Jun 14, 2019

Old-Timer Tractor Show in Büdesheim, Hesse

This past Sunday, I had the craving for a grilled Bratwurst with a Radler (beer/lemonade mix). To get one in Germany on a Sunday, you just go to any kind of outdoor fest. This one was in Büdesheim in Hesse, about 19km out of Frankfurt, and it was an Old-Timer Tractor Show.

I was in for a nice surprise, because it was actually very interesting.

This IHC 353 from 1970 is actually for sale. This looks a lot like the second tractor my dad had on the farm.

My dad’s first tractor was a green Fendt like this one from 1956.

This year’s make is 1960 (just like me). It looked so perfect sitting there in the sun. I know I should not compare, but I think I need to pimp my wheels, and put some flowers in my hair.

Starting early – the tractor business, that is.

It was well worth a visit. We spent more time looking at the tractors than with our sausage and Radler.

Oct 3, 2012

Vineyards in Beautiful Franconia

Another drive to my hometown area of Lower Franconia had us stop along the way. Not to smell the flowers this time, but to admire the beautiful hills, men at work, and the progress on the Weinlese (grape harvesting).

Weinberg in Franconia

The colors around this time of year are just superb.

A very narrow tractor works its way through the rows of vines.

Winzer Traktor

As we were driving around wine-making country, I’d suppose this tractor is part of the wine-making process too.

Franconia is home to the Bocksbeutel bottle.

For a place to stay overnight, visit this link on which I left a review for Barockschloss Zeilitzheim. By the way, this same castle has just added wine making to its repertoire of goods and services.

We will get to taste the first wine sometime soon (May 2013).

Jun 2, 2011

A Special Activity on Father’s Day in Germany

For quite a few years, we have attended this little Bierfest at the local Schützenverein (gun club), somewhere hidden in the forest around Oberursel.

Every year, this fest seems to get smaller. Last year, we missed the music, as there was no band playing. This year again, there was no band, and we even had to ask for a Bierbank (table and benches), so we could sit down.

A very small German Bierfest in Oberursel

No longer was there a menu pinned up either. All they had was Bratwurst, Rindwurst or steaks. We were very happy, nevertheless. Very little was offered, but it was still a very typical German Bierfest.

The highlight was the arrival of the typical Father’s Day group of young men. They, young fathers included, get to take the day off from family. They start drinking as early as they get together and by tractor and wagon, they go fest-hopping. There are so many little beer fests happening on Father’s Day, so by the time they hit the third fest at 2 p.m., they are halfway drunk.

Father's Day wagon ride

They arrived with loud music, loud conversation, and approached the fest in a very cheerful mood.

Portable Bierfest on Father's Day

On our way out, we got to take a look at their tractor and wagon. They drink while traveling around in the wagon, and they drink again at every Bierfest or Biergarten.

This is not only tolerated, but also normal in rural German culture.

I grew up with this tradition, but find it most surprising how popular it still is today.

And by the way – today, 2 June 2011, is Christ Ascension Day. Father’s Day in Germany is always on this public holiday.

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