Time Lapse Video...

of Paulaner Girl's namesake tent...

I Think I Found It !!!

I think it was the year 2007. Dan Rang took us on a tram trip to find a great little Bier Garten. The travel time seemed forever, and Dan looked like he was really in a panic. But then, all of a sudden, there it was. A nice little bier garten snuggled within some tress, right on the main street.

I think this is it, Wintergarten...

Ours is a bit more complicated....

Very tight layovers in AMS... 90 minutes.

Chugger and Designated Walker Itinerary

Here's ours, let's see yours...

Guess the Oktoberfester... Archive

This appears to be from Shipol airport in the mid oughts..

A new milestone this year...

This is the first year we will not have any virgins. Virgin Oktoberstestians that is.

All attendees have at least one Oktoberfest under their belt.

Discuss....

Beer prices announced

 Check out all the details here.

I hope the exchange rate keeps improving for the dollar.  Bottom line, most prices above 11€.

Only 90 days to go....

Until the start of Oktoberfest. Let's start cranking up the posts. Show some interest Oktoberfestians.

Barbus... Please explain...

Paulaner Girl filled up our beer fridge last week.  Yay.  Have some good San Diego beer. However, for my friend's who don't like hops, she bought some Newcastle Brown Ale.

Newcastle Brown Ale is NOT from England.  It is brewed in a country called Holland.  Really?  WTF???

Starting Prep for the big event

OK,  Wedding done..  ready to focus on Oktoberfest...

Step 1:  Buy some shoes..

And no,  these aren't the $300 puke proof ones.  But I haven't puked at O'fest in a long time.  If ever.

A New Sport?

A Big Get Well to.....

Barbus.

Hope you are doing well and will be fully recovered by September.

Munich's Finest Wait Staff

Paging Paulaner Girl

Back in 2013 you were querying about where to buy your Dirndl. Since we all know that the one you have is wonderful, where did you eventually get it? I looking for something for Designated Walker.

An Epic Fail

Just a little aside...

Will the trend continue?

The Euro to Dollar exchange rate is improving for us. Will this trend continue, and how low will it go?

And now a word from our spiritual sponsor

How to use your beer coupons

A very recent (May 2017) video from Larry Hawthorne.

A new Era....

The Oktoberfesters History Page has been upgraded for this year's trip!  With new photos, and exciting new look and feel.

Oktoberfest History Page 

Comments cheerfully accepted.  Team Oktoberfestvisits will be adding more in the near future.  

Day trip????

Wiener Dog Museum in Passau

Who doesn't like Wiener dogs???

We have a new attendee!

But before I reveal the name, can anyone identify the Oktoberfestian?

First clue... It is not a virgin.

Frohe Ostern

Frohe Ostern Everyone!

Let's talk about Nuremburg

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/nuremberg-d-ba-nr.htm

Day trip talk

We already have some good ideas...  I saw an advert for Regensburg,  and thought... what a great idea.  Not so.  Takes way too long to get there.  The bus is the quickest way... 

7 Years Ago Today

http://oktoberfestvisits.blogspot.com/2011/03/runner-up.html

There might be...

... another attendee.

Stay tuned.

Flight Itineraries

Ok fellow Oktoberfestians, have you made your flight reservations? If so, post them up here. I know Barbus and Schlumberger Lady are probably driving. The Vozel itinerary is in a previous post.

Beer Futures

Upon noticing that the exchange rate is moving against us,  I started thinking about Beer Futures.

I don't have time to set one up,  nor do i think Hacker Pschorr will accept payment now for Beer in September. What to do....

I guess I can buy Euros now,    to spend on beer in September.   So if the exchange rate worsens to $1.35,  and I invest $1,000 now... I get an extra 65 euros to spend on beers,  @10.75 per beer...That means I have 6 extra beers in Munich. 

           Exchange rate Euros    Mass

Now                1.24 $1,000 € 806.45

September        1.35 $1,000 € 740.74     10.75

                                   € 65.71       6.11 

Flight Reservation Have Been Made!

It took some effort to save money, but the Vozels are booked:

Hotel Alfa Rooms Finalized

2 double rooms for Vozel and Finlay
1 single room for Rang

Linza is still pending.


I will let you know the actual cost when the exchange rate hits my card.

Prost

I've been asked....

Hey Chugger, is there a schedule for this trip?

The answer is 'not really'. We typically decide one day what we will do the next. There are some things scheduled in advance, though. On arrival day (Thursday) it is customary to meet at the Hofbrauhaus to get our juices flowing and just kick back after our travels. The only other item specifically scheduled is our tent reservation Saturday afternoon.

Everything else happens as it happens.

2018 Logo

Our Latest Oktoberfestian is...

Jane Lynch.

Welcome Jane to the party. She is a veteran Oktoberfestian having attend three previous Fests.

We now have eight confirmed and two pending.

Prost!

Holy Guacamole Batman!!!

Just had a precipitous drop in airfare..  We can now go  LAX-MUC and BOD-LAX for $750 on pretty decent flights,  AirFrance and Delta..  I may jump at this..  Need to discuss with Paulaner Girl...

Our fearless leader

Here's wishing a speedy recovery to Chugger.  In preparation for Oktoberfest this year,  he decided to have some bionic parts inserted to increase his drinking efficiency.  Here's to you, Chugger!! Prost!

Room and Tent Reservations

I have secured the following room reservations at our favorite family run hotel, the Hotel Alfa:

3 Double Rooms (Vozel, Finlay, Linza-Pending Decision?)
2 Single Rooms (Rang, Extra just in case)

These are for arrival on 27 September and departure on 1 October. I will need to confirm, make any changes, and provide payment the first week of March.

In addition, we have a full table reservation for Saturday, 29 September, from 13:00 - 17:15 at the Hacker tent. We have been there before and a good time should be had by all.


NOTE: barbus and Schlumberger Lady are staying at a different hotel.

Can I get a big Prost ?

Our First Day Trip Decided

Thanks to barbus, with an assist to Barley Man, it looks like we have a new day trip identified for this year. This is actually a two part visit, starting at Kloster Benediktbeuern,and then heading to the village of Kochel. This is only about an hour train ride from Munich, so we have plenty of flexibility.

Check out the genesis of this trip in this discussion.

Prost!

Day Trip Discussion...

Should we think about one of the following repeat visits, or is there something new that we haven't done? Remember the guidelines, the journey should not be any longer than 2.5 hours each way. We want to spend a good amount of time there, but also not be traveling all day.

So...

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
2. Bamberg
3. Kloster Weltenburg

Let's hear thoughts or alternatives. Of course Kloster Andechs is on the agenda.

Time to start following Airfare trends

They are still a bit high, but should be falling soon.

Keep your eyes open and your apps watching for deals and pounce when you are happy with a price.

Soon to be Merry Christmas

As you enjoy any and all festivities, please remember that it is time to start thinking more seriously about next year's travel plans.

The dates in Munchen have been established, so it is now your turn to start thinking about travel plans. Currently only six Oktoberfestians have committed, but maybe as plans begin to be made, others will see the light. If you know of anyone "on the fence", please give them a shout. I have stopped hassling potential attendees a long time ago. They should be self motivated.

I would like to give Anton at the Hotel Alfa our first "heads-up" on room requirements in mid-January. Right now that would be only two rooms; assuming barbus and Schlumberger Lady do their own again.

Have a Fröhliche Weihnachten and a Glückliches Neu Yahr, and remember my second hip replacement surgery will be January 2nd. Oktoberfest 2018 will be the first time in many years I should be able to walk and party without any physical issues. Now, mental issues are another story.

Who the F@ck is Alice

A video sung by the original group...

Say 'Hi' to my cousin Susan!

Hopefully she's joining us next year.

Take me home... to where I belong...Munich!

Was in Santa Monica yesterday and heard the dulcet tones of a song that took me back to the tents!!

The dates are decided...

Ignore all the previous posts. The Oktoberfest 2018 dates have been decided. We will do our traditional 4-day visit, but will shift it a day earlier. Arrivals will occur on Thursday, 27 September with departures on Monday, 1 October. See the calendar below.

There may be other pre-trips arranged, but the time in Munich is established. Go forth and drink.

The High Finances of Oktoberfest

Please correct me where I am wrong, but by my estimation, we are no better or worse off from an exchange rate perspective from our original trip.

Here are some data points:

In 1993, the exchange rate was $1.00 = 1.637 DM (Deutsche Marks)

The official exchange rate for the Euro when introduced was 1€  =  1.95583DM

Today, $1.00  =  .85€

So, $1.00 in 1993  =  .83€ today.

High finance for sure. Are my calculations correct?

Paging Alkoholische

What are your thoughts about next year's fest?

It appears that our traditional four day visit will be shifted one day; arrive on Thursday depart on Monday. It also appears we have pretty much settled on the second weekend; 27 Sept to 01 Oct. Pretty interesting how plans can quickly evolve almost a year in advance. Only four more months and we'll be thinking about plane reservations.

Sure would like to have you and/or betrunken join us for the 25th Anniversary celebration. There is a rumor that some bier will be consumed.

What will be the dates of the 2018 visit?

Barbus has asked...

"When will it be? 1st, 2nd week? Mid-week? Weekend?"

Obviously nothing has been determined yet, but Chugger, the all knowing all magnificent Grand Pubah would recommend something like this:

Isn't this depressing?

 The tear down has begun.

Oktoberfest 2017 in Review

6.2 million visitors and 7.5 million liters of beer served

Top 10 countries:the USA, Great Britain, Austria, France, Switzerland, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Denmark

Tent security confiscated roughly 120.000 mugs

Only One More Day

Tomorrow, October 3 is the last day of Oktoberfest 2017. I know we were all there in spirit, and looking forward to next year's 25th Anniversary Visit.

Next year's sojourn could be the Uber Trip II. The number of people expressing interest keeps growing. Maybe we should pick a date, and then tell everyone else a different date.

Potential attendees already include:

Chugger and Designated Walker
Barley Man and Paulaner Girl
Barbus and Schlumberger Lady
Alcoholische
Einfahrt (not confirmed)
Bob and Terry
Psycho (not confirmed)

That's 11, beyond our previously, but not enforced, limit. Oh well.


Prost to another successful Oktoberfest.

The celebration has begun.

How to catch a man.

The look on your face when you realize you're not going to Oktoberfest this year.

Never to Early

Escondido Brewer makes it big.... in Germany!

Stone is a great brewer..  their Berlin Brewhouse... a success!!

http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-germany-california-beer-20170808-story.html

A Trip That Lives in Infamy

Oktoberfest 1993 - A Trip That Has Lived in Infamy

Yes, it was that one trip that started it all. You can read about the genesis of the trip at this link. We were so excited and amazed at everything Oktoberfestian; beer flowing in the streets, sausages a mile long, and pork knuckles in every pot. It made us wonder, "how could we have missed this event"?

As great as that trip was, it took us four more years to try it again. And like before, it was an event to remember. It was so good, it started the biennial tradition that continued for 20+ years. That's right, next year will be the 25th anniversary of the "virgin trip", aka the Stair Diving Olympics.

I have put out the challenge to the original Oktoberfestians to participate in the 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour; Barley Man, Designated Walker, Einfahrt and Psycho. Others may join, but the gauntlet has been set.

Let's see what transpires, and please feel free to comment.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

New Job Opportunity

Check out the video above, construction for the 2017 Fest looks like it is well along.

German Flag

2017 Oktoberfest LOGO

                                    The LOGO always looks better on the years we don't go!

Beer prices posted for this years event!

Anyone going this year?

I can't,  but am interested in 2018!!

Oktoberfest 2017 Beer Prices

Cultural Collisions

 Glad to know that Bavaria is such a big fan of your POTUS. Sounds we Will have fun at Oktoberfest 2017 https://youtu.be/vmHj9FKvv38

Oktoberfest 2017

Yes,  it is an odd year,  and vacation time has been cleared.  Who's in?

Chugger

Prost Oktoberfest 2016

Prost from California!

Form Barleyman and Paulaner Girl

Appears to be another great trip...

Congrats to this year's team,  making the Shakespeare's Web Site... AGAIN!!

Oktoberfest III

Preliminary Oktoberfest 2016 Results

Attendance down. Approximately 5.6 million visitors

12-15 % drop in consumption; both food and drink

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 !

Augustiner Keller

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

Today is Sunday

So we all know what that means. A religious pilgramige to Kloster Andechs.

Dopplebach and Schweinhaxen.

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

Shakespeares

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

Augustiner Keller

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

What more is there to say?

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

Hacker Festzelt

An afternoon partying

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

First 2016 Impression

Crowds are down.

It's 2:30P and no issues.

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

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.

Have a great time! Here an example of the beer 🍺 I need to put up with here.

Something to consider at the tents...

Leaving tomorrow

Chugger we are flying out tomorrow to pre game before you arrive. God speed safe travels.

O'zapft is!

Let the good times roll; laissez les bons temps rouler; lass die guten Zeiten.

Have a great trip, my fellow Oktoberfestians.  We depart tonight for the Caribbean,  but will raise a stein...er. glass...  and say Prost!!

Shakespeare's

Keith ...
Sent from my iPhone
__________________
www.oktoberfestvisits.com

More room in the tents!

Bookings Down at Oktoberfest???

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?

One week from today....

 The mayor of Munich will do his most important job.


Prost !

The title of the article says it all....

an interesting read nonetheless.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/05/american-beer-snob-munich/YFmDkoiNTU5KsujhjvxEVM/story.html

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.

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.

Weather temps are looking great.

Pictures from Weihenstephan

Circa 2011 in the biergarten


Barley Man and Doroba

Weihenstephaner 1516 Kellerbier

Interesting Attendance Statistics

I'm jealous of Alkoholische and Betrunken

They will have a 2 day headstart in Munchen.