reserved prior to visiting the tents:

On weekdays, one quarter of the tables cannot be reserved; 
on Saturday, Sunday and 3rd October (German national holiday) half of the tables cannot be reserved through 3 pm, after 3 pm on Saturday, Sunday and 3rd October 35 percent of the tables cannot be reserved

Let the games begin!

Friends of Oktoberfest...  the Oktoberfest resource site has been updated!  Not improved,  but updated. ;-) Let the countdown begin!

Oktoberfest Resource Page

Things have progressed quickly...

Since my last post, we now have 3 double rooms reserved at the Hotel Alfa.  So lodging is good to go.

Also, thanks to our friend Anton at the Hotel Alfa, we also will have tent reservations for two evenings ! !  We have never had evening reservations and this will be a great way to celebrate our 20 Years of Oktoberfesting.  One evening will be in the Hofbrau Tent and the second evening in Spaten.

Prost !

Things are progressing....

Not only is planning in full swing for Oktoberfest, some tactical items are coming together as well.  I should be making hotel reservations in the next day or two, we have some great looking tent opportunities offered to us, and a past veteran may be about ready to commit to the trip.

While we have had tent reservations in the past, they were usually afternoon reservations when the crowd is more quiet.  The offers I have now are for evenings in fun tents like Hofbrauhaus and Spaten. 

Shaping up to be a wonderful Anniversary Trip.

Prost !

Happy New Year Oktoberfestians !

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  Now that the new year is here, planning for this year's trip will begin to heat up.  There is already one change to our attendee list for the trip.  My son will not be joining us. 

Since we need to make commitments early in the year, especially for airline tickets, he cannot guarantee he can get the days off this far in advance.  An understandable yet disappointing fact of life. 

Let me be the first to offer everyone the first Prost! of the year.