Franconian Beer Message Board

OT: Driving
Posted by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 10:19:12
I know it's hard to convey tone and attitude via message boards like this but I can tell you that for the most part I wasn't personally offended or angrily typing away here on the other side. I actually enjoyed the back and forth a bit although I do admit to getting my dander up once or twice. Regarding my comment about Munich. I probably should have been more clear. It applies only to the airport in Munich and going straight from there to Bamberg. I would never rent a car just to go from Munich city to Bamberg. I've taken the regional trains between these two cities and thought it was great. However, the clincher for me coming straight from the airport is the 40 minute S bahn ride first to the Hbf then onto Bamberg. After a 7 hour flight I personally find it too much of a pain in the arse. That's just me. I'll try not to argue with you anymore on the "Americans usually rent a car" thing. It has been my observation that most Americans are too afraid to rent a car when they go on vacation to Europe and instead go on a guided tour (usually bus) or go by train. Is there still a substantial car rental business for American tourists? Sure. There's almost 300 million of us after all. Not many are like me though. I will spend hours studying the map of a region before I set out. I never bother to get GPS in the rent a car. Don't need to since I've got maps usually studied exhaustively well in advance. My wife can tell you that months before I even set off for Germany I've got the maps spread out all over the tables while obsessing over what breweries I'm going to visit and how I'm going to get there (most often by train and foot and taxi). I've spent more hours than a normal human being should reading everything on this website and many others (including your friend Ron's) learning everything I can about Germany. I only wish I lived closer, like yourself, and had more time on hand to spend there. Okay enough rambling. Yes I'd love to have a beer or two with you next time I'm in Germany. I have long memory so I'll be reminding you when the time comes. As far as Scotland goes. No worries. I was being a wiseass. I know damn well touring the highlands, Isle of Skye, etc. is unrealistic without a car. Still if you come across something useful I'd be curious.