Category: Uncategorised

BT cheque lands on my doormat and adventure calls

20th April 2009 admin Uncategorised Leave a comment

Unemployed. Not a lot going on.

A lot of people will read this and think that its the end of adventure for the time being. In one way, you’d be right, it can be pretty difficult to get to Kuala Lumpur claiming job seekers allowance.

However, this gives me a chance to prove something I’ve said often before. That Adventure is everywhere, and all you need to do to find it, is research and planning (oh and a small amount of money).

Additionally, since this website is subtitled the adventures of an ordinary person, a lot of ordinary people are feeling the pinch right now, and a couple of budget adventure ideas should help those in a similar position to myself.

On a practical front, I am still unemployed and its urgently important that I get another job. Its nearly 20 years since I was previously unemployed, but I remember specifically, that one really important thing, was to establish a routine.

Each morning, I get up, go for a run (although sometimes its more of a walk), get back, eat a sensible breakfast and then get ready. I then spend about 2 hours scouring the internet, calling agencies and emailing CV’s.

In the old days, I would have had to sit in the house all day, waiting for people to call me back. With the advent of mobile phones, I can get out and do something, while waiting for emails and phone calls, so most of my afternoons are free.

Well, the other morning, I returned from my run, and I found a letter from BT. They had overcharged me, and had sent me a cheque for £36. I decide to find out how many budget adventures I can do with this money (which obviously, I hadn’t planned to receive). Since BT have sort of “sponsored” this project, its going to be known as the BT Adventures!.

The other blog entries will show some of the stuff I do in the coming days.

Dan and I pay our respects to Flo-Rida

19th April 2009 admin Uncategorised Leave a comment

flo

That ridiculous musical absurdity, flo rida (pronounced flow-rider) was on TV recently being interviewed. In the interview, he announced his mobile number, and said that he would love to hear peoples views on his music.

Dan and were in the pub the other evening, and decided to text “flo” with our thoughts on his musical talents and brand.

I won’t say what we said exactly, but words like “unoriginal” and “tool” were used quite a lot.

What’s hot, wk/beg 13 Apr 09

10th April 2009 admin Uncategorised Leave a comment

boatthatrocked

Although its been hyped to high heaven (which always makes me suspicious, for a kick off) the Boat that Rocked, most definitely does not “Rock”. All the elements are there, they just never seem to come together and at two and a half hours, it drags on and on. Peter Bradshaw seems to think the same.

Far better, is a film I watched recently called Revolutionary Road. Much better use of two hours, if you get a chance watch it.

A series with similarities to the X-Files, Fringe is something I’ve been watching recently and I’m really getting into it (the void left by the final endings of the L Word and Battlestar Galactica has been a significant chasm to fill).

UK only TV viewers are in for a real treat with an up coming episode of House. In it, a cat can seemingly predict who is going to die. Obviously house solves it in the end, but its a very creative episode (I am getting a bit sick of house playing mind games and all that rubbish, I’m more interested in a proper story).

On the book front, Wilbur Smith’s new book Assegai has just arrived (it was half price from Amazon, I just had to wait 3 weeks, which seemed worth it. Only 20 pages into it, but its as good as the 30 odd others of his, that I’ve read.

On the web front, I’ve gotten on board with Twitter. You may have heard about it, its been in the press a lot recently. Basic idea, is that I can update, what I’m doing, what I’m thinking or anything really, wherever I am and it will appear at the top of this website in Yellow.

It shows the last 2 tweets, and can even have links to pictures I’ve taken on the Iphone, or links to maps, where I have “tracked” my location to GPS.

Berlin 1

25th August 200426th August 2015 admin Berlin 1, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	Frank, Sarah and I pack our day sacks, and head of to the amazing city of Berlin.Here, Frank and I Pose in “unter den linden” a boulevard of lime trees, which literally means under the limes.
The famous Berlin Sculpture.Before I set off, I saw lots of pictures of it, on the Internet, but they all made it look about 100 metres high.I deliberately Photographed it with 2 people walking under it, so a measure of its real size, could be gauged.
	A remaining section of the Berlin Wall, next to the Topography of Terror museum.
Checkpoint Charlie.A superb museum, about escape attempts from east Berlin was next to it, and was the highlight of our trip.
	Leaving/Entering the Checkpoint sign.Everyone always seems to photograph it from the other side, which says “you are leaving the American sector”I decided to photograph it from the other side.The sign is a replica, the original, was donated by the American government, to the Checkpoint Charlie museum.
The Berliner Dom cathedral on museum island.
	Taken from the steps of the Egyptian Museum.To the right of the Berliner Dom, is the Stasi building.The Stasi building is extremely controversial, and is to be torn down soon.
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche.I have tried to photograph things from different angles, as otherwise you just end up with the same picture as the one in the guide book.
	Centre of world culture.Built by the Americans during the cold war.Unfortunately, the roof collapsed in the 80’s and had to be replaced.
Brandenburger Tor.It was the busies place in Berlin, at the top of “unter den linten”.There was a memorial nearby, to the Russian soldiers killed taking Berlin at the end of the 2nd world war.
	Overall, the city was very modern, and here, featured peddle power taxi’s.
The Jewish Museum.Designed by Daniel Libeskind 1998 (museum opened 2001) Jewish museum.Some information states that it is modelled on a “burst” star of David.I have also read that it maps geographical events in Jewish history, and the building plots a course across these locations. Impressive and moving.
	The garden of exile, next to the Jewish Museum, which contains the memorial to victims of the holocaust. We arrived early in the morning, when no one was around.

Cairns (3/3)

2nd August 20042nd August 2015 admin Australia, Cairns 3, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	My view from inside the helicopter. You can see the quicksilver pontoon in the foreground.
A view of Port Douglas from the helicopter. Apparently Bill Clinton has a house there.
	Cape tribulation from the air.
A tree growing in the see, at cape tribulation.
	I visited Tjapukai aboriginal centre. They had an authentic aboriginal camp, and showed us how to light fire from friction, and build shelters.It was really nice to walk around, and we had buffet breakfast while we chatted to them (bushcraft is one of my hobbies, and I found the conversation fascinating).
We visited the Wujai Wujai aboriginal village during our 4 wheel drive trip into the rainforest.I had imagined it to be quite traditional, but found it had modern houses and jeeps.It did have a large fire area though, and they spend most evenings outdoors sat around the fire.
	We took a walk up through the village, and stopped at a waterfall for a picnic.
I had never tried ballooning so just had to have a go.We had to get up at 4:30 in the morning. The balloon we flew in, was one off the largest commercially available.
	We went up to a height of 1000 feet (I was able to check on my Suunto watch). The thing I noticed was the silence. It was amazing to be travelling hi above the ground and not hear a sound.Our guide cracked a joke and asked if everyone know how he steered the balloon. He then said we don’t, it goes where the wind takes it.

Cairns (2/3)

2nd August 20042nd August 2015 admin Australia, Cairns 2, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	An amazing fact I found out, is that the roots of trees, do not grow bellow the ground in the rainforest.This tree, for example is actually growing in sand. It would be possible theoretically, to construct a rainforest in a car park, if it was hot and the air was moist enough.
The famous “wait a while vine”. It grows with prickly stalks that fasten to other plants and pull it skyward, so it can gain access to the sun.They can be used for water, but if the prickly part catches on your clothing, you should stop and carefully remove it, rather than continuing. That’s where it gets its name.
	Back to Habitat, a small child plays with a snake. I loved the way the Australians were so in tune with nature.Daintree School had actually written to the American Space Program and asked them if spiders could make webs in space.They actually sent specimens of spiders from the Daintree into space to answer the children’s question. Yes, they can.
I have never been interested in diving, but once on the reef, I decided to go at it with Frank (who loves the sport).Unfortunately, I should have prepared, and had real difficulties, which resulted in me getting out of the water and not completing the dive.It was a low point on the trip for me, but at least I had a go.
	Frank diving in the reef with tropical fish (a few of them bit him !).There was a viewing area near the diving centre.
Some reef coral from the viewing area.
	Another lifelong ambition, to travel in a submarine !
Inside the submersible, it was a bit cramped, but the view was amazing.
	Travelling from the quicksilver pontoon, to where the helicopter I had booked for a trip across the reef.

Lisbon – the cheapest capital in Europe and home of Vasco De Gama (2/2).

14th April 200414th April 2016 admin Lisbon 2, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	We wander back through this enormous shopping arcade street.As we stop for lunch and drinks, I’m still struck by how competitively priced this is, compared to London, Paris or Rome.
An innovative approach to policing, they had Segway’s.
	The Santa Justa lift.
We decide to visit Belem.Its a bit away from where we are (Lisbon is quite fragmented) so we get a taxi. This is a statue of Vasco de Gama we passed on the way.
	Monument to the discoveries.A major attraction of Lisbon, was Vasco de Gama. Although circumstances could be more different, I really identified with his thirst for adventure. On the waterfront, this structure, is the Monument to the discoveries, and features all of Portugals famous explorers including VDG and Henry the Navigator.
There’s an African connection.De Gama navigated to the Cape of Good Hope. Next to the monument is a large round are showing an enormous compass and places around the world. It was a gift from South Africa.
	It’s a nice day, and we wander into the Botanical gardens.There’s a sign saying the bank that was sponsoring the Gardens has gone bankrupt, so the place is a bit overgrown and there looking for volunteers. I wandered down this avenue with these beautiful tree’s.
This greenhouse was closed, but otherwise a genuinely lovely spot and amazingly quiet considering just outside were most of Lisbons major tourist attractions.
	I wander deeper into the interior and find these trails where I stop, rest and contemplate thing (like why cant the price of beer be cheaper everywhere in Europe).
Archaeological museum and nearby the Maritime museum, the thing I really wanted to see.
	People queuing to go into Jeronimo’s Monastery.
Everyone else wanted to stay outside and enjoy the weather, so I went into the Archaeological museum on my own.There were some interesting things inside, and it only cost about £2.
	The entrance to the Maritime museum.The site was previously a chapel where sailors went to be blessed before embarking and an uncertain future. Walking through these doors was an enchanting experience, I imagined what it must have been like 500 years earlier.
A statue of Vasco De Gama inside the maritime museum.
	People I go walking with sometimes say Ordnance Survey maps are no good and lack detail.De Gama would have navigated with a map like this one !.
None of the original boats still exist so there were modern models to look at.There was a section showing how “discovery” boat changed over time. Initially with triangular sales of the fishing boat kind. Then the same kind of boat and sail but “square rigged” at the front and finaly this kind of Gallon, which is fully “square rigged”.
	One thing I hadn’t realised, was as far back as the 1500’s, the Portuguese were trading with the Japanese.Here, a Samurai sword they brought back.
And just for fun, a Royal Barge.
	Dan sits out on the waterfront.In the centre of the photo is the enormous Christ the King statue. To the left the Vasco De Gama bridge. 6 road lanes and 10 miles long. The longest suspension bridge in the world.
There was a nice Marina there, so we stopped and had some lunch and a couple of drinks.
	Torre de Belem. Originally, would have been a quarter of a mile out to see, but the land has been reclaimed.Probably the site most people associate with Lisbon. And off home, until the next adventure.

Lisbon – the cheapest capital in Europe and home of Vasco De Gama (1/2)

14th April 200414th April 2016 admin Lisbon 1, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	I’d heard great things about Portugal’s pedigree as a discovery nation while at school.When Simon Calder recommended Lisbon as the cheapest capital city in Europe, a trip had to happen.Like my most recent adventure in Bucharest, it was a budget project.
As we sit in Manchester waiting to fly out, I eat my Boots lunch deal (still the best value at airports).We arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport.It was one of the the biggest (and emptiest) airports I’ve ever landed in.
	Wanderlust magazine did some research into travel mishaps like theft and turning an ankle.They found that when visiting a place for the first time, these things are 98% likely to happen in the firsts 24 hours.For this reason, we took a taxi rather than public transport from the airport. Might not sound like “budget” thinking, but it usually costs more to put a mishap right, than it does to just avoid it. On our way, we get to see the Aguas Livres Aqueduct (which means Aqueduct of the Free Waters), completed in the 1800’s.
We arrive at our hotel, the VIP Berna. As we arrived, 2 other taxi’s arrive behind us, with people from our flight.My guess, they used the same tools as me, and found the cheapest flight/hotel combination. I didn’t think of it at the time, but I should have gotten to know these people, they were kindred spirits. The hotel was spotlessly clean and in a 70’s style, which gave it rather quaint feel (did I just write that !). Didn’t take long to unpack, as we all brought carry on luggage. I decanted my possessions into a stuff sack (I would need my daysack empty for carrying around in the daytime). I setup my phone charger, put my torch next to my bed, ate the Steak slice that Glenn bought me and headed downstairs.
	I get into one of those lifts, that you only seem to find on the continent.You’ll know the kind I mean, if you’ve ever been in one. As you stand in the lift, the wall along one side moves up or down, depending on which way your going. I was horrified to see this warning sign showing what happens if you transport a wheely bin, and put it too near the wall !.
A blessing was how cool the place was inside.Throughout the trip, baking heat was the norm, and this place was an oasis.The hotel had complimentary Wi Fi, which never seemed to work.On the plus side, had a friendly bar, and when we tipped the barmaid, she seemed genuinely delighted.The price of lager, is usually a good cost-of-living indicator in most countries. Pints were about the same as Chester. We were in a European capital city so very good value indeed. In the afternoon/evening, we stay local, get used to the environment and get something to eat.
	In the morning we head out to start exploring.Within just a few minutes I’m struggling to find our location (which is pretty unusual)standard practice in this situation, is the same as mountain navigation.You find a landmark on the ground, then locate it on your map (or guidebook).I realise what the problem is. The nearest landmark is the Bullring. Its listed in the guidebook as “further afield”, and isn’t listed on the central maps. No problem. I work out its South towards the city and roughly where we’ll enter the centre. Twenty minutes walk later. I’ve located our position on the map of Baixa and then cherry pick the sights we want to see.
Heading for Rossio Square, we pass Rossio station.The station is a Romantic recreation of Neo-Manueline facade (that’s why it looks 16th century, but actually completed before the start of the 19th century)underneath the station is a 2.5 kilometre tunnel, one of the greatest feats Portugese engineering.I wanted to see it, as I like the idea of modern tech, hidden behind a traditional facade.
	Rossio in Portugese, means roughly “commons” in English.After the earthquake of 1755, the city of Lisbon was expanded to lower areas bellow Lisbon Castle hill. The idea was to create an area for the common people.In the centre is the column of Pedro IV with fountains in front and behind it.Its the main meeting place in the city so everyone goes there. Among them a youth with long hair and a tan wanders around. He bares a striking resemblance to Dan from our group. We nickname him Danos after the similarity. Dan points out that its a Greek sounding name, and were in Portugal.
Staying in Baixa, we visit Praca da Figueira. It sounds quite grandiose, but it actually means Square of the Fig tree’s)unoriginally a hospital, it was demolished after the earthquake and used as an open market.Sadly there’s no market there now, just coffee shops and the usual social fayre.In this picture, you can see a statue King John I a noble knight born in 1357 (although the statue was actually put up in 1971) You can also see Glenn, a noble Knight from Mickel Trafford and to the lower left of the picture, a chemical toilet.
	We visit our 3rd square in only an hour.Praca do Comercio (know locally as palace square) forms a “U” shape facing out towards the Tagus river.
Lisbon’s town planning department really go for the whole “man on a horse” thing.This statue faces the Tagus and is dedicated to king Jose 1.In the background of this picture you can see the Triumphal arch that forms a gate into the city.
	Just south of the square where it meets the river is Cais das Colunas (Columns Pier).From here you could see out across the bay to the 25 de Abril Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in the world) which links Lisbon with Almada.You can also see the Cristo-Rei (Christ the King) monument. In times past, this was the main entrance to the city for dignitaries, hence its elaborate Marble design. These days its extremely popular, and you have to wait quite a while if you want a seat here.
We decide to walk up the hill (not sure how this ended up happening, the guide book suggests taking the tram to the top and walking down). This place is a maze of narrow winding streets and alleyways.
	Once the wealthiest part of the city, these days its run down, but has loads of character.Although there are no Moorish houses still standing the area still maintains a Casbah feel. I’d been told the Taverna’s are a great place to socialise in the afternoon, but we were there in the morning, and this wasn’t a stag do. It was obvious within a few minutes, that there was no point trying to navigate around Alfama, so we just followed roads to see where they led. The alleyways are called Becos (and are everywhere) with washing strung out between the compact houses. Compared to these, the chinese Hutongs are palatial.
I’d read that a new influx of younger residents had led the creation of trendy shops and bars. We found loads of shops selling crafts and bric-a-brac.Here, a gallery of pictures, all created using coffee.
	At one point, we “trip over” 1 of the 2 must see buildings in Alfama.Sao Vicente de Fora. It means Monastery of St. Vincent outside the walls and is a 17th century church and monastery. The building is done a a Renaissance style know as Mannerism (whatever that means).
And just a few minutes later, the other one, Santa Engracia. In 1966 while the country was a dictatorship, it was turned into a National Pantheon. You probably haven’t heard of any of the people who are interred here, but there are cenotaphs to Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator.
	At the top of the hill, there are views over Alfama towards to Tagus estuary. Although very built up, there’s also lots of green area (which we couldn’t see while walking up) where local people grow vegetables.
Quite sensibly, someone has setup a cafe right near this spectacular spot. Its called the Portas do Sol, which means Suns door.
	Leaving Alfama, we head for the Castelo de Sao Jorge, located on a hill overlooking the city with an observation terrace.
The castle was rebuilt in the 40’s but some of the original derelict buildings remain.
	A nice building, but looked like something out of Hollywood.
We’re lads after all, and its a castle, so we wander around exploring.
	There are some archaeological sites within the walls of the castle. You can google them if you want to know what they are.

Munich – return after 20 years (2/2).

13th April 200413th April 2016 admin Munich 2, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	We spent the following day exploring the town.Here the Siegestor arch the gateway to the old town.
Further into Marienplatz (which means St Mary’s square) is the Town hall.I loved this building although it was really hard to photograph.
	It can’t be a city tour without at least one church so here it is, the Frauenkirche Cathedral.
We decided on a half day tour (it was winter so trips to the Eagles nest weren’t running and Neuschwanstein was a whole day thing). Throughout our tour – The rise of the 3rd Reich, there seemed to be a strong alcohol theme.”This is Munich”, replied our guide Roland. “Everything here is about Beer” 🙂
	In his early days, Hitler had apparently been sent under cover to investigate political meetings for the army.The yellow building in this photo is the site of the first one he attended.It was here he realised he liked what he heard and could use it to his advantage.
The site of Hitler’s first rally. held at the Hofbrauhaus.On stage, with a 10 point plan.Most of the people present were just there to drink but with little else to do but relax decided to listen in !.
	Haus der Kunst, the Nazi’s first monumental structure.Art Gallery in a brutalist style (ironically, although the Stalinists were the complete enemy of the Nazi’s, their architecture was almost identical).
Jewish memorial to victims of the holocaust.On the site of the original synagogue. Destroyed Nov 10th 1938 when all synagogues were destroyed during/immediately after, Kristallnacht.
	Bavarian state chancellery.The building wings on either side of the building were destroyed during the war.When they were rebuilt, they were constructed from glass to symbolise a new Germany and transparent government.
Bellow ground level, in front of the Chancellery, The Munich war memorial. It remembers German soldiers who have died in war.
	The White Rose movement were against the Nazi’s.Caught and treated in a brutal fashion, brother and sister Hans and Sophie Scholl were executed.
Feldenhalle.People were ordered to salute the symbol and would actually walk around and out of their way to avoid it.
	Our tour finished here.Hitler’s office, 2nd floor, 3rd from the end.Its here that he met Neville Chamberlain and arranged the Munich agreement. Chamberlain returned to the UK announcing Peace in our Time. Less than a year later Germany invaded Poland and World War II began.
From these pictures, it should be obvious that we had a superb time (and we did).However, Munich is right next to the Bavarian Alps, and to be honest, it was freezing a lot of the time.We visited a sports shop, where Dan was able to buy some gloves and this spectacular hat. I hardly ever make a mistake when packing, but on this occasion I wish I’d brought more warm clothes.
	For a bit of fun we visited the Hunting and Fishing museum.Wasn’t terribly good but it was warm.
Inside though, some of the displays were half finished.Not at all what I’d expected to see in Germany.
	I had this photo knocking around from my first trip to Munich.The helpful staff in the hotel, told me where it was. Somewhere called Konigsplatz (Kings place). The Propylaea gate built by Ludwig the 1st.Lee, David and Caz.
And in the present day, the same building with Glenn and Dan.
	Me standing in front of the state museum of classic art in Konigsplatz.
Not long before we go home.We find a beer hall and eat some traditional Eintopf stew.
	It normally has to be booked weeks in advance, but due to a cancellation, we managed to get on a tour of the BMW factory.No camera’s were allowed so no photo’s to show you, but it was amazing, with staticaly charged paint which jumps towards the car while being printed and hundreds of robots. From here, a taxi to the airport and home.

Munich – return after 20 years (1/2).

13th April 200413th April 2016 admin Munich 1, Uncategorised Leave a comment

	Inspired by James Bond films where our hero turns up at the airport and says “get me the next flight to …” I was inspired to see Europe and went Interailing.Most of the places on the trip, I’ve visited a few times since, but once place that left a mark and didn’t get any attention was Munich.So I rustled up a few friends and off we went.
I absolutely love Germans. Across the whole of Europe, they’re easily my favourite nationality.I’m fascinated by their sense of organisation and it always amuses me when German friends get annoyed by being stereotyped as hyper efficient.On arrival at the airport, this virtual booth promises to answer your question.I thought the picture on the screen of the smartly dressed tourist assistant was designed to catch my eye and then I’d need to type a question on the keyboard.
	But no.We press the button and a real person appears in hi definition 1080p video, speaking perfect English.We asked for details of our train, what time and where. She answered all our questions, wished us good evening and we headed off towards the town.
Our hotel had been chosen by Glenn.It was superb and the service excellent.Only problem with nice hotels, is that the cost of the room, is only the beginning. The price of everything else goes up as well.In this case, beer was £6 per pint.We headed out and I was delighted to find the famous Augustiner (listed in my guidebook) just across the road (more about that later).
	Next morning, after the best breakfast I’ve eaten in years (they must have kidnapped someone from England to make the scrambled eggs that good !) we head out for the day.The Munich underground, wasn’t as modern as I’d expected although the carriages arrived exactly on time.
Our first stop was Olympia park.It was the place that totally inspired me on my previous visit to Munich. Back then, it was 20 years old, and now 40.It was insightful to see, as back home there had been numerous discussions about London’s Olympic facilities, and what would happen to them once the Olympics were over.
	Considered revolutionary for its time, it included large sweeping canopies of acrylic glass stabilized by steel cables.The lake in this picture was frozen but in the summer, people canoe in it.
The view of Olympia hill.A man made hill that overlooks the stadium (the landscaping of the site, cost 20 times what the actual facilities cost).
	A view from the top of the hill.A plaque says that the hill isn’t naturally occurring.It was constructed from bomb destroyed homes in Dresden.
For 33 years, Bayern Munich played regularly in the Olympic stadium.In 2005 they moved to the Allianz Arena, which they share with TSV 1860 Munich.
	The swimming pool and behind it the Olympia tower, 291m high.It was closed to the public on this visit, but previously I’d stood on the viewing platform with Dave, Lee & Caz.
Our next sight was the must see BMW welde (BMW world). Not to be confused with the BMW museum, it features displays and things for children.One thing I’d love to try. You can buy a custom BMW and pick it up from here and drive it home (wherever that is in the world!). They will actually organise your trip home, hotel reservations, restaurant bookings the lot.
	One of the attractions.A bubble car is driven up and down every hours by an immaculately dressed blond women, chauffeuring young children around in it.
Through the window, the BMW worldwide headquarters.7000 people work in this building mostly working on new innovations and ideas.Before leaving, we were lucky enough to have a tour of the BMW factory and got to see some of the ideas brought to life.The bowl to the right of it is the BMW museum which we’d visit next.
	The BMW museum was both spectacular and immaculate.Glenn commented that he had been in hospitals that were dirtier.
Inside they had classic cars, racing cars, motorbikes and aeroplanes.
	Dan and Glenn looking at a section on engines.
Specific things are featured (however subtly) on every BMW model, be it a sports car or a 4×4.One example, is the twin “kidney grills” on the front.I’ve seen them a hundred times, but never really noticed before.
	A massive section on car design featured several concept cars and most interestingly, this clay car.They don’t wast money designing the new shape of a car, casting it in metal and then putting it in a wind tunnel.Its much quicker and cheaper to do it with clay and put that in the wind tunnel.
I was convinced the bar across the road from ours was the “proper” Augustiner (said to be the best beer hall in the city).Many ale houses masqueraded as the Augustiner and I was taken in.This is the actual one in the centre of town.
	On the inside, its bigger than a cinema and packed to the rafters.
The imposter, near our hotel.Although I felt dirty and used, I quite liked the place, so we continued to drink here on the way back to our hotel each day.