When do we start talking about living in shoeboxes, eating cold gravel and our dads killing us stone dead?
You probably referred to Python the first time around as "those kids of those whippersnappers".
When do we start talking about living in shoeboxes, eating cold gravel and our dads killing us stone dead?
You probably referred to Python the first time around as "those kids of those whippersnappers".
No...but I was at the university when Python was in its first run. 3rd and 4th years, the honours students all tea'd with the staff, and if you hadn't watched Python the night before, you didn't get to speak at morning tea.
HTFU.Please, when it gets to Winter in Melbourne, never say "oh, it's freezing".
Because it probably isn't.
Here right now, it's -3, with a windchill factor of -10.
When I lived in upper New York State, my high school had Friday night excursions to ski (I miss cheap accessible skiing). They had a temperature (wind-chill) when they would cancel:
-40! (is where C and F cross over)
It never actually got anywhere near that bad in my time, luckily. And that's the windchill when you're still, not when zipping down the hill or exposed on the elevated lift!
isn't it at -32?
HTFU.Please, when it gets to Winter in Melbourne, never say "oh, it's freezing".
Because it probably isn't.
Here right now, it's -3, with a windchill factor of -10.
When I lived in upper New York State, my high school had Friday night excursions to ski (I miss cheap accessible skiing). They had a temperature (wind-chill) when they would cancel:
-40! (is where C and F cross over)
It never actually got anywhere near that bad in my time, luckily. And that's the windchill when you're still, not when zipping down the hill or exposed on the elevated lift!
isn't it at -32?
-40 (9/5 x -40 + 32) = -40
So this is a traffic cam down the road from our place.
Please, when it gets to Winter in Melbourne, never say "oh, it's freezing".
Because it probably isn't.
Here right now, it's -3, with a windchill factor of -10.
When the puddles get hard and slippery, that's freezing.
And I just put the bins out, and it's not freezing; it's a lot colder than that.
Freezing is what it's getting back up to tomorrow.
Lived in Idaho for a winter as a kid so I got to know ■■■■■■ cold (according to the weather channel its curretly -21 where I lived). I remember the town had an air raid siren that would go off when the temp fell below a certain level. I think the warning was basically telling people "don't go outside - you'll die!" Best part was we would get snowed out of school sometimes for days on end (roads closed). Worst part was once we got snowed in school for a night (Fire dept had to dig us out). I hate the cold now & have not been near snow for decades. With kids, I'm thinking I should break the drought but it will be under sufference. i didn't mourn the loss of VFL park at all :) .
Anyone done Oktoberfest in Germany?
Am going to be near Munich a week before it and am not sure whether I should stick around through Oktoberfest or shovel off to another country. I like the cultural stuff (Pamplona during San Fermin sounds awesome) but I'm not too sure about Oktoberfest. Not a huge fan of 'drinkathons' on holidays.
If anyone can offer some advice of what it's like, it'll be much appreciated.How old are you, where will you be the week before and who are you travelling with?
I've been four times.
Am 35. It's part of a long trip from May to November starting in Italy to Spain to northern France, pickup some of the Scandanavian countries to northern Germany to Poland to Czech to southern Germany then finish up in Switzerland.
Have another friend who is going to Oktoberfest but nothing is really booked yet. Will be coming from Prague so will probably do a one night stop over in Nuremberg.
After Oktoberfest then I might trek down to Stuttgart for the Volkfest (have heard it is pretty good but haven't looked into it much) before shovelling off to Zurich.
Still trying to iron out the details but it looks like I might give Oktoberfest a skip and throw more money into the Pamplona / San Fermin trip, shorten the entire trip and maybe throw in a few days in Dubai before dropping by Oz.
Well it's up to you but I wholeheartedly recommend going to Oktoberfest. I'm sure Volkfest is similar and excellent too. Understanding what you want to get out of it is the key to having a good experience. An insane, contiki style experience is not my style, If that's what you want then the only advice I can give you is to go on a weekend to the Hofbrauhaus tent and arrive early (7am).
Otherwise my recommendations are:
- Go on weekdays or Sunday
- Stay in a hotel, share the room with a friend to save money
- Inside each tent, some tables will be reserved and some will be available on a first-come, first served basis. This means that you have to arrive very early in the day to secure the table. Depending on the size of your group and the day of the week you may need to line up. For any Saturday you need to arrive at 7am sharp and queue for three hours. For Friday you can probably relax that to 8am (but I have fewer Friday experiences to draw on). For Sunday, 11am is usually OK. Monday thru Thursday I'd guess 12pm.
- the unreserved tables are usually closest to the bandstand in the middle of the tent.
- You can turn up later, but when the tent is full they will wait for someone to leave before letting you in
- I've never sat outside, although I'm sure it's nice when the weather is good.
- If you arrive and you have a choice of tables, choose to sit near people you like the look of. (i.e. Avoid people wearing Organised Tour T-shirts and seek out Dirndls). The people on the table next to you will be your best friends in about 3 hours.
- A 1L Stein will cost you 10 Euros because you will tip your server. It may not be as cheap as Czech beer, but it's not that expensive compared to Australia
- Make sure you eat food. I know a lot of very experienced drinkers who get swept up in the occasion and atmosphere and before they know it they need to go home early. I can't emphasize this point enough.
My favourite tents in order:
- Paulaner (aka Winzerer Fähndl - best beer / music combination)
- Augustiner (more traditional band, local beer)
- Schottenhamel (Where they tap the first keg on opening day)
- Hacker-Festzelt (aka Himmel der Bayern)
- Schützen-Festhalle (also quite traditional - serves Löwenbräu)
- Löwenbräu (not really for me but I know a lot of others love it)
If you're going on a weekday you may be able to walk between all of the tents to check them all out but as the day gets busier you'll have to settle on one and stay there.
If you're friend is going, then maybe just go with him. It will become that time you went to Oktoberfest together. It doesn't have to be a drinkathon but it can go that way if you get swept up in it. If you stay away from Hofbrauhaus then you'll meet people from all over the world and have a great time. I'm sure Volkfest would be good too, I assume you'll meet mostly Germens there. At Oktoberfest I've met mostly Germans, but also people from Mexico, USA, Canada, Ireland, UK, Brazil, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, NZ and more.
In the Munich area you can also see Castle Neuschwanstein and some beautiful towns along Romantische Strasse or drive up into the Alps if you're willing to hire a car. Maybe a visit to Dachau too, but be aware that it's a depressing tourist activity so try to have something planned for the evening if you go there. It's a great area of the world.
Thanks Smotes. It's really helpful.
Oktoberfest is still a small chance. I might even just do a four day trip rather than the full 15 or so days. I've probably got a few more weeks before committing to that part of the holiday.
I'm slowly warming to the drinkfest just to finish off the entire Euro Trip and have cut the cost of the overall trip to enable the Oktoberfest to be slid in.
Cheers.
-39.8c in Prince George Canada is lowest I got. The MAXIMUM temp during that cold snap was -25c. We were snowed in for 5 days straight, only went outside to sit in the hot tub and drink beer (which was everyday at about 6pm-10pm. Loved it.
Heading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Heading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good food
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
Heading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good food
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapes
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapes
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapes
Clever you are.
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapesClever you are.No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapes
Not me said the little red hen - I remember it was a big thing at the time - first time a tassie wine had won the jimmy Watson
Bit like this year being the first time a Pinot noir won the JW (and from mornington I think)
Off to Vietnam around Jan 25. Two weeks to go from north to south via Pleiku where l am interested in looking into a project. Then a weekend in Bkk to catch up with a few friends, then back off to Lake Toba again for another two weeks. Usually l travel alone, but this time l am going with a friend, the lass who showed me around Beijing in October. l will also be trying out my Chrissy present a new lens, a Nikon 80 - 400 mm. It is a bit a of monster but in combination with my standard lens of 17 - 55 mm, l have most focal lengths covered now. l must get around to posting some pix in this thread some time.
Nice Xmas present CJ - someone must like you 
*aside from us
Heading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
JOSEPH CROMY
Great food, Great Wine, Great Setting
Heading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
JOSEPH CROMY
Great food, Great Wine, Great Setting
Cheers, hope to get there late next week.
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.
Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapesClever you are.
No was a chap called nick glaetzer :)
It should have been Stefano Lubiano.....best Tassie wine by the length of the Flemington straight. Closely followed by Milton's and Ese.
Joseph chromy (just 10 mins from CBD) - really good Pinot and Chardonnay and good foodHeading to North West Tasmania for a week and on the last day we wouldn't mind heading to a winery or 3. Any recommendations concerning decent wineries around the Launceston region would be appreciated.
Our preferred wines are Shiraz, Cab Sav, Cab Merlot etc. Obviously that's not the go in cool climate regions but we're partial to good white as well.
Bay of fires on eastern side of the river is pretty good too and home of arras (great sparkler)
Dalrymple
Pipers brook
Should find a good Shiraz among that lot
A guy in tassie won the jimmy Watson for a Shiraz 2 years ago but he was from down South and I forget his name
None of which will please my lovely neighbour who makes a great Riesling ...especially great iced Riesling but who's reds taste like someone has added a bottle of vinegar to the grape juice....yes I've told him....no he doesn't really care ;-)
Ah, Riesling the most noble of white grapes
Not me said the little red hen - I remember it was a big thing at the time - first time a tassie wine had won the jimmy Watson
Bit like this year being the first time a Pinot noir won the JW (and from mornington I think)
Funnily enough I just looked it up and it's called Yabby Lake which is literally just down the road but I'd never heard of it.
I'm slap dab in the middle of pinot/chardy land but I prefer big reds. I used to think Pinot was watered down Ribenna but I've had a couple of good local ones from Stoniers and Willow Creek, mind you they're pricey.
Most decent Pinot noir is pricey - needs to be cropped lower and has higher management costs associated with being Pinot and being in a cooler climate
Value for money is Aussie reds is always Shiraz
But you can also get excellent Riesling for the price