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!

We have never closed down the Wiesn

Should any visit consider a schedule that includes being there for the final evening? The closing of the tents goes something like this...

The fun times on the Theresienwiese, which attract over 6 million visitors every year, lasts until October 4, 2020 - at 10:30 p.m. there's the last beer call, and at 11:30 p.m. they shout: "Aus is und gar is und schad ist, dass' wahr is!" (“it’s over and completely done and it’s a shame that it’s true!”). On the last evening thousands of sparklers light up the tents and some visitors even have tears in their eyes.

Would a 2020 trip......

Be an estrogen free zone?

Inquiring minds want to know.

What's the plan for 2020??

September 19-October 4th.

Which week sayeth thou,  Herr Chugger?

For once,  I am open all 3 weekends. 

Welcome to our newest blog member...

'sittinginacornfield' (aka Doug) has joined our team as a possible future Oktoberfestian.


He is an off-shoot of Flying Dan's Illinois connection, and could be trouble.


Welcome and Prost !

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to my Oktoberfest friends. May 2020 bring you lots of Hops, Happiness,   And Barley. 😀

Prost!

Happy Thanksgiving Fellow Oktoberfestians

 I'm thankful for all the good times and fun all of us have had attending Oktoberfest over the last 26 years. 

Wow! Has it been that long?!

We have a solution to all our problems!

We have all dreamed of this.  Eat a bretzel,  get a beer.

His body was brewing beer.

Anyone concerned about.......

A shower head? A set of teeth?

How do you lose these and not know it?

New place to try???

Chugger (et al)... have you been here?  I heard good things about this!!


Augustiner Schützengarten

Back in the U.S ... Back in the U.S

Back in the U S of A.

While the Rangs continued their sojourn to Salzburg, the Vozel contingent is almost home. Waiting on flight delay to Cincy.

A great time was had by most, and as usual, there are some classic "not for export" stories. Wish everyone else could have made the trip.

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

So I stopped to a local water closet.  I felt much better when it was over!  Maybe it was a two for one?

A New Snack with Bier

Cape Gooseberries !   Yum.

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

A Baby Bier for Einfahrt

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

Just for Paulaner Girl

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

Hofbrau Tent

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

Where did lager come from...

I am hoping the team in Germany right now can ask around.

Lager is from South America

Nw Moniker

We have officially annointed Flying Dan  as....

Dan the Table Man!

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

A message to Barley Man

Just checked into Hotel Alfa with our welcome biers. Anton said to say hello to Barley Man and Paulaner Girl.

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

Father/Daughter Oktoberfest is Underway

Chugger/Traci along with Flying Dan/Allison have begun their separate travels to the land of the Golden Nectar. We will all meet up in about 10 hours to begin our unique and memorable excursion.

The trip will be different without some of you, and we wish you could have attended. Nonetheless, a bier will be consumed in your honor.

Prost!

....

Keith

Sent from my iPhone (xcuze any selling misteaks)

Two hammer blows and Oktoberfest 2019 Munich is open.

Have fun and save travels

Safe Travels

I wish all of this years Oktoberfest participants safe travels, great food and beer, and new memories.
PROST..

Just keeping track....

The Oktoberfestian attendance records:

Time is running out to order your official Oktoberfest shoes from Adidas

Only 200 Euros...

Adidas Oktoberfest Shoes

Final list for this years fest?

I need to update the trip website.  Seems to be a few more than on the official list? Whos Michael K?

Oktoberfest Beer

1.  OK. Not. Bad, but maltier than what you get at the fest.

2.  Why team with Bitburger?  They are not even from Munich and they are not at the fest.

3.  It's 🍻 beer

, and sunny by the pool. No complaints.

A lesson in finance.

Approximate price for a Maß this year is 11.70 €
That exchanges to $12.75

A Maß contains approximately 33.8 ounces
A pint at our favorite pub contains 16 ounces
So, a Maß is 2.1 pints

Now, a good pint (not during happy hour) is $6.00
Thus, $6.00 a pint times 2.1 pints per Maß = $12.60

We will be paying a 15¢ premium for all the fun and frivolity. Can't beat that ....

Yes indeed, we are all champions....

Ok, 3 Weeks until departure....

So let's get this show rolling.

While we never overly plan, we do like to have some idea of our activities, and 2019 will be no different. Flying Dan and I, with very little input for others, have discussed the following:

Friday 
After arrival at the Hotel Alfa,head on over to the Wiesn for an early indoctrination.
Early afternoon head to the Viktualienmarkt (weather permitting)
Late afternoon it will be time for the Hofbräuhaus

Saturday
Dachau? Tegernsee?
An evening at Augustiner Keller

Sunday
Kloster Andechs in the morning/lunch time
Hofbräu Tent in the evening

Monday
Something local to München, maybe Englischer Garten (there is a large bier garten there!)
Maybe a final visit to the Wiesn

Come on, provide your thoughts.

14 Years ago......

We were hailing the exchange rate of $1.21 to the Euro.

My how things have improved. As of today, the exchange rate is hovering around $1.08 to the Euro. We all know what that means....

We are practically drinking for free. Prost with a pic from the archives.