Pennsylvania has some mediocre wine in our region, and some much better beer (Yuengling). But bringing them to Dusseldorf I would feel a little like Rudi might feel bringing Velveeta cheese to the US. Of course I will be happy to taste everyone else's, and most of all the Altbier.

Bulleting from the Reichstag:
Anyone attempting to smuggle foreign wine or beer into Dusseldorf will be shot on site.
We have ways to make you cooperate!

Oh, when you don't have an umlaut it is acceptable to put an e after the letter that would normally have the umlaut. For instance, Munich would be Muenchen.

And Martinsgans Sunday would be great for me. Not leaving for Bingen until Monday. And looking forward to a few doppelbock's in between!

Spartacus .. thats a few that mentioned this .. any others so we can assist Bernie/Rudi/Mizu with planning? Think Bernie said it was traditionally taken late morning?

------------------
~ Glen ~

please give bernie (and colleagues) a rest with more proposals/ideas - the idea box is probably well (over-) loaded already.

We (bernie, mizu and I) meet next weekend (nov-4/5) and I am sure bernie will post right afterwards many details.

Papst, I see you are a believer in the wines of the so-called new world. Im wondering how exposed you have been to wines from Argentina?

One of my hobbies is the persuit of a sort of personal crusade, where I wish to spread the word that wines from South America do not only come from the wineries of my good Chilean friends. Argentina still needs to do some major catching up in terms of marketing, but we do have the goods to plead our case.



------------------
Gaucho100K

Agree with Rudi on this ... let's just let things happen when we get there. Too much pre-planning spoils the fun and leaves no room for spontaneity. At least, I for one hate to know how every second of every day of a vacation is planned. Otherwise, why not just stay at home? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I must regrefully announce my withdrawl from the confirmed list. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

My worst fear has been realized. A business trip which had been delayed time and again now falls right over the same weekend.

The excitement from reading all these posts has turned into disappointment over all I'm going to miss... this will be a sad week for me.

Another vote here for spontaneity!
Give the pre-Altbier-testing group (Bernie, Mizu & Rudi) a chance.
Seems as what they have wrote and what has been written about them they just might do a wonderful job and please some of you "hard-to-please" frequent flyers. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

First, I vote for Drinking and Smoking Friday night! (eating is soooo overrated! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif )
Second, CaliforniasCentralCoast, I'm coming back by train thru LONDON. Want me to bring you back, some warm beer? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

OK I'm sorry but just can't resist. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
What have you been smoking?
There are no trains across the atlantic. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

And OZstamps, added http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Well, Magic I can't blame you...
And OZ, I'm very disappointed in you... the KING of the technicality! (Remember how you got me on the longest flight JFK-HKK is scheduled...BUT not actually flown, YET?) I expected you to figure this one out. :P

It is true, there is no train ACROSSthe atlantic. But, there is a train UNDER the atlantic. http://www.raileurope.com/us/special...ll_special.htm

I guess you would point to me saying "thru" london... Again, factually correct!
I'm arriving into london on the Eurostar and switching trains and continuing THRU london to gatwick which is about 30 miles outside of london. Thus...THRU london on a train, is true! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

The real question is do you guys now owe me a beer? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif



[This message has been edited by cigarman (edited 10-28-2000).]

I wish I could be there with all of you, but I'll be very busy that weekend doing the BAHT RUN!
Maybe I can bring a bottle of Baht juice to the next Ft weekend! Think of me traveling 100 segments while you people are
drinking nature's finest vino..Have a safe trip and it looks like you had better gate-check the wine! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

------------------
MRKEY

update

Name.....Arrives.....Leaves.....by.....Hotel.....N o. Of pax

Bernie.....Fr.....Su.....feet.....None
Brentski.....Fr.....Tu.....UA.....
Germanflyer.....Fr.....Mo.....car.....None
Hammertoad.....Fr.....Su.....Train / BA..... .....2
Mizu.....Fr.....Su.....car.....
Warrenlm.....Fr 09:00.....Su 14:00.....CO / train.....Nikko
Transpac.....Fr 09:00.....Su 7:00.....LH.....Renaissance
Spartacus.....Fr 10:00.....Mo .....KL.....???
Shareholder.....Fr 10:00.....Mo 10:00.....AC / train.....Nikko
Phil.....Fr 12:00.....Su 10:00.....train / air.....Renaissance
Punki.....Fr 12:00.....Su 15:00.....UA.....Nikko /Hilton.....2
RichG.....Fr 12:00.....Su 15:00.....UA.....???
Baze.....Fr 12:00.....Su 15:00.....UA.....Hilton
ChrisMoss7.....Fr 12:00.....Su 6:00.....DL/train.....Hilton.....2
Scott the Flier.....Fr 12:00.....Su 15:00.....UA.....Hilton
AnnaS.....Fr 12:00.....Mo 16:00.....UA.....Nikko / Steigenberger
Magic111.....Fr 14:00.....Su 11:00.....Train/NW.....Nikko

ScottC.....Fr 17:30.....Su .....train..... Queens
Cigarman.....Fr 18:00.....Su 11:00.....train.....Nikko / Steigenberger

Kappa.....Fr 20:00.....Su .....car.....Mar.Courtyard
Emailman.....Fr 22:00.....Su 19:00.....LH.....Nikko
GK.....Fr 22:00.....Su 19:00.....BA.....Hilton
Rudi.....Fr 22:00.....Su 19:00.....LH.....Renaissance.....2
Gaucho100k.....Fr 22:00.....Mo 10:00.....LH.....Steigenberger

CocoaNuts.....Sa 10:35.....Su 15:00.....
Essxjay.....Sa 10:35.....Mo 10:35.....UA.....Nikko / Hilton
Kokonutz.....Sa 10:35.....Su 10:35.....UA.....Nikko
TropicalFlyer.....Sa 10:35.....Su 15:00.....LH.....Nikko

Miletex.....Sa 12:00.....Su 16:00.....UA.....Nikko
Ozzstamps.....Sa 12:00.....Mo 16:00.....UA.....Nikko.....2
Auh20.....Sa 14:00.....Su 10:35.....UA.....Nikko
Freefaller12K.....Sa 17:30.....MO ?..... Nikko.....2

Dorian ?????
Stimpy ????? Steigenberger
TheBandit ?????


[This message has been edited by bernie (edited 10-29-2000).]

update 2

So we will be 20 arriving DUS before Friday 15:00 so that a first meeting could be set for 16:00. For a Friday night dinner we would be 28 with some arriving quite late.

On time for Rudi's 11/11 11:11 in front of the city hall we'd be 32. Saturday night get together would have a total of 41 partcicipants. Sunday night there will be 11 left.

5 pax will stay at the Hilton, 17 at the Nikko, 4 at the Renaissance and some at other hotels. A lot still unknown.

Having Goose Dinner is quite a popular event that time of the year for families, friends and even business. It could get somewhat difficult to get space for a large group like ours on friday or saturday night. (And... OZ it's called "dinner" not "lunch" or "brunch". I didn't say, it's a sunday morning tradition. What I said was, that Germans love a late breakfast on sundays)

When Rudi, Mizu and I have met next saturday, I gues we will have some proposals for both friday and saturday including one BIG get together saturday night. I'm quite sure for dinner athat is. After dinner (and a possible visit to one the brew houses) we will probably split into smaller groups strolling thru the Altstadt b/c there are too many spots for all the different "tastes" and it will be impossible to stick together (and get space) with a group that large - except for the breweries.

This meeting was called "Altbier in Düsseldorf" not "BYO" (bottle of whine) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You'll wine if you come for whine.

bernie, Mizu & Rudi:

THANK YOU very much for organising all of this for us. I am very much looking forward to meeting evreyone in Dusseldorf.

The website is updated with the latest info from Bernie (sorry to delete your record, Indurain http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ) and available at http://www.workflow-research.de/flye...ticipants.php3
If you'd like to mail me your flight number and GSM number (in case you have one) I'll be happy to add them. In case you want to put your seat assignment online - I can add a column (may help to identify fellow FTs on the same flight).

Have a great week

Mizu

As self designated connoisseur and an equal opportunity imbiber, I take offense (in a light hearted manor of course..). Certainly there is room for more than one adult beverage! I definitly do plan on sampling all the Altbier Düsseldorf has to offer, however I also see it as a wonderful opportunity to share & sample fine wines I might not other wise have the chance to. I'll be bringing a few bottles in boxes to carry back the fine German wines I'll purchase after Düsseldorf. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif!

Anyway, it looks like satiating the id in all of us is a common denominator, and wine has a decent following. Since time is short in Düsseldorf, might I suggest another gathering specifically for this purpose. Although not a growing region, I be happy to arrange a get together in Las Vegas for tasting and other activities (remember, drinking and gambling pays my state taxes!). I am open to dates and will start another post.

As for the gathering in DUS, I think separate posts with details of specific gatherings are in order. I will start a post for a Sunday goose dinner (late morning 11:00 or so).

Looking foraward to meeting you all,
Freefaller12k

Goose dinner that is called .... there is no possibility to have this in the morning or at lunch time http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

FWIW, dinner is not necessarily indicative of time (at least in the Southern US). Sunday dinner is traditionally the 2nd meal of the day anywhere from 11am-3pm (designed to follow church). It is designated dinner by the size of the meal. In the US, lunch is usually a smaller meal while dinner is usually the largest of the day. Understandably and probably more healthy tradition, other countries often enjoy a larger mid-day meal. Anyhoot, a mid-day goose meal on Sunday is what I was looking for http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif.

Freefaller12k

Interesting difference in terms. Here every restaurant lists entrees, and main courses. The entree is ALWAYS, without exception the "starter". Very confusing to me when I first visited USA when entree, as only the English (and French) language murdering Americans could decide, was now somehow the main meal!

Also this wacko system of bringing out a few lettuce leaves and calling it salad, and treating that as a seperate mid course is equally foreign to anyone from here. (Or Britain I dare say.) We eat salad WITH the main meal - whatever it is called and whenever time of day served.

And Bernie, no idea what a late breakfast is called in Germany but here it is called brunch .. being the first 2 letters of BReakfast, and the last 4 of lUNCH. In the USA I think they call it supper. Or Halloween. Or The Grand Old Opry or something. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Anyway, "Sunday Goose" sounds good by us, whether served at dawn, midday, evening or midnight - we'll abide by the "locals" committee ruling on that one! As there was another thread started a few hours ago, I'll add to it.

------------------
~ Glen ~



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-29-2000).]

A late breakfast is still called ... breakfast b/c "brunch" is not about just mixing letters but items from two different kind of meals. Having "breakfast" at 1 pm won't give you any lunch items (such as soup or steak).

Well, my plans are finalizing and I will be in DUS on THU, 11-9. I will soon know if I have to fly on the same eening or can stay on for the weeked.
So, please count me in as a "maybe".
Would be glad to know as where and when to meet FR and SA, so I could plan accordingly.

For those poor FT's that won't be joining the Altbier/Wine/Goose fest, the miracle of technology will allow me to post photo's of the event on the first friday evening using a combo of camera/cellphone/laptop/luck.

I'll post a link to the page where the photo's can be found as soon as they are made/uploaded. It won't be real time but should give you an idea of what your missing...

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Scott

Well I have moved one step closer.

Ticketed YYC-FRA arriving Nov 10 @11:20 AM
renting car from Budget, drive to DUS
leave FRA at 2 PM on Nov 12.

2 nights in DUS at the Astra still.

And I have also moved a step closer after being occupied entirely too much lately by work and a hiking trip a couple of weeks ago.

I'm booked AS 11/07 JNU-SEA-SFO spend the night then AA SFO-LAX-LAX-LHR arr on the 9th. Am planning to fly BA into DUS on the 10th returning to LHR on the morning of the 12th. I still don't have a hotel yet, I checked the Steinberger online and the cheapest rate was 400dm per night, so I don't think I'll be staying there. Anyone know of other hotels that still have weekend rates available?
jerry

Jerry .. was it you I spoke to here at the Olympics about meeting for a drink? Pretty sure it was - hope you enjoyed them, and sorry I was flying out to MEX next day and we did not get together. Maybe we can share an Altbier at the GoosenFest?

Re Hotels, most FT'ers seem to be at the Nikko, who had a good weekend rate. Think it was 240 Dm single or double occ, with breakfast, 20 Dm food coupon, free drink etc. PHONE them as website not too accurate ... 0211 834 2110

------------------
~ Glen ~

Oz,
Nope it wasn't me, it was another juneauite, Brad, FT name "BamBam".

Thanks for the info on the Nikko, I'll check it out.
jerry

Jerry - apologies. I remembered the Juneau part, and thought "there CAN'T be two FT'ers based in Juneau". WRONG! Hope the Nikko works for you. Hope BamBam liked the Games - we had a good chat on the phone, he was pretty excited!

------------------
~ Glen ~

I am sorry but now its official that I cant come to DUS next weekend. I was really looking forward to meet you all..When will the next FT Euro Meeting take place? btw Sweden is just a few hours north of DUS(meaning you could all come here on sunday before you travel home http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

After meeting yesterday here in Düsseldorf with Rudi and Mizu, we are (almost) decided. The BIG MEET will be Goose Dinner saturday night at a brewhouse in the "Altstadt". Details to follow tomorrow. All stuff will be published here and on Mizu's website by monday.

Great !! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


------------------
Gaucho100K

Can we arrange for a vegetarian goose?

"Altbier/Goosenfest" here we come! Thanks for making it Saturday, Committee. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Some of those there ... indeed any who wish to join the discussion might like to give this one some thought in advance, as about ten of those on this thread below for 2001 will be in DUS this weekend:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/000691.html

Meine Damen und Herren,

Tilt a few for me and if you have any time to chat about the FT Wine Tasting 2001 (See Ozstamps post above) and what direction, location etc. we might want to take it, the advice would me priceless.

Looking forward to seeing some of you at the next international FT imbibing occasion.

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Mike

Yes as I believe, but am not positive, that the Goose was a vegetarian prior to an untimely demise.

YES punki (vegetarian) - I didn't forget you (bernie and Mizu will happily testfy) at the brewhouse (I even showed 'Traudel' = the lady that took the reservation, you photo punki, so that she will recognize you at once!).

Rudi is correct, there will be Vegetarian options available. For those of you already packing suitcases:
- Dress code is casual, so don't bother with suits/ties/fancy dresses, if you wouldn't pack them otherwise. Plus, Duesseldorf offers excellent shopping for clothes - and with the weak Euro you could find some real bargains.
- Keep in mind that in Germany smoking is allowed in bars and restaurants. There are some no-smoking sections, but it is nearly impossible to evade the smoke entirely. You will most likely not want to wear the same wardrobe (e. g. Sweaters) in the morning you wore the night before.
More details will follow tomorrow. We hope everyone has a safe and pleasant trip and we look very much forward to seeing you all.

Mizu

[This message has been edited by Mizu (edited 11-05-2000).]

Watch it Punki. YOU might be on the evening menu it they mess up instructions. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif