Well, 2008 is an off year for us routine Oktoberfesters, but I recently had a wild idea. I know, the difference between wild and stupid is a fine line; but please bear with me for a moment.
Next October 11 is Gregory's wedding day, and he has always wanted to go to Oktoberfest. So, I was thinking, maybe a bachelor party in Munich some time in late September. Just a small intimate outing with a few hundred thousand of our closest friends (or 4-5 real friends). I would also make an offer for some of his friends to join, but knowing their state of finances, I wouldn't expect any attendees. Maybe his Best Man/Best Friend since mom and dad seem to pay for almost anything anyway.
So..... would Gregory and I be the only attendees, or is anyone else willing (crazy) ? It's still a thought, but as we know, these trips are all about advanced planning.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Starting the Off-Season Postings
One of the problems with Oktoberfest is it only occurs once a year. Even worse, for our entourage, we only go once every two years. My attempt with this blog will be to encourage year round participation, regardless of whether it is an attendance year or not.
With that said, there might be some special dispensation for next year because of Gregory's wedding. What does that mean? Maybe an off-year trip.
What say the wild ones of the bunch?
Who knows, by then, a beer might be back done to $10.00 a litre.
With that said, there might be some special dispensation for next year because of Gregory's wedding. What does that mean? Maybe an off-year trip.
What say the wild ones of the bunch?
Who knows, by then, a beer might be back done to $10.00 a litre.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A Sad Day in Oktoberfest Land
As I watch the dismantling of the tents, I long for that next fresh Mass, which is only 687 days away.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Good times.
Oktoberfest 2007, a good time had by all. (actual picture from this year's festivities...totally.)
Friday, September 28, 2007
Oktoberfest 2007: In Retrospect
Well, I sit here today at the office wishing I had a nice Mas of the Golden Elixir. Since I don't, I'll just reflect on our latest sojourn.
It was a success. Everyone is accounted for. There were no injuries (except for maybe Cathy's forehead Friday night). And most importantly, there were no arrests.
The weather was Wundervoll ! ! Lots of sun, warm, and no rain. Please thank The Grand Puhba for these arrangements.
The trip to Braustuberl Tergensee was a hit as well. Not only was it a new venue, but the town and scenery were great. And...... it was the only trip with ALL Oktoberfestians. Which leads us to my next point...
While the group was smaller than 2005 (10 people vs. 17 people), it still was difficult (and frustrating) at times to manage. Maybe the next Grand Puhba will have better success (or at least less frustration).
The reserved table at Paulaner was good and bad. First the bad... The tables were much smaller than those on the main floor, and they were crammed very tightly together. Who would have thought that the tables on the floor actually afford you some room. In addition, most of the people in the reserved balcony area seemed a little too reserved for us. No singing, no partying, and you weren't even allowed to be on the benches. YUCK ! ! ! ! The good.... It guarantees entrance ! ! ! ! If the tent had been closed, we would still have gotten in. So we were able to utilize our included beer tokens and coupons, and then scout out room on the main floor. All in all, it appears that the consensus is to try it again next time. ACTION ITEM FOR DAN ! !
While we always say "this is the last Oktoberfest", somehow these trips keep happening. I look forward to being a follower next time, and having the new Grand Puhba lead the way. Who will it be? BarleyMan who was unfortunately missing, or potentially the first international Grand Puhba, Barbus. While Barbus was elected during our final dinner in Munich, there seems to be some controversy about the type of ballot (not secret, hanging chads, etc). Barbus still purports that "if nominated, he will not run, if elected, he will not serve". We shall see.
I'll close for now with a final thought.....
The Prost was with us.
It was a success. Everyone is accounted for. There were no injuries (except for maybe Cathy's forehead Friday night). And most importantly, there were no arrests.
The weather was Wundervoll ! ! Lots of sun, warm, and no rain. Please thank The Grand Puhba for these arrangements.
The trip to Braustuberl Tergensee was a hit as well. Not only was it a new venue, but the town and scenery were great. And...... it was the only trip with ALL Oktoberfestians. Which leads us to my next point...
While the group was smaller than 2005 (10 people vs. 17 people), it still was difficult (and frustrating) at times to manage. Maybe the next Grand Puhba will have better success (or at least less frustration).
The reserved table at Paulaner was good and bad. First the bad... The tables were much smaller than those on the main floor, and they were crammed very tightly together. Who would have thought that the tables on the floor actually afford you some room. In addition, most of the people in the reserved balcony area seemed a little too reserved for us. No singing, no partying, and you weren't even allowed to be on the benches. YUCK ! ! ! ! The good.... It guarantees entrance ! ! ! ! If the tent had been closed, we would still have gotten in. So we were able to utilize our included beer tokens and coupons, and then scout out room on the main floor. All in all, it appears that the consensus is to try it again next time. ACTION ITEM FOR DAN ! !
While we always say "this is the last Oktoberfest", somehow these trips keep happening. I look forward to being a follower next time, and having the new Grand Puhba lead the way. Who will it be? BarleyMan who was unfortunately missing, or potentially the first international Grand Puhba, Barbus. While Barbus was elected during our final dinner in Munich, there seems to be some controversy about the type of ballot (not secret, hanging chads, etc). Barbus still purports that "if nominated, he will not run, if elected, he will not serve". We shall see.
I'll close for now with a final thought.....
The Prost was with us.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Did the Oktoberfesters make it home?
Did they survive? We haven't heard from them in a while...
I hear the Dayton Liver Reunification Center is working overtime.
I hear the Dayton Liver Reunification Center is working overtime.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Secret of the Brown Envelope Revealed
The mystery surrounding the envelope has been solved. Prior to leaving for Oktoberfest, The Grand Puhba was in secret consultations with hotel management, and the result of this international statesmanship was a Reserved Table at the Paulaner Tent ! ! !
That's right Paulaner Girl.. we had reserved seats, bier tokens, and coupons for more bier and food at your namesake tent. A great time was had by all.... Wish you could have been there.
BarleyMan... we missed your guiding influence, and look forward to our next sojourn with you in charge. I must warn you, however. Barbus is very excited about being the first International Grand Puhba. We have even anointed him Grand Puhba Elect. I suspect he would relinquish his title in honor of you, though.
Anyway, here's a link to all of the photos The Grand Puhba took during the escapades at Paulaner. These have not been edited or resized yet, so they are large. Be patient while viewing. A consolidated collection of photos and videos will follow shortly after our return.
http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u27/kvozel/oktoberfest_2007/?start=all
Until we meet again.... May The Prost Be With You.
That's right Paulaner Girl.. we had reserved seats, bier tokens, and coupons for more bier and food at your namesake tent. A great time was had by all.... Wish you could have been there.
BarleyMan... we missed your guiding influence, and look forward to our next sojourn with you in charge. I must warn you, however. Barbus is very excited about being the first International Grand Puhba. We have even anointed him Grand Puhba Elect. I suspect he would relinquish his title in honor of you, though.
Anyway, here's a link to all of the photos The Grand Puhba took during the escapades at Paulaner. These have not been edited or resized yet, so they are large. Be patient while viewing. A consolidated collection of photos and videos will follow shortly after our return.
http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u27/kvozel/oktoberfest_2007/?start=all
Until we meet again.... May The Prost Be With You.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Munich Day 1
Traveling team of Oktoberfestians has arrived and are safely ensconced at the center of all activities, the Hotel Alfa.
Shortly after arrival, The Grand Puhba was seen entering a secret room with hotel management. After some time behind closed doors, The Grand Puhba was caught leaving the room with a mysterious brown envelope. The envelope was reported to contain secret icons of drinking. This appears to be something special that only grand puhbas have access to. We will continue the investigation and report back at a later time.
As is usual on our first day, we did make it to the Hofbrauhaus. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. And as usual, we took our first victim.
May The Prost Be With You !
Shortly after arrival, The Grand Puhba was seen entering a secret room with hotel management. After some time behind closed doors, The Grand Puhba was caught leaving the room with a mysterious brown envelope. The envelope was reported to contain secret icons of drinking. This appears to be something special that only grand puhbas have access to. We will continue the investigation and report back at a later time.
As is usual on our first day, we did make it to the Hofbrauhaus. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. And as usual, we took our first victim.
May The Prost Be With You !
Thursday, September 20, 2007
23:47 in Amsterdam.....
Off to the Fatherland at 06:32 tomorrow. The next post will be in German :-)
Sorry BarleyMan... Pictures not permitted in the Red Light District.
May The Prost Be With You.
Sorry BarleyMan... Pictures not permitted in the Red Light District.
May The Prost Be With You.
PROOF ! ! ! !
The Boys R Back In Town.
As previously posted, we have made it to Amsterdam. Being Amsterdam, most of the pictures are not for public consumption. However, this proves we are all present and accounted for...
As previously posted, we have made it to Amsterdam. Being Amsterdam, most of the pictures are not for public consumption. However, this proves we are all present and accounted for...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
UPDATE on Doctor Visit
For any Oktoberfesters that care (not many that I can attest to), I have just returned from my visit with Dr. Bad Juan. If you are at all inclined to know the outcome (which isn't evident by the blog activity), either post here or send me an email.
May The Prost Be With You !
May The Prost Be With You !
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Grand Puhba Still Undecided
While I am still undecided on my status, check here, I am leaning towards attending. My biggest concern is my muscle issue, but if this beautiful blond bombshell can handle it, why can't I?
Final decision to be made tomorrow evening after consultations with our local soothsayer, Bad Juan.
May The Prost Be With You !
Final decision to be made tomorrow evening after consultations with our local soothsayer, Bad Juan.
May The Prost Be With You !
Monday, September 10, 2007
Grand Puhba Status Still Undetermined
Please reference this post detailing the issue that I, your glorious Grand Puhba am faced with.
Because of the Friday evening LobsterFest activities, I was unable to make my Saturday doctor appointment, so my status for the trip is still undetermined. While I appreciate the encouragement offered by FlyingDan, Barbus and BarleyMan, I was disappointed in the lack of third party consultative activities during the 'fest (not to be confused with THEEE FEST !! ! !). There was nothing to assure me that my condition would not be life threatening, or at least seriously harmful to myself or others. So with our departure to the Fatherland quickly approaching, I am facing a major decision point.
I now believe that while this is a medical issue, there may not be anything that a doctor can do for me. I need to work this out myself with the cooperation and encouragement of friends and family; especially my fellow Oktoberfestians. Barbus' recommendation of the medical help available in Amsterdam may be what convinces me to travel. The "up and down" therapy offered by these experts may very well mitigate the issues, and allow me to continue the trip to Munchen. In addition, the train ride from Amsterdam may also offer an opportunity for rest and relaxation, ensuring that my arm could indeed manage the strain that will be placed upon it.
I hope to make a "go no-go" decision this Wednesday evening after treatment with the local golden elixor known as "Bad Juans".
May The Prost Be With You !
Because of the Friday evening LobsterFest activities, I was unable to make my Saturday doctor appointment, so my status for the trip is still undetermined. While I appreciate the encouragement offered by FlyingDan, Barbus and BarleyMan, I was disappointed in the lack of third party consultative activities during the 'fest (not to be confused with THEEE FEST !! ! !). There was nothing to assure me that my condition would not be life threatening, or at least seriously harmful to myself or others. So with our departure to the Fatherland quickly approaching, I am facing a major decision point.
I now believe that while this is a medical issue, there may not be anything that a doctor can do for me. I need to work this out myself with the cooperation and encouragement of friends and family; especially my fellow Oktoberfestians. Barbus' recommendation of the medical help available in Amsterdam may be what convinces me to travel. The "up and down" therapy offered by these experts may very well mitigate the issues, and allow me to continue the trip to Munchen. In addition, the train ride from Amsterdam may also offer an opportunity for rest and relaxation, ensuring that my arm could indeed manage the strain that will be placed upon it.
I hope to make a "go no-go" decision this Wednesday evening after treatment with the local golden elixor known as "Bad Juans".
May The Prost Be With You !
Friday, September 07, 2007
Confident
I beleive that the Lobsterfest will get you back into shape. Remember that minimal spillage of beer can be tolerated as long as someone brings a lap dog so they can lick the mess clean.
EDITED by The Grand Puhba....
A Lap Dog like this?
EDITED by The Grand Puhba....
A Lap Dog like this?
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Another Oktoberfester May Drop Out
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce another casualty of this year's trip. Yours truly, The Grand Puhba, will probably withdraw from the roster this weekend. After being deeply immersed in the planning and euphoria leading up to this bi-annual sojourn, you have no idea how disheartening it will be to not be part of the culminating activities (especially with the earlier withdrawal of BarleyMan).
Unlike BarleyMan, I can share with you the reasons for my withdrawal; a medical issue has arisen. I have a doctor's appointment Saturday morning, and it will be at that time when a final decision will be made with regards to my attendance. I can tell you that the reason is muscular related.
I am concerned about my ability to properly and effectively manage the repetitive "up and down" arm motion required during the long hours of Maß manipulation. I have not had sufficient practice in the past few months, and like any serious athlete, the lack of appropriate training can lead to life threatening injuries. I can envision at best sore forearm muscles (the Flexor Carpi Radialis and Extensor Carpi Radialis). At worse, this could lead to over compensation and tearing of the predominant biceps muscle (Biceps Brachii). This could even lead to uncontrolled shaking of the hand, resulting in bier spillage, or even dropping of the Maß (a capital offense during these hallowed times).
I have scheduled my doctor's visit for Saturday morning so that some additional training and third party expert consolations can occur tomorrow during LobsterFest. I take my responsibilities as Grand Puhba seriously, and I hope that those in attendance at LobsterFest will provide as much comfort and subject matter expertise as possible. Hopefully with the support of all, I will get through this and be able to cancel my Saturday appointment.
May the Prost with with you !
Unlike BarleyMan, I can share with you the reasons for my withdrawal; a medical issue has arisen. I have a doctor's appointment Saturday morning, and it will be at that time when a final decision will be made with regards to my attendance. I can tell you that the reason is muscular related.
I am concerned about my ability to properly and effectively manage the repetitive "up and down" arm motion required during the long hours of Maß manipulation. I have not had sufficient practice in the past few months, and like any serious athlete, the lack of appropriate training can lead to life threatening injuries. I can envision at best sore forearm muscles (the Flexor Carpi Radialis and Extensor Carpi Radialis). At worse, this could lead to over compensation and tearing of the predominant biceps muscle (Biceps Brachii). This could even lead to uncontrolled shaking of the hand, resulting in bier spillage, or even dropping of the Maß (a capital offense during these hallowed times).
I have scheduled my doctor's visit for Saturday morning so that some additional training and third party expert consolations can occur tomorrow during LobsterFest. I take my responsibilities as Grand Puhba seriously, and I hope that those in attendance at LobsterFest will provide as much comfort and subject matter expertise as possible. Hopefully with the support of all, I will get through this and be able to cancel my Saturday appointment.
May the Prost with with you !
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
My Collection is Complete...
I now have all 5 Editions of the Bible ! !
That's right, I have procured the 1st Edition and the 3rd Edition to go with my existing 2nd, 4th and 5th Editions.
Here they are...
You may say, "heh Chugger, those two on the left look the same"; and they do. They are different, however, as shown by the inside covers and some of the text. The 2nd Edition is really a revised 1st Edition, and I don't think at the time that Field Führer Larry believed there would be a 3rd, 4th or 5th Edition. And now I hear there will be a 6th ! ! ! He even said so much to me in an email...
"I should have kept more aside, but then again, who knew there would ever be a second, third or even a sixth edition (next spring)."
Here is a peek at the inside of the first two "editions" to show the difference:
That's right, I have procured the 1st Edition and the 3rd Edition to go with my existing 2nd, 4th and 5th Editions.
Here they are...
You may say, "heh Chugger, those two on the left look the same"; and they do. They are different, however, as shown by the inside covers and some of the text. The 2nd Edition is really a revised 1st Edition, and I don't think at the time that Field Führer Larry believed there would be a 3rd, 4th or 5th Edition. And now I hear there will be a 6th ! ! ! He even said so much to me in an email...
"I should have kept more aside, but then again, who knew there would ever be a second, third or even a sixth edition (next spring)."
Here is a peek at the inside of the first two "editions" to show the difference:
Saturday, August 25, 2007
We Have A Winner ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Yes, the winner of the BarleyMan unused hotel room sweepstakes has been determined.
Please welcome the newest member of this year's excursion, Mr. Dan Rang, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 1997 Woody Trip ! !
Please welcome the newest member of this year's excursion, Mr. Dan Rang, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 1997 Woody Trip ! !
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Day 4 Activities (as Desired by The Grand Puhba)
As our sojourn begins to wind down on this fourth and final day, we will probably need to make up for lost time at The Wiesn. Our Wiesn visits so far have been limited to evening attempts, which of course is when most of the fun and frivolity takes place. Today is different. As with 2005's final day, The Grand Puhba desires to proclaim Monday, 24 September, as The Day at The Wiesn. This means an early morning arrival at our favorite tent; Löwenbräu-Festhalle??? Bräurosl????
We should plan to arrive around or before opening time of 10:00 (probably even by 9:00). This ensures a spot as close to the musical entertainment as possible. Remember last year's prime location?
We then spend our final day together enjoying the amber nectar, pork products, and the most important part of the experience..... The Sing-alongs ! ! !
Please study up on your favorite lyrics:
Who the Fuck is Alice
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Let It Be
Hey Baby
So Speaketh The Grand Puhba
We should plan to arrive around or before opening time of 10:00 (probably even by 9:00). This ensures a spot as close to the musical entertainment as possible. Remember last year's prime location?
We then spend our final day together enjoying the amber nectar, pork products, and the most important part of the experience..... The Sing-alongs ! ! !
Please study up on your favorite lyrics:
Who the Fuck is Alice
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Let It Be
Hey Baby
So Speaketh The Grand Puhba
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