A Writ from God Version II

I recently emailed our bier drinking idol Larry Hawthorne of The Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich fame. He did return my email, and I feel honored once again to be speaking with the esteemed one. While his response was very long, I include some of it below, edited for brevity (I know, it is still very long). This does give some insight into what could lie ahead of us if we perfect our bier consumption activities. 

Hey, Chugger,

I've been remiss with my correspondence.  I apologize for not getting back to you.  Still around and generally traveling a lot.  Not much to Munich, of course, in the past year or most of 2019 for that matter.  I was getting serious about an 8th edition of the BDG2M, but I let it slip another year and then along came Covid.  ...

If things open up again next year I'll get moving on an update.  This time there will be a Kindle edition and a limited print run.  ... But, I like to do it, so there is still an eighth edition in me somewhere.  I've been retired from my day job for some 16 years now and have dabbled in different things.  ...

We are still very active with the adult LEGO community (damn, that almost sounds pornographic) and regularly attend LEGO builders and designers conventions in Australia (January) and Chicago (June) each year.  ... we travel around the US half the time and the rest is a lot of travel in Europe (Prague is our landing spot as Eliska is Czech and we have an apartment there).  ...

...

It would be great to meet up with you guys sometime.  Cannot believe how long it's been and you've walked in my footsteps and occasionally I've walked in yours (tried to leave a copy for your next visit with the folks running Shakespears there in Munich around the corner from the Hauptbahnhof).  I think Barleyman and Paulaner Girl live in the San Diego area?  We're often in Hemet, high desert area of Inland Empire area there in SoCal.  We've got a place there.  Might try to meet them if they're available sometime over at Stone in Escondido and have a few bitter ales if they're interested.   ROADTRIP  ! ! !

As it is, we're in Hawaii and have been here since early February.  We were coming through here from our Australia trip in January to stay for a month or two, as we usually do.  But the Covid got worse and we decided to stay right here and ride it out.  ... We're domiciled in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas) as you probably know.  Essentially it was for tax reasons but it's really on wheels there.  ... we're looking elsewhere to relocate, maybe Nashville area in Tennessee.  I love bluegrass and play banjo, fiddle and guitar, so in my old age I'm really getting into jamming the music.

Meanwhile, all the best to you guys.  I always thought you and your gang were hilarious in the things you do and the way you approach the wonderful art of drinking beer.  Lots of it.  I mean that IS what it's all about, as you were all able to break the code first.  I think it might have been around the third edition that you guys became early adopters of The BDG2M.  You left me a positive review on Amazon once that more or less said, "he gets it".  You were alluding to the fact that it was all about the immersion in the culture and the beer and that there was nothing to be self-conscious about, just because it was a hell of a lot of fun.  There was a time when even the title of the book, "The Beer Drinker's Guide" felt risky.  I mean, not exactly the Great American Novel, that one.  But it WAS the perfect title, and you guys confirmed it for me.  That really made a difference to me, believe it or not.  Because, you know, I actually was thinking I do get it but I need someone else to agree with the conclusion.  And you guys did, even to the point of spinning off your own tour businesses for a while.  

All the best, Keith (Chugger) and regards to the whole gang.  I look forward to us meeting sometime and lifting a few Maß.

 

Prosit!

Larry 

Speaking of Train Passes

With all of our expected travel for the Bier Immersion, German Rail passes are in order. With the proposed itinerary, we have 6 different days of travel that will require a train. Deutsche Bahn offers passes for 5 or 7 days within a month, so the 7 day pass would seem appropriate. It would then give us an extra day trip while in München.

There are 2 flavors of the rail pass; Single and Flexi. The Flexi allows two Oktoberfestians to travel on the same pass. While it costs more for the pass, it is not twice the price, so $$ are saved:

    1 Single Rail Pass    256 €

    1 Twin Pass              388 €

So, two Oktoberfestians with a Single Pass each would pay a total of 512 €, but those same two Oktoberfestians with a Twin Pass would only pay 388 €. 124 € for bier!

Unfortunately these passes are only for non-EU Oktoberfestians, sorry Barbus.

More Bier Immersion Stuff

 Ok, Ok, Ok......

Being the AOC (Anal Oktoberfestian [Chugger]) that I am, I am trying to end this year with everyone thinking about and planning for our Bier Excursion in 2021; Covid and travel restrictions permitting. We have had some discussions in previous threads, but in all honestly, not much enthusiasm; Flying Dan and BarleyMan excepted. This is my last attempt to generate some ongoing enthusiasm. What else is there to do when most of us have some form of limited or total shutdown? Unlike our normal trips, this will require some planning and coordination, and I'm sensing an "attitude" from some (no fingers being pointed). The alternative is Flying Dan and I (with a rendezvous with BarleyMan) are on our way and we may or may not see you.

So, I have created a planning document that will be kept up-to-date with our decisions. This will make it easier than trying to keep up with multiple posts. We should still use the various posts for discussion and other recommendations. 

You can use the link above in the header, or access the document from here. 

Updated Proposed Itinerary

I have made a couple changes to the proposed itinerary just to try and spur some activity as we approach the end of the year.

Barbus... Say it isn't so!

 

Holland-made Tecate beer masquerading as Mexican

Rare photo from the early days of Oktoberfesters quest

 

Some Information About Kulmbach...

 Learn about the new venue as proposed by Flying Dan:

General Wikipedia Information

Plassenburg Castle

Kulmbacher Bratwürst

TripAdvisor Info

Kulmbacher Brauerei (possibly the most important) 

An interesting bier

1st Proposed Daily Itinerary

 Here is the first draft of a daily itinerary for next year's trip. Questions to be discussed:

1. Are these the right cities?
2. Enough/too much time in each?

Have at it...

Trick or Treat. It is a treat!

 Happy Halloween.  Here is my Hacker-Pschorr Hefeweizen t the Manderville bier garten in Sarasota

Happy Halloween

 

Oktoberfest 2020

 

Proposed Trip Logo

Courtesy of Barbus, here's a suggestion for a logo for our trip.

Thoughts? Other ideas?

Just for fun I picked a 11 day excursion to see what the airfare looked like end of March first of April.  I know they can't go out much further than that.  I found a TAP Portugal flight from ORD to LIS (1.5 hour layover) to TXL for $204.00.  It was a bout a 13 hour flight.  The return out of MUC to LIS (5 hour layover) to ORD was $277.00.  It is a 17 hour flight!  Includes no seat selection but does allow for one carry on and a personal item.  Total of $481.00   I will say Delta and American and their partners are no way close to these numbers.   What the heck, they look like jets (Well kinda they are Airbus) and the seating looks the same.  I always sit in the back as I would be the last to hit the water. 

a day late.

Bier Immersion 2021 - Part 1

Ok, the first draft of next year's Bier Immersian 2021 trip has come a little quicker than I thought. If you are reading this before the previous post, please read that one first to set the stage.

I am suggesting the following bier immersion for our trip. This includes five different locations and bier styles prior to the culmination of the trip in München. We will start in the north and work our way south, visiting these cities and sampling their bier (remember, this is just a suggested itinerary. add value if you can):

Berlin: Berliner Weiße

Berliner Weiße is a light and sour wheat beer, which is sweetened by a shot of himbeer (raspberry) or waldmeister (woodruff-flavored) syrup giving it a candy-colored red or green color.

Leipzig: Gose

This unusual beer is spiced with coriander seeds and - unlike any other German beer - it is brewed with lightly salty water and features a sourness.

Dusseldorf: Altbier

A German style brown ale, “Alt” means old, and the name refers to the pre-lager brewing method of using warm top-fermenting yeast like British pale ales.

Cologne: Kölsch

Kölsch, meaning "of Cologne", locals are proud of their beer which is brewed exclusively in the Cologne region.

Bamberg: Rauchbier

The secret of this beer’s mild smoked flavor is the century-old process of drying malt over an open fire made from beech wood logs.

München: Helles, Weisbier, Dopplebock

Let the discussion begin.............

Oktoberfest 2021

What? Oktoberfest 2021? Even though this year's 'Fest has been cancelled, it would not have even started yet. Are you guys crazy?

Well, yes, we are probably crazy. But nonetheless, it is never too early to start planning an Oktoberfest trip. We have already begun informal discussions, and next year's trip is going to be a bit different.

We are discussing a trip that celebrates the different bier of Germany, not just München. We expect to start our sojourn somewhere in northern Germany, and work our way south sampling the different biers in different regions. This "pre-trip", if you will, will culminate with a traditional visit to Oktoberfest in München. Details of the bier immersion trip will start flowing shortly. Items to be discussed include, where do we go, how long are we there, how do we get from Point-A to Point-B, and so on. Current thoughts are 4-5 different cities, and 7-10 days of bier immersion.

Please stayed tuned in the next few days for the first draft of Bier Immersion 2021. Your input is extremely important. Where do we want to go? How long do we want to stay? Is it only bier focused or should we also immerse ourselves in culture? So much to decide. Maybe I should go have a cold one to get started.

If you are so inclined, you can also provide your input to the first draft prior to publication. Let me know your thoughts.

Prost !

Wurst Kase

British Airway Cancelled my London/Munich/London

It is official for me now.  BA cancelled my trip from London to Munich and the return.  I went to the BA manage your flight web page and could only request a voucher.  I called the help line and talked to a pleasant chap located in Germany who refunded my money to my credit card.

Painless, the US carriers could take a lesson on customer service from those folks at BA!

Just waiting for American to cancel my flight to London and the fight not to get a voucher!!

Oktoberfest Trip Website update with latest news.

Dang.  Next year will be tough with the wedding. 

Oktoberfest Trip Officially Cancelled

I'll Probably Be Cancelling

Delta just cancelled one of my flights.

Western Swing?

John, Keith and David

I just looked at an email form SWAirlines on a big fare sale.  Flights out of CVG to Albuquerque for example is around $300 round trip .  Bags fly free!!


OUT of MDW (Chicago) $238 dollars to Albuquerque  round trip in September

Just some data points if we do a western swing trip.  Of course David it would be an eastern swing, but he has always leaned the wrong way!  Ha Ha

Doesn't look hopeful

 Source: Rick Steves' Europe Group

Current betting odds on the trip????

Never thought we'd be in a position like this. 

I'd say we are at 60% chance of going... 

Never loose another Golf Club again!

ADVERTISEMENT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUqWj3w4NC0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93LSDlll4sg

German Travel Ban Extended

Paulaner Girl brought this to my attention...

German Travel Ban Extended

It's now out to August 31st.  Cutting it close.  Of course,  if Americans behave, follow prudent guidelines,  we don't spread the virus,  and our infection/mortality rate goes down,  then we are in good shape!

Look at this.  I finally  can have a bier with my buddies.  Chappy's has opened!  They have six foot distance taped on the top of the bar.  We took four chairs.  They took one away.    Six foot down there was a two chair section.  Six foot from those two chairs another set of chairs and the pattern continued around the bar.  The bar was busy with most places taken. 

This is the first day for the opening of bars and restaurants in Ohio. By the way the bier tasted great!  Just to let the team know, Keith was complaining about being retired and John was happy that the COVID-19 cure might be nicotine based.  That is what I learned tonight.

Argh.. Delta cancels then changes flights

I was the next victim of flight changes due to the 'rona. Delta cancelled some flights, but were kind enough to rebook me. However, apparently their rebooking system sucks. They rebooked connecting flights that depart before the first flight even arrives.

Oh well, got everything worked out and even going the day earlier as we all discussed. Probably all for naught though, will we actually go?

Prost.

Will Oktoberfest 2021 be extended by a week?

Guys have no fear, make room for a beer!

https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/2020/05/14/will-oktoberfest-2021-be-extended/

Pre Mother's Day Beer Call

A really nice Hazy IPA from Mikkeller Brewing here in San Diego.  Cheers.

Tasting Courtesy of Flying Dan

Socially distanced of course. Well, kinda, Flying Dan and Granddaughter Jenna were doing alot of kissing.

New outfit for Munich

https://youtu.be/P4Se5xN6gMw
Hey Guys, I am ready for Munich. Hope by that time I can go to the hairdresser. Have fun and stay OK!

Some Monastery Humor

Something to ponder as we we dream of München.


On our last trip to Kloster Andechs, I was walking past the kitchen and saw a monk frying chips. I casually asked him if he was The Friar 😀

He responded, "No sir, I am The Chip Monk." 👏👏

It is official :-(

Oktoberfest has been cancelled  😩

We do live in trying times. We have been attending for over 25 years and like everything else, never thought this could happen. As we have all opined (except Einfahrt who has been quiet), we will continue to monitor the situation and still plan to visit München if the virus and travel industry permit. I will contact Anton early May to negotiate our rooms and extend for sittinginacornfield and Barley Man (I'll probably go another day early also).

Prost! Stay safe, and hope to raise a few with you during our virtual session this Friday.

😩 😩 😩 😩 😩 😩 😩 😩 😩

Looks like it will be finalized tomorrow...

https://www.corona24.news/c/2020/04/20/bild-learned-about-the-cancellation-of-oktoberfest-due-to-coronavirus-society-rbc.html

Saw this come in on my feed.... could it be true???

Oktoberfest apparently canceled

As the " Bild " newspaper reports, the end of the Munich Oktoberfest is apparently sealed. Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter want to officially announce the cancellation tomorrow. The State Chancellery announced a press conference for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Sehr Gut!

It is starting...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-19/germany-is-reopening-stores-in-first-step-toward-post-virus-era

Let's play "What if..."

What if the powers to-be cancel Oktoberfest in late June? This will be a rough decision because they need to predict the future. Forget about why they do it, just assume for this game that they do cancel. And remember, this is an irrevocable cancellation. Once they make the decision they cannot reverse it in July or August, it takes too much effort to build the Wiesn.

In this scenario, what should our band of Oktoberfestians do? I believe we have two alternatives; 1) cancel our plans when the Fest is cancelled or 2) wait until the last minute to see if it is safe to travel and then go to Munchen even if no Oktoberfest. Still take day trips, still visit the Hofbrauhaus, Viktualienmarkt and Augustiner Keller.

Provide your thoughts. Something to discuss durring our next virtual meeting, if Barley Man ever gets it scheduled  :-)


Prost.

Hot off the Press

WOn't affect Barbus!

“When the Schengen Borders open up in September, if they do, Schengen Visa applicants will need to submit a Coronavirus test that has resulted negative, taken within the last two weeks prior to the visa application. The traveller may be required to take a new test before travelling to the Schengen area, as to make sure that he/she has not been infected in the meantime,” the source said."

I believe this is the one thing that Trump's all the political opinions and COVID beliefs. I can taste the bier now!

Your thoughts?

Got booked.

Prices finally dropped.  But I chose my seat,  and of course declined Potty Usage (saved $50 bucks).  That's what my Zip Lock baggies are for.

Chugger,  I will need a room on Wednesday.  Can you ask Anton?

Argh!  Expedia notified me this morning. My flight is canceled.  Got to work on new arrangements.

Jump start “open for business”

Hey maybe this thing in Germany will jump start an "open for business" movement!

"Maybe sports aren’t too far away from coming back after all.

Germany’s top soccer league, the Bundesliga, has plans in place to resume playing league games in early May, according to The New York Times. Every major sports league worldwide has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and leagues around the United States and Europe are trying to figure out when is the best time they can resume games in some capacity."



https://apple.news/Al021tryYRaeDNpEZzNUEgw

Arriving on Wednesday?

It's better if I leave Tuesday and arrive late Wednesday.  I assume I'll have some friends in Munich that evening for a light supper?  ;-)

Latest from those who know...

As barbus stated, sometime in June...

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/oktoberfest-news/2020/cancellation-because-of-corona-will-the-oktoberfest-2020-take-place

Something to consider....

Before our training session tomorrow.....

https://wiesnkini.de/en/blog/will-the-oktoberfest-2020-be-cancelled-due-to-the-coronavirus/

Glad I have Schlumberger Lady in the house during quarantine time. Oh wait .....

Actions Taken by the Germans in the face of the Corona virus...

Enough with the TP Memes

Glad I waited to book a flight

My airfare just dropped $1K.  Time to book.

Training take 2

@Chugger, is this the appropriate size? Ill get this right before we go!

Tuesday Training

Home brew turned out pretty good! Can’t wait to have some Biers with you guys!

Just that you know!

For the skeptical, here's a form of proof

Confirmed flight. Tuesday to Tuesday. Arriving Wednesday.

Good price. With travel insurance. 

Another verbal commitment for Oktoberfest

Einfahrt has verbally committed! We all know it isn't real until reservations are made and $$$ have been committed.

Looks like a great trip for this year.

We have confirmation

Duncancw12 will for sure be joining us! He and I will be splitting the double and flying Dan will be taking the single.

Newbee Training!
Our Newbee  Beergartner started his training!

Grand Poobah.  Another option for the trip theme!

"We are putting the band back together"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we7UfubNeqM

Paging the Grand Poobah

Oh exulted one, I would like to humbly request a change to this year's trip theme. In honor of one of our favorite ladies, Thin Lizzy  (even though she never attended), I request this year's theme be...

The Boys Are Back In Town

I await your ruling.

Chugger is Confirmed!

Arrive Thursday and depart Tuesday...

I will update the room for Barley Man and I, but still need guidance on whether to change it for Flying Dan (new single room) and Sittinginacornfield gets the double with duncancw12.

Booked and Ready!!

Im Booked and ready to go! Going to go in a bit early with FlyingDan. I am hoping to bring one more, he is still deciding!

Barbus & Beergartner confirmed!
Arriving 9/25 early morning / leaving 9/28 early evening. Four days in Munich !
Hotel Alfa 3x nights 2x single rooms booked and payed.
Let the party begin.

Flying Dan does it!

Flying Dan is committed to the trip  See you guys in Munich!

Minister of housing, I am going to go out on my own for hotels in Munich  my extra days but depending on your arrival I might join you guys at Alpha

Just got word from sitting in a corn field that he might bring another New-bee.  He will be sending you a note.  I am fine with my own room at Alpha.  Sitting in a corn field will room with his friend.

Grand total of 700 dollars with my seat selections.

Website updated...

Website is updated!

Oktoberfest 2020

Additions to follow.  Has anyone heard from Larry recently?

A new member! Beergärtner will join us. He just booked an Alfa room. And I am fully responsible for his performance. More details later. @Chugger: please send Beergärtner a blog invitation. Peterwinnips@live.nl

Where to stay in Berlin?

Anyone ever been? 

https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/where-to-stay-in-berlin-germany/#Mitte

Oktoberfest Housing

As authorized and directed by the Grand Poobah, the Minister of Housing has procured accommodations for the Oktoberfestians at the Hotel Alfa. Details are as follows:

Arriving Friday 25 September
Departing Tuesday 29 September

(1) single room for Barbus; €175 per night
(1) double room for Chugger & Barley Man; €270 per night
(1) double room for Flying Dan & sittinginacornfield; €270 per night

The terms include fully cancelable until 15 March, 50% payment on 19 March and final payment on 15 June. The Minister will make the necessary disbursements and will then levy taxes accordingly.

Finally, a tent reservation has been arranged for Saturday, 26 September for the Hacker balcony from 13:00 to 17:15. Your share will be levied upon arrival in München.

Ok... Thinking About Housing Requirements

As we await the final proclamation from the Grand Poobah on the schedule, the next step will be to finalize housing for this year's Oktoberfestians. Potential attendees for this year's activities include:

Barley Man
Chugger
Flying Dan
Barbus
Schlumberger Lady
sittinginacornfield

Is anyone missing? A rhetorical question for sure. A little sparse, but a manageable troupe if it comes to fruition. Regarding housing, I will assume that Barbus and Schlumberger Lady will once again venture out on their own while the remaining Oktoberfestians setup shop at the Hotel Alfa. So, currently 4 potential revelers under the management of the Minister of Housing (MofH).

I have not contacted Herr Anton, and will not until we have a more reliable count. For budget purposes we can expect similar pricing to the 2019 trip; 150 euro for single/ 250 euro for a double. Once commitments are made we will agree upon who will share doubles, who requires a single, is a triple possible.

The MofH will also undertake the identification of rooms in Berlin should that pre-trip become a realization.

I await the proclamation of the Grand Poobah.

A Point of Order for the Grand Poobah

While not explicitly enumerated, do the responsibilities of the Secretary of Housing also include chairing a sub-committee for the identification and funding of an external venue that provides reserved seats for viewing and participating in music, dancing and consumption of the Golden Nectar?

I await your decision.

Berlin to München

Here's our possible overnight train from Berlin to München, prices not posted yet.

The Official Duties begin.....

OK Team,  Here's the weekends.


1st Weekend:  Sep 19th (Saturday)

2nd Weekend:  Sep 26th

3rd Weekend:  Okt 3rd

Last Night is Sunday Okt 4th.


My Planus eruptus is to be there from Thursday to Tuesday (Standard run).  But am really open about which weekend.  The 3rd weekend may be fun.  Pre-trip anywhere?

Maybe a Saturday to Saturday trip?

One of our party is anxious to buy tickets,  and Chugger needs to contact Anton.  What say you all??

I am thinking that is the platform that Einfahrt is proposing for the EPA

The Grand Poobah

I accept this challenge.


My Cabinet:

Secretary of Forestry (Wood),  I appoint FlyingDan
Secretary of Housing:  Chugger
Ambassadors to the EU:  Barbus & Schlumberger Lady
Secretary of the EPA (Noxious fumes division):  Einfahrt
Secretary of Wine:  Roalef
First Lady:  Paulaner Girl

Other appointments to follow,  as warranted.

Happy Birthday Chugger!!!

How old are you??  The world wants to know!

Hey Guys,
We have never been on the last night. "Zapfenstreich" in the Hofbrau tent.
I am sure the Grand Poobah will like this.
See how the girls have fun. Idea?

This Year's Oktoberfest Logo Announced...

Read all about it....

Barbus Restaurant opening in San Diego!!

Barbus,  Is this your new place?

So in Chicago for business and I don’t know what I should.  I know, practice for September.  At the Rosemont Hofbrauhaus.

VOTE !

... for this year's Oktoberfest Visits' Grand Poobah.

This is a coveted position amongst Oktoberfestians. The Grand Poobah is responsible for all planning and execution of the Oktoberfest Visit. This includes, but is not limited to finalizing the dates of the visit, proposing/final decision and scheduling of Day Trips, and day to day organization of the Oktoberfestians. Individual activities may be delegated by the Grand Poobah to different Oktoberfestians, but this delegation may only be done if the designated Oktoberfestian has a unique talent or insight that provides a measurable advantage to the group. All designations must be approved by the Grand Poobah Emeritus.

This year's candidates for Grand Poobah are:

Barley Man

and there may not be any write-in candidates/votes. Voting is open until the end of business (eastern time), 12 February.

In training tonight.  Waiting on dates. I found round trip for 575 dollars to Zurich. I am going to see the Alps. Then over to Munich to meet the leaders would like to get my schedule complete mr a hugger

I will brew a Helles while we wait!

I decided its time to start training!