... waiting to find out just how many people will make it over!
Friday morning saw the 7 of us meet up in the morning for hot chocolate...
Fortunately, normal service was resumed and we visited the Fruhlingsfest - only to find that Hector was wrong about it's opening time! Fortunately, the short S-bahn trip to the Forschungsbrauerei in Perlach was more fruitful, although I suspect Dr Stan failed the Standard Grade Physics paper kindly provided by Hector. It would be unkind to point out that it was a multiple choice paper...
Drawing a veil over this, we returned to the fest - which was now open. We started in the Hippodromzelt, serving Spaten bier. Unfortunately, the entire tent was reserved for the evening, so we reluctantly left.
Unlike the Oktoberfest, there are only limited bier drinking opportunities. The next one was outside - a Paulaner biergarten. This was pleasant, until the sun went down... Fortunately, Marg had scouted ahead and reported that the Augustiner Festzelt had unreserved tables - if she was right about this, the night was not done!
She was - it wasn't! I think I'll leave it to Hector to report on the evening...
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Friday, 16 April 2010
Life on Mars
Weez The Cleek are quorate in the Hippodrome drinking Spaten Frühlings Festbier.
Where are the rest of The 34?
By this time Jonathan reckoned the missing people should organise a coach to bring over the missing 24 and take the rest of us home, if necessary...
A Right Royal Breakfast then a hot orgasm.
There is one thing about staying at the Royal Hotel (Schiller Str) that everyone agrees about: the breakfast is excellent, worth getting up for. There is something for every taste.
Marg’s new coffee house became the first place of rendezvous on Friday. In our last visit we stumbled across this place in Petersplatz. The Caffe Piemonte (Petersplatz 9,80331) serves white hot chocolate beyond any drink of Hot Chocolate Hector has ever tasted. The others were sold and so one by one we arrived and some were tempted. Maggie loved it.
The Fruhlings Fest was advertised all around the city. It was due to start today. We have always wanted to visit this mini version of the Oktoberfest and so we walked, well one of us did not, up to the Theresienwiese to find it did not open until late afternoon. There was only one thing to do... worship St Jacobus at the Forschungsbräuerei (Perlach): the finest Bier in Munchen. On arrival, Marg went for a walk, some resisted the Blond initially. Dr Stan was given an Intermediate 2 multiple choice Physics paper. It can now be recorded that when Dr Stan visits St Jacobus he leaves all knowledge of his specialist subject behind him. Hector does not believe that double integration is necessary at this level.
We left late afternoon and in a very healthy state, only a Bierfest could get us to leave this early.
The Spaten tent was empty but every table unoccupied was booked. We had an hour, or so. There were fancy steins but no significant Festbier to be had. The photos are great and we all thought we were at a Partick Thistle convention; however there were far too many people for that. Abundant food was being put on display. As the place filled with all those lucky enough to have bookings for the first night, it was obvious we would have to leave.
Next was an open air Paulaner enclosure. The sun was going down and so was the temperature. This would be a ‘quick half. Marg had gone a wandering and returned with the information that she reckoned we could get a seat in the Augustiner tent.
The Augustiner tent had filled very quickly in the minutes it took us to get there. Back in 1978 at my first Oktoberfest, Archie and I searched in every tent for two seats: we never managed single Bier at the site. Hector does not mess about. We were seven, with possibly more joining us – let’s get a seat. I spotted a gap and went for it. Four of us were on one table, three behind. By the end of the first Bier we were Zusammen.
This was Marg’s first experience of the madness that is a festival tent. Having signed up for Hilpoltstein’s Burgfest in the summer, it was important that Marg enjoy this. She did. I believe Marg had alcohol...it does help.
Steve and Hector had eaten little, so a Curry-Heute was in order. The trip to the Indien Express is now reported on the sister site.
Maggie and Lord Clive went for a kebab, Clive had two.
Where are the rest of The 34?
By this time Jonathan reckoned the missing people should organise a coach to bring over the missing 24 and take the rest of us home, if necessary...
A Right Royal Breakfast then a hot orgasm.
There is one thing about staying at the Royal Hotel (Schiller Str) that everyone agrees about: the breakfast is excellent, worth getting up for. There is something for every taste.
Marg’s new coffee house became the first place of rendezvous on Friday. In our last visit we stumbled across this place in Petersplatz. The Caffe Piemonte (Petersplatz 9,80331) serves white hot chocolate beyond any drink of Hot Chocolate Hector has ever tasted. The others were sold and so one by one we arrived and some were tempted. Maggie loved it.
The Fruhlings Fest was advertised all around the city. It was due to start today. We have always wanted to visit this mini version of the Oktoberfest and so we walked, well one of us did not, up to the Theresienwiese to find it did not open until late afternoon. There was only one thing to do... worship St Jacobus at the Forschungsbräuerei (Perlach): the finest Bier in Munchen. On arrival, Marg went for a walk, some resisted the Blond initially. Dr Stan was given an Intermediate 2 multiple choice Physics paper. It can now be recorded that when Dr Stan visits St Jacobus he leaves all knowledge of his specialist subject behind him. Hector does not believe that double integration is necessary at this level.
We left late afternoon and in a very healthy state, only a Bierfest could get us to leave this early.
The Spaten tent was empty but every table unoccupied was booked. We had an hour, or so. There were fancy steins but no significant Festbier to be had. The photos are great and we all thought we were at a Partick Thistle convention; however there were far too many people for that. Abundant food was being put on display. As the place filled with all those lucky enough to have bookings for the first night, it was obvious we would have to leave.
Next was an open air Paulaner enclosure. The sun was going down and so was the temperature. This would be a ‘quick half. Marg had gone a wandering and returned with the information that she reckoned we could get a seat in the Augustiner tent.
The Augustiner tent had filled very quickly in the minutes it took us to get there. Back in 1978 at my first Oktoberfest, Archie and I searched in every tent for two seats: we never managed single Bier at the site. Hector does not mess about. We were seven, with possibly more joining us – let’s get a seat. I spotted a gap and went for it. Four of us were on one table, three behind. By the end of the first Bier we were Zusammen.
This was Marg’s first experience of the madness that is a festival tent. Having signed up for Hilpoltstein’s Burgfest in the summer, it was important that Marg enjoy this. She did. I believe Marg had alcohol...it does help.
Steve and Hector had eaten little, so a Curry-Heute was in order. The trip to the Indien Express is now reported on the sister site.
Maggie and Lord Clive went for a kebab, Clive had two.
I'm sitting in a railway station...
Early on Thursday morning, at Koln Haupbahnhof, my phone rings. My sister Kirstie, due in Munchen today, has had herflights cancelled, due to some volcano in Iceland. I am assured it is not a problem, as she has been able to re-book for tomorrow morning...
By the time I arrived in Munchen, it was clear that the problem might affect a few more people, particularly those due to leave Edinburgh on Thursday evening. Still, Saturday is a long way off - surely the problem will have resolved by then...
However, those in Munchen (the Koln 5 and Steve (due to fly home on Friday) can do nothing to assist - we might as ell have a drink and await developments. Once we met up in the Augustiner Braustuben, the home of Edelstoff, word came through that the evening flight had been cancelled. Unfortunately, they are not able to re-book, so the numbers for Saturday's party will be slightly down. At the same time, it becomes clear that Friday might be affected as well, but hopes are still high.
Back to the bier...
We managed to find our way to the Paulaner braueri, where Hector notices maibock- sadly not the best of it's style. Not long (in relative terms) was spent there - Andechs was calling!
We answered!
By the time I arrived in Munchen, it was clear that the problem might affect a few more people, particularly those due to leave Edinburgh on Thursday evening. Still, Saturday is a long way off - surely the problem will have resolved by then...
However, those in Munchen (the Koln 5 and Steve (due to fly home on Friday) can do nothing to assist - we might as ell have a drink and await developments. Once we met up in the Augustiner Braustuben, the home of Edelstoff, word came through that the evening flight had been cancelled. Unfortunately, they are not able to re-book, so the numbers for Saturday's party will be slightly down. At the same time, it becomes clear that Friday might be affected as well, but hopes are still high.
Back to the bier...
We managed to find our way to the Paulaner braueri, where Hector notices maibock- sadly not the best of it's style. Not long (in relative terms) was spent there - Andechs was calling!
We answered!
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Ashes to Ashes
Being Scottish and therefore sensible, one never books a breakfast at The Ibis. By the time Hector feels like eating on holiday it is early afternoon. Marg and Hector waited in the lobby for Lord Clive and Maggie to emerge from their slumber. We were due to fly with Air Berlin from Köln down to München at 13.30.
There was a tv on the wall with the sound down showing the local news channel. ‘I see that volcano in Iceland is still erupting.’ ‘Glasgow airport and some others in Scotland are closed, I cannot remember a strike being called.’ Hector made no association at all until the BlackBerry burst into life: Howard: ‘UK airspace is closed, because of volcanic ash!’
Hector was imagining a scene of mass asphyxiation back in the homeland. Alas it was not that bad. ‘It will blow over...’
The four of us took the U Bahn and then S Bahn out to Köln Flughafen and boarded our plane with little delay. We checked into the Royal Hotel after 15.00. Dr Stan and Jonathan would come down by ICE and arrive not long afterwards. Steve was in the Augustiner Grossgastatte (Neuhauser Straße 27) enjoying some Edelstoff...for a change. He had been there since after one and so was in a well relaxed mood. He had ordered soup and so Hector ordered soup. We had more Bier, Marg went for a walk.
Jonathan had felt the need to reconfirm his three tables for Saturday night were really booked and so went straight to the Augustiner Braustubern (Landsberger Straße 19) on his arrival, Dr Stan went there too.
By this time we had received texts from back home stating that everyone in the UK had been told not to go to the airport. All flights were cancelled. This was going to be frustrating for Jonathan who was expecting 33 people in all. Never mind, some are coming tomorrow: ‘It will blow over...’
Five of us jumped on the S Bahn, a ticket for 5 – how efficient is this?- the two stops up to our new spiritual home. We dined. We had Edelstoff by the bucket, except for Dr Stan who insists on having the Helles. Jonathan was convinced that someone back home would organise a mini bus to bring the unfortunates over.
The Paulaner Hausbrauerei was the next port of call. Hector was not amused. The bier tastes as if is home made, too much yeast still evident. It may have been a Bock but the accompanying duck (Veniger Ente) was the only worthwhile thing here. Did we go to Andechs?
There was a brief visit to the Cafe Schiller (Schiller Str.), but one really wonders why.
There was a tv on the wall with the sound down showing the local news channel. ‘I see that volcano in Iceland is still erupting.’ ‘Glasgow airport and some others in Scotland are closed, I cannot remember a strike being called.’ Hector made no association at all until the BlackBerry burst into life: Howard: ‘UK airspace is closed, because of volcanic ash!’
Hector was imagining a scene of mass asphyxiation back in the homeland. Alas it was not that bad. ‘It will blow over...’
The four of us took the U Bahn and then S Bahn out to Köln Flughafen and boarded our plane with little delay. We checked into the Royal Hotel after 15.00. Dr Stan and Jonathan would come down by ICE and arrive not long afterwards. Steve was in the Augustiner Grossgastatte (Neuhauser Straße 27) enjoying some Edelstoff...for a change. He had been there since after one and so was in a well relaxed mood. He had ordered soup and so Hector ordered soup. We had more Bier, Marg went for a walk.
Jonathan had felt the need to reconfirm his three tables for Saturday night were really booked and so went straight to the Augustiner Braustubern (Landsberger Straße 19) on his arrival, Dr Stan went there too.
By this time we had received texts from back home stating that everyone in the UK had been told not to go to the airport. All flights were cancelled. This was going to be frustrating for Jonathan who was expecting 33 people in all. Never mind, some are coming tomorrow: ‘It will blow over...’
Five of us jumped on the S Bahn, a ticket for 5 – how efficient is this?- the two stops up to our new spiritual home. We dined. We had Edelstoff by the bucket, except for Dr Stan who insists on having the Helles. Jonathan was convinced that someone back home would organise a mini bus to bring the unfortunates over.
The Paulaner Hausbrauerei was the next port of call. Hector was not amused. The bier tastes as if is home made, too much yeast still evident. It may have been a Bock but the accompanying duck (Veniger Ente) was the only worthwhile thing here. Did we go to Andechs?
There was a brief visit to the Cafe Schiller (Schiller Str.), but one really wonders why.
Viva Colonia
Wednesday morning saw an easy trip by Eurostar and Thalys trains to Koln.
Once there, we met Hector and Marg in Fruh. As Craig was not there, we managed to find the exit - where to go when waiting - how about Gaffel?
Thereafter, a trip to Reissdorf to meet up with Clive (again) and Maggie. So far so good - the numbers are increasing as planned. Surely nothing will go wrong...
As we all had early departures in the morning, nobody stayed up in the hotel bar...
Once there, we met Hector and Marg in Fruh. As Craig was not there, we managed to find the exit - where to go when waiting - how about Gaffel?
Thereafter, a trip to Reissdorf to meet up with Clive (again) and Maggie. So far so good - the numbers are increasing as planned. Surely nothing will go wrong...
As we all had early departures in the morning, nobody stayed up in the hotel bar...
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
If it’s Wednesday it must be Köln.
That was the end destination but Hector and Marg took the opportunity to visit the Gronau Lake: it was on all the postcards, we had not found it. A slight navigation error took us west instead of north and so we did not get to see the Schloss as well. Seen the lake, Gronau is ticked.
A direct train to Köln saw us arrive early afternoon, or in time to check in at the Ibis at Barbarossplatz. We took the U Bahn back to Neumarkt and walked back through the shopping streets of Koln. Stan and Jonathan were due to arrive imminently, Lord Clive and Maggie were on a flight due in the early evening.
It was a case of does the mountain come to Mohammed: Hector and Marg were at Früh (am Dom) first. The smoking ban has seen a rearrangement of the rooms since the last visit. The shop is now a cafe too, but the much needed new polo shirt was procured here before settling into the main room on the right.
Jonathan arrived soon and managed to get fee bier. Stan joined us and did not. We did the litre as is the custom. Gravity bier, the correct way to serve Kölsch.We decanted to the new Gaffel am Dom (Bahnhofsvorplatz, 150667) which for much of the last thirty years was the Alt Köln am Dom, serving Gilden. This was a brief stop and despite an appreciation of the bier, why do they serve it under pressure?
The discovery of this visit is the new Gaffel Limonode: this is comparable to a Ginger Ale, it is quite the best lemonade Hector has ever tasted and hopefully cases will be brought back in the summer.
Marg was permitted to taste her own drink, eventually.
The U Bahn down to Poststrasse then followed, and the highlight of every trip to Köln: Reissdorf (Kleiner Griechenmarkt 40, 50676 ). Lord Clive and Maggie had just walked in before us and were negotiating a table. The main room on the left was the customary room of choice. However, the smoking ban has not been fully implemented and it is the area to the right (larger by law?) which is the non-smoking area. We basically had this to ourselves the entire evening. We ate. We had over 100 Kölsch between us. The bier is of course gravity dispensed.
Hector spotted a chap at the door wearing a brand new style of Reissdorf polo shirt: I managed to introduce myself and discovered this was the new manager. He brought one over to us later and when Hector stated it was for a future birthday present, a discount was proffered.
Having now made friends with the new management, it was inevitable that Hector would relive the days when he used to walk in to Reissdorf and be recognised by name. This meant getting behind the bar to pour one's own. And yes, it was paid for, I think.
Were we last out? We must have been else the night would not have been memorable, I cannot remember...
Back to the Ibis and the ladies withdrew, as ladies do.
Bad Boys kept Hector up drinking large glasses of Sion until 03.00.
I remember Sion, Marg was not amused.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
A green and pleasant land? You'll need a passport!
Those journeying to Munich in a civilised manner had the rare opportunity to spend an evening in London.
First, the pilgrimage took us to The Jerusalem Tavern, where we managed to sample a few of St Peter's finest while waitinng for Clive. Don't believe him when he says he will get away from work early...
After Clive's flying visit, Dr Stan and I continued to follow the theme by progressing to the Olde Mitre - given it's location down an alley, literally a hidden gem of a pub. The blackboard proclamed Pale Rider - sadly, this had been finished by the time we arrived. The Dark Star mild was worth drinking, so not all was lost!
Being somewhat antisocial, I decided to read the London Drinker. I'm glad I did. There was an advert for a new pub that caught my eye, as it promised both Thornbridge and Dark Star beers on draft, with numerous bottles of Belgian and German biers if that was not sufficient... Guess whose plans changed?
Just in case they were still necessary, with passports in hand we travelled to Pimlico. 2 minutes from the tube station takes you to The Cask (formerly The Pimlico Tram). The advert didn't lie!
As well as Thornbridge Jaipur, there was Raven (described as a dark IPA @ 6.6%) - both were in very good condition. there was not enough time to do the pub justice. I'm sure we will return!
Tomorrow, Koln...
First, the pilgrimage took us to The Jerusalem Tavern, where we managed to sample a few of St Peter's finest while waitinng for Clive. Don't believe him when he says he will get away from work early...
After Clive's flying visit, Dr Stan and I continued to follow the theme by progressing to the Olde Mitre - given it's location down an alley, literally a hidden gem of a pub. The blackboard proclamed Pale Rider - sadly, this had been finished by the time we arrived. The Dark Star mild was worth drinking, so not all was lost!
Being somewhat antisocial, I decided to read the London Drinker. I'm glad I did. There was an advert for a new pub that caught my eye, as it promised both Thornbridge and Dark Star beers on draft, with numerous bottles of Belgian and German biers if that was not sufficient... Guess whose plans changed?
Just in case they were still necessary, with passports in hand we travelled to Pimlico. 2 minutes from the tube station takes you to The Cask (formerly The Pimlico Tram). The advert didn't lie!
As well as Thornbridge Jaipur, there was Raven (described as a dark IPA @ 6.6%) - both were in very good condition. there was not enough time to do the pub justice. I'm sure we will return!
Tomorrow, Koln...
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