Oktoberfest München, Deutschland (Germany)

Clearly the best time to visit Munich is during Oktoberfest…

The infamous Paulaner tent on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, München. September 2022.

The train from Utrecht takes about seven hours, with just one change. That may sound like a long time, but when you consider getting to the airport early, checking bags if you have them, and waiting in security lines, turns out I’d much rather just take the train. Plus we were staying at a Marriott property right beside Munich’s central station which is much closer to the action than Munich’s airport (about a 1 hour commute by train). On top of that, there were large groups of Dutchies already dressed in their Lederhosen and pounding beers on the train

Neues Rathaus, the New Town Hall. September 2022.

The first night was classic Oktoberfest. We dressed in our typical classic German attire, went to the festival grounds and met some friends, ate sausages and half-meter long hotdogs, and planted ourselves at an outdoor table on the Hofbräu terrace. Liters and liters of beer were drank. Strangers were met. Songs were sung. Stumbling occurred. A perfect Oktoberfest night.

Deutsches Museum on the Isar River, September 2022.

A Building of Faces and Munich from Above. September 2022.

The next day was time for recovery and exploring. The typical city wandering occurred. I ate delicious schnitzel and spätzle at several different restaurants. Restaurant Deutsche Eiche in particular had an amazing slab of roast turkey breast with a turkey gravy that cured all of my ailments instantly.

Dennis Reynolds: Golden God.

The last night of our adventure was spent in a triumphant return to the Hofbräu tent. This time we found some folks with a half-empty table and they let us join them, right in the middle of the room beside the bandstand. A few liters and many toasts later we headed back to the hotel, a wonderful and slightly impromptu trip to Munich completed. Will definitely be returning next year!

Oktoberfest Night, September 2022.

Until Next Time!

Recommends:

  • Hofbräu tent. Definitely the best of the tents.

  • Restaurant Deutsche Eiche (mmmm turkey)

  • Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection - A Marriott property with a phenomenal breakfast and a pool/hot tub/grotto in the basement. So fancy. Thank you Marriott points!

  • Going up the Frauenkirche tower. Not the best tower I’ve been in but there’s an elevator and plenty of signboards to tell you what you’re looking at.

Questions? Comments? Let me know below!

Mallorca, España (Spain)

Lone Palm by Catedral de Mallorca. May 2021.

Like most people living through the pandemic, by May of 2021 I really needed a vacation. There were still restrictions in place across Europe, but it was possible to fly to Spain with a negative Covid test. And as long as you wore a mask outside. And there was a 10pm curfew. But in my opinion, it was still well worth the trip for the food, sun and beaches.

A Suite in Casa Delmonte. 10/10 Recommend.

Palau Reial de l'Almudaina

Bridge Before the Royal Palace.

Castell de Bellver, May 2021

A Peaceful Cala. May 2021.

Always tip your live musicians if they don’t completely suck :)

Shout out to the incredible Casa Delmonte, where the rooms feel like staying in an actual museum.

If you’re searching for beaches in Mallorca, you’d better head for the Cales. They are the famous rock-shelf-lined waters that end in beautiful beaches.


Marina Port De Mallorca. May 2021.

Mallorca/Majorca is a popular summer destination for a very good reason. The food is amazing, the beaches are absolutely gorgeous, and it won’t break the bank. Actually, the best tacos I’ve had so far in Europe were in Mallorca. Not that they come close to touching a taco truck in San Diego County, but still quite good.

Here are some things I recommend in Mallorca:

  • Casa Delmonte - Clearly. It’s beautiful, posh, and there’s an amazing private garden with white wicker chairs and a fully stocked cigar and whiskey bar. I mean, c’mon.

  • TaqueroMucho - Those tacos I was talking about. Best I’ve had so far in Europe, and certainly the closest representation to their SoCal counterparts.

  • Bakeries - Any well respected bakery in Spain will have my favorite breakfast - Jamon Serrano con Queso Manchego. Best breakfast/ham and cheese sandwich ever, hands down. It feels sacrilegious to even label it a ham and cheese sandwich. The best versions have butter and/or a crushed tomato spread.

  • Cala - Any cala. These beaches are really amazing and they are scattered across the island.

  • Bocalto Tapas - Eat all of the things here.

  • San Lorenzo - Hotel I stayed the first time I was in Mallorca. Also a very very nice hotel with a beautiful pool and patio area. Great for photoshoots :-D

Questions? Comments? Criticisms? Hit like and make a comment below…