weizen men

It's no secret that I have an affinity for wheat beer.  Specifically hefeweizen.

Although the Major knows of my attraction to this fermented friend, I think the Christmarket destinations have sufficiently thrown him off the trail I have mapped throughout Bavaria…

Hello there meine frostigen freund...

I first experienced one of these beers, when my roommate introduced us at the Peculiar Pub in NYC.  And then I had one on tap (rather, from the barrel) in Berlin a couple of years later...

In Bavaria, the beer is called Weißbier.  One of the kings in that category, Paulaner, is from Munich, Germany, the birthplace of the mother of all brewfests - Octoberfest.  Needless to say, I have been looking forward to visiting this part of the world for quite some time.

Truly some of the most interesting architecture we have seen thus far on our trip lives in the old town of Munich. 

From the old town gates and arches,

to the clock towers,

and churches…

And then we stumble upon a small museum dedicated to one of the Major’s favorite hobbies – putting food on the table…

The coolest display at the hunting museum may have been the sleighs...

I also note, in this museum, that the Germans have, despite what some people may think… quite a sense of humor…

Yes..., an entire display of animals acting "out of character".  

Moving right along…

Possibly my favorite piece is the mechanical clock that is part of the City Hall building.

We got to see the dancers in action, and they are quite a treat.

Unfortunately, we discover that are missing the Christmas market in Munich by 24 hours...  we are a day early.

Among the market preparations we see signs for gluhwine, and wonder how it will stand up to the vin brule we had at the truffle festival…  My Swedish friends always made glog on Christmas Eve, and that kind of warm spiced wine always puts me in a Christmassy spirit…

Have I mentioned that it is flipping cold up here, and a little heat would do nicely…

It is suspiciously easy to get the Major into a brewpub.

We pick one of the oldest in the area, Augustiner...

I think the Major may be on to me...

A selection of German sausages, a pig knuckle (seriously delicious), amazing sauerkraut, and Apfelstrudel (of course).

The warm food and cold beer do not disappoint.  We're feeling the spirit of Bavaria. 

Our destination for this trip is Oberammergau, Germany, home of the centuries-old Passion Play.  One of the most famous theatre destinations in the world.  Unfortunately for us, this is not a year for Passion Play performances, however I’m excited to see what else the area has to offer…  and I, ahem, uh, have heard that there may be breweries near by…

In a “It’s a Small World Afterall” kind of coincidence, one of the Major’s closest buddies’ wives’ sisters lives in the next town over.  You may have heard of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home of the 1936 winter Olympics.  So, as a result of their hospitality, we accidentally might have indulged in two Thanksgiving dinners this year.  What a beautiful accident that was!  Not only were we lucky enough to be invited to an incredible dinner, we got to meet several couples living in the area.  There really is no better way to get to know a place than to hang out with the locals…

Before the training course begins, we squeeze in a modest hike with our new friends...

The Germans really have a remarkable ability to combine good food and fun.  From the bottom of the small mountain we see a flag flying above, letting us know that the hiking/skiing pub is open...

Game on.