Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Saturday, October 08, 2016
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Monday, October 03, 2016
Preliminary Oktoberfest 2016 Results
Attendance down. Approximately 5.6 million visitors
12-15 % drop in consumption; both food and drink
12-15 % drop in consumption; both food and drink
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Our 2016 Oktoberfest Visit is History
Everyone made it home safely, and there were no incidents to be ashamed of.
Jeep CJ and I had a wonderful time, and we spent some good quality bier drinking time with Betrunken, Alkoholische and Jason. Now all we need to do is get a blood transfusion.
Prost !
Jeep CJ and I had a wonderful time, and we spent some good quality bier drinking time with Betrunken, Alkoholische and Jason. Now all we need to do is get a blood transfusion.
Prost !
Monday, September 26, 2016
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Today is Sunday
So we all know what that means. A religious pilgramige to Kloster Andechs.
Dopplebach and Schweinhaxen.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Today's the day....
Suitcases packed...... Check
Boarding Passes Printed.... Check
Wallet and Passport Ready..... Check
1/2 day of work, and then Jeep CJ and I are off to the airport.
Boarding Passes Printed.... Check
Wallet and Passport Ready..... Check
1/2 day of work, and then Jeep CJ and I are off to the airport.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Leaving tomorrow
Chugger we are flying out tomorrow to pre game before you arrive. God speed safe travels.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Monday, September 12, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Paging Alkoholische and Betrunken
Since you guys are the advanced scout team, I want you to be sure to chronicle your up front planning and preparation. Need to be sure all essentials are accounted for, and you have plenty of time to get to the airport.
Passport
BDG2M Book
Credit Card
Not much more that is essential, right?
Passport
BDG2M Book
Credit Card
Not much more that is essential, right?
Friday, September 09, 2016
A Little Off Topic, but at least Germany Related
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, how about Nine Things You Never Knew About Star Trek in Germany.
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Oktoberfest In Munich (1920-1929)
Look in the background of the last few seconds. The building looks familiar.
14 more Days
Right after we drop our bags of at the Alfa, we will be making a dash for this wonderful bier garden.
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Friday, September 02, 2016
Thursday, September 01, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Allow me to reminisce....
As we approach departure in 24 days, it reminds me of my first trip to Oktoberfest in 1987. I don't remember the exact dates, but it was memorable nonetheless.
I was visiting Augsburg on a business trip with NCR and we were all sitting at the bar in the hotel at around 19:00. One of my colleagues (we'll call him Tom to protect his innocence) and I commented about Oktoberfest and that we had never been there. One thing led to another and we were looking at train schedules to get to Munich. We determined that if we hurried, be could be in Munich by 20:30 if we caught the next train. There was a 01:00 train we could then catch to get back. So..... off we ran to the bahnhof.
Arrived at the Hauptbahnhof as scheduled and quickly grabbed a taxi to the Wies'n, not knowing anything about anything. Found our first tent (I think it was Augustiner), and were easily able to get a seat and start our sampling of the golden nectar. It was obviously during the week, and 29 years ago. So we were singing, drinking and having a great time, only to be surprised when the lights came on at about 22:00. Huh? Isn't this Oktoberfest? No one told us they actually close the place early. So we quickly decided that the Hofbrauhaus would be a great place since we still had about three hours until our train. Hey, taxi !
Arrived at the Hofbrauhaus and ordered a bier, only to find out they close at 23:00. I thought this was Germany, the land of free flowing bier. What to do now? Tom and I stumbled outside and around the corner to find an establishment that was indeed open, and would remain, and I think I quote the bar tender, "until everyone leaves". Maß after Maß were consumed, and Tom became the local deckel champion (that's another story). Uh oh, all of a sudden it was 01:30 and we missed our train. Not to worry, if we finish our Maß and hurry, we can make the 02:30 train. Nope. Now the next train is not until 06:00. Oh well. Zwei Maß bitte !
So we did get our train at 06:00, and were feeling pretty proud of ourselves. Tried to snooze on the way to Augsburg, but not very successful and only a 30 minute ride. We figured we get to the hotel, get some sleep, and then see what was scheduled for the day. No such luck. As we were entering the hotel, some other colleagues were coming down for breakfast. Being the inquisitive travelers we are, we asked why they were up so early. The answer, "we're having breakfast and then meeting everyone at 08:00 to catch a train". To Munich !
Uh oh. So we run to our rooms, take showers and head back down for breakfast. Off to Munich we went for some sightseeing, and then, you guessed it, Wies'n here we come. There is evidence of that first visit which has been posted before, but here we go again:
I was visiting Augsburg on a business trip with NCR and we were all sitting at the bar in the hotel at around 19:00. One of my colleagues (we'll call him Tom to protect his innocence) and I commented about Oktoberfest and that we had never been there. One thing led to another and we were looking at train schedules to get to Munich. We determined that if we hurried, be could be in Munich by 20:30 if we caught the next train. There was a 01:00 train we could then catch to get back. So..... off we ran to the bahnhof.
Arrived at the Hauptbahnhof as scheduled and quickly grabbed a taxi to the Wies'n, not knowing anything about anything. Found our first tent (I think it was Augustiner), and were easily able to get a seat and start our sampling of the golden nectar. It was obviously during the week, and 29 years ago. So we were singing, drinking and having a great time, only to be surprised when the lights came on at about 22:00. Huh? Isn't this Oktoberfest? No one told us they actually close the place early. So we quickly decided that the Hofbrauhaus would be a great place since we still had about three hours until our train. Hey, taxi !
Arrived at the Hofbrauhaus and ordered a bier, only to find out they close at 23:00. I thought this was Germany, the land of free flowing bier. What to do now? Tom and I stumbled outside and around the corner to find an establishment that was indeed open, and would remain, and I think I quote the bar tender, "until everyone leaves". Maß after Maß were consumed, and Tom became the local deckel champion (that's another story). Uh oh, all of a sudden it was 01:30 and we missed our train. Not to worry, if we finish our Maß and hurry, we can make the 02:30 train. Nope. Now the next train is not until 06:00. Oh well. Zwei Maß bitte !
So we did get our train at 06:00, and were feeling pretty proud of ourselves. Tried to snooze on the way to Augsburg, but not very successful and only a 30 minute ride. We figured we get to the hotel, get some sleep, and then see what was scheduled for the day. No such luck. As we were entering the hotel, some other colleagues were coming down for breakfast. Being the inquisitive travelers we are, we asked why they were up so early. The answer, "we're having breakfast and then meeting everyone at 08:00 to catch a train". To Munich !
Uh oh. So we run to our rooms, take showers and head back down for breakfast. Off to Munich we went for some sightseeing, and then, you guessed it, Wies'n here we come. There is evidence of that first visit which has been posted before, but here we go again:
Friday, August 26, 2016
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Getting close to time! Have fun, you guys.
While I typically don't like articles about O'Fest, this one gets it mostly right..
6 Pack of Tips for Oktoberfest
6 Pack of Tips for Oktoberfest
Monday, August 15, 2016
Friday, August 12, 2016
Ok, Today's the Day !!!
The next phase of immersion begins with the Dayton German Club Festival. Probably just a short visit tonight for dinner and drinks, and then maybe a return engagement tomorrow.
Bier, brats, sauerkraut, oompah bands and just good old fun. What more could you ask for?
Bier, brats, sauerkraut, oompah bands and just good old fun. What more could you ask for?
Thursday, August 11, 2016
2011 Memory
In 40 days I touch down in Munich for 8 days of Bier drink.
My last trip to Oktoberfest was in 2011. On the T-minus 40 day mark, I broke my hip requiring surgery so I abruptly had to back out. I had surgery and was miserable knowing my friends and family were going. At about the T-mius 15 day mark I decided to go while on crutches against my doctors advice. The trip was still amazing even though I was in pain. I logged so many miles while walking on my crutches. I walked laps around the English Garden, climbed Eagle Nest, and navagatig around the crowded bier tents. The trip awesome.
So here we are again at the 40 mark, lets not break anything.
My last trip to Oktoberfest was in 2011. On the T-minus 40 day mark, I broke my hip requiring surgery so I abruptly had to back out. I had surgery and was miserable knowing my friends and family were going. At about the T-mius 15 day mark I decided to go while on crutches against my doctors advice. The trip was still amazing even though I was in pain. I logged so many miles while walking on my crutches. I walked laps around the English Garden, climbed Eagle Nest, and navagatig around the crowded bier tents. The trip awesome.
So here we are again at the 40 mark, lets not break anything.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Saturday, August 06, 2016
Thursday, August 04, 2016
Löwenbräukeller
We have been by this place, but never went there. I think this trip deserves a visit; only a 10 minute walk.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
A tale of horror. But maybe not...
With all the scare tactics being used on us now, I thought I would try one of my own. It actually has a happy ending. LOL
Monday, July 25, 2016
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Airbrau in Munchen
Never took the time to visit this place. Always in a hurry to hit the ground and head to the hotel, or hurrying early in the morning to make our flight. Since we get in at 9:15, thought maybe a quick stop-by would be appropriate.
Check it out here...
Also, here's Larry's review from the BDG2M:
"We only ask three things of Munich beer establishments: They be convenient, good, and, well, cheap. Normally, it's a "pick any two" proposition. Tough to get all three. Airbräu scores the hat trick. It could not be more convenient to visitors arriving in Munich. It's literally inside the airport. But unlike most airport offerings, instead of a mark-up, it's a mark down. These are some of the most economical choices in beer in all of Munich.
Airbräu is actually a brewpub, since they are making the most of a spacious airport location to brew several varieties, including a helles, a dark, a wheat and a doppelbock that includes the obligatory -ator suffix, called, naturally, Aviator. The food is outstanding as well and at reasonable prices.
What a great way to pop the cap on Munich and celebrate your arrival with a first-taste of the city's most prized liquid offerings. So, roll the luggage along to an outstanding kick-starter to your vacation. Airbräu takes off with 3-1/2 beers."
Prost !
Check it out here...
Also, here's Larry's review from the BDG2M:
"We only ask three things of Munich beer establishments: They be convenient, good, and, well, cheap. Normally, it's a "pick any two" proposition. Tough to get all three. Airbräu scores the hat trick. It could not be more convenient to visitors arriving in Munich. It's literally inside the airport. But unlike most airport offerings, instead of a mark-up, it's a mark down. These are some of the most economical choices in beer in all of Munich.
Airbräu is actually a brewpub, since they are making the most of a spacious airport location to brew several varieties, including a helles, a dark, a wheat and a doppelbock that includes the obligatory -ator suffix, called, naturally, Aviator. The food is outstanding as well and at reasonable prices.
What a great way to pop the cap on Munich and celebrate your arrival with a first-taste of the city's most prized liquid offerings. So, roll the luggage along to an outstanding kick-starter to your vacation. Airbräu takes off with 3-1/2 beers."
Prost !
Thursday, July 07, 2016
A few memories from the archives....
Circa 1993, aka The Trip That Started It All
Chugger doing what he does best....
Chugger, Designated Walker (love the doo), Barley Man
The First Oktoberfestians (clockwise starting on left)
Einfahrt, Jim VonHolle, Chugger, Mike Iwicki (aka Psycho), Security Guard, Barley Man, Designated Walker
Keith....
Sent from my new iPad!
Sent from my new iPad!
I'm not religious.....
But doesn't this make you want to go to church? Kloster Andechs on a Sunday with a couple Dopplebachs. A truly religious experience. Can't wait for September.
Keith....
Sent from my new iPad!
Sent from my new iPad!
Sunday, July 03, 2016
A New Monikor
Drunk Monks!
Designated Walker and I were discussing day trip options. Since my suggestions always include bier and monasteries. She said that Jeep CJ will think there's nothing but "drunk monks"!
Paging Alcoholische and Betrunken (and of course Jeep CJ)
Fellow Oktoberfestians.....
I'm proposing the possibility of visiting Kloster Weltenburg on Monday, 26 September. The team has been there only once, and while a beautiful place, it was memorable for the wrong reasons. This was the year of our 'Uber Trip'; 17 group members. It was raining, and there were other issues as well. We have always wanted to go back, but getting there is a challenge; train, bus, ferry, walk, etc.
So, first of all, check the place out here.
I have two options to propose if there is interest. 1) We jointly rent a car and drive. It is about 1hr. 20 mins. This gives us the most flexibility and is the most affordable. Unfortunately, this means someone becomes the designated driver. Option 2), we see about hiring a car and driver to take us. Also provides flexibility, but would be more expensive.
I don't know what you guys have planned, but if interested, let me know and I will investigate further.
Prost!
Here's a couple pics...
I'm proposing the possibility of visiting Kloster Weltenburg on Monday, 26 September. The team has been there only once, and while a beautiful place, it was memorable for the wrong reasons. This was the year of our 'Uber Trip'; 17 group members. It was raining, and there were other issues as well. We have always wanted to go back, but getting there is a challenge; train, bus, ferry, walk, etc.
So, first of all, check the place out here.
I have two options to propose if there is interest. 1) We jointly rent a car and drive. It is about 1hr. 20 mins. This gives us the most flexibility and is the most affordable. Unfortunately, this means someone becomes the designated driver. Option 2), we see about hiring a car and driver to take us. Also provides flexibility, but would be more expensive.
I don't know what you guys have planned, but if interested, let me know and I will investigate further.
Prost!
Here's a couple pics...
Jeep CJ Asks About Day Trips
It's now 81 days until arrival and Jeep CJ asked about day trips. So I guess it is time to float some ideas.
This year will only allow time for 2 out of town trips. Friday will be consumed with arrival, then the Hofbrauhaus, and maybe the Wiesn since we have a small team. Saturday will also be the Wiesn thanks to tent reservations acquired through Anton at Hotel Alfa.
Sunday is our traditional religious pilgrimage to Kloster Andechs. This isn't a full day, so getting there early enough for bier and lunch leaves plenty of time to return to Munchen early afternoon and maybe visit Englischer Gardens or the Viktrualienmarkt. Monday is still open.
Comments anyone?
This year will only allow time for 2 out of town trips. Friday will be consumed with arrival, then the Hofbrauhaus, and maybe the Wiesn since we have a small team. Saturday will also be the Wiesn thanks to tent reservations acquired through Anton at Hotel Alfa.
Sunday is our traditional religious pilgrimage to Kloster Andechs. This isn't a full day, so getting there early enough for bier and lunch leaves plenty of time to return to Munchen early afternoon and maybe visit Englischer Gardens or the Viktrualienmarkt. Monday is still open.
Comments anyone?
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Chugger the Oktoberfest Pimp / Dealer.
I say this with the best intention. That being said our first trip to Munich for the beer pilgrimage was in 2008, then again in 2011, and now 2016 you are partially responsible for our addiction. We used your blog for advice, knowledge, and experiences. We have now started our own blog. Of course our has 20 years less experience than your but you must know the the torch has been passed and we are running strong. Cant wait to Prost and drink a beer with you at the Hofbrauhaus Munchen, on September 23, 2016.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
85 Days from Today...
It will be a family affair in Munchen. Time to crank up the chatter on the blog. Bier prices are only marginally higher, the Euro is lower, and our thirst is building.
What more could you ask for?
Prost.
What more could you ask for?
Prost.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
An Oldie but a Goodie...
After work, all the brew masters from the Munich breweries sit together in a pub. Needless to say, each brewer orders beer from his own brand, i.e. the Löwenbräu guy orders Löwenbräu, the Hacker-Pschorr guy orders Hacker-Pschorr, and so on. Last one to go is the Augustiner guy. He orders a Coke. Everybody is stunned, asking - "Why?" - "Well", he finally says with a wide grin, "if you are not ordering any beers, then I won't, too.
Sunday, June 05, 2016
Saturday, June 04, 2016
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
Beer Purity Law
Did you know that this year - 2016 - marks the 500 year anniversary of the German Reinheitsgebot?
Also known as the German Beer Purity Law or Bavarian Purity Law, was made into law in Germany in 1516 as way to regulate the production of beer. It stated that German beer could only contain three ingredients: barley, hops and water. At the time, the existence of yeast had not been discovered.
The law gave the government the right to regulate the ingredients, processes and quality of beer sold to the public. Originally, it ensured that the demand for crops such as wheat-used to make inexpensive bread-did not become scarce or increase in price. Limiting the ingredients also made it safer to drink. At the time the law was introduced, people drank large quantities of beer because water supplies were often polluted. The law kept cheap and unhealthy ingredients out, ensuring the beer remained "pure" for consumers. Previously, brewers had tried everything from roots, fruits, herbs and weeds to poisonous seeds, mushrooms and animal products. Some were used as a substitute for hops and others to increase the intoxicating effect or the shelf life.
The Reinheitsgebot is no longer part of German law. It was replaced in 1993 with the Provisional German Beer Law, which allows for some additional ingredients. However, many German brewers are proud to still abide by the original law.
Also known as the German Beer Purity Law or Bavarian Purity Law, was made into law in Germany in 1516 as way to regulate the production of beer. It stated that German beer could only contain three ingredients: barley, hops and water. At the time, the existence of yeast had not been discovered.
The law gave the government the right to regulate the ingredients, processes and quality of beer sold to the public. Originally, it ensured that the demand for crops such as wheat-used to make inexpensive bread-did not become scarce or increase in price. Limiting the ingredients also made it safer to drink. At the time the law was introduced, people drank large quantities of beer because water supplies were often polluted. The law kept cheap and unhealthy ingredients out, ensuring the beer remained "pure" for consumers. Previously, brewers had tried everything from roots, fruits, herbs and weeds to poisonous seeds, mushrooms and animal products. Some were used as a substitute for hops and others to increase the intoxicating effect or the shelf life.
The Reinheitsgebot is no longer part of German law. It was replaced in 1993 with the Provisional German Beer Law, which allows for some additional ingredients. However, many German brewers are proud to still abide by the original law.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
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