It’s been a few days since posted anything new, because how exciting can packing be? I have been a busy bee this week packing up the house and getting ready for our move, which is now fast approaching. But after working on it most of the week, I’m happy to say that I’m actually much farther than I expected. We took yesterday and today off for fun things we had planned, but we’re back on track to packing again tomorrow. Every move prior to this one, I have worked right up to the moving day, so it was very tiring. Worked all week, and every evening and the weekends I would spend packing, and after a few weeks of that you get really tired. This is the first time I am not working and it’s really not so bad. I’m probably in the minority when I say I really like packing. It’s like putting a puzzle together. You pack this and that, then you have a certain size spot in the box that you need to find something to fit, so you walk thru the house and then you see it and it fits just perfect and fills out the box perfectly. So each box is like a mini-challenge and you feel such an accomplishment with each one you tape up.
Now onto the fun things, really how much can you talk about packing. Yesterday we drove to our new community in Georgetown to attend our first neighborhood party, although not moved in yet. We were introduced to most of the people in our neighborhood, and I’m lucky if I remember 5 names. Certainly have no idea who belongs to who as the wifes were not sitting next to their husbands so that one is going to take some time to figure out. I have to say that I can pretty well hold my own when meeting new people, and joining in discussions but it was a little overwhelming. The best example I can give you is like you’re walking into the middle of a movie where all the characters know what’s going on and you don’t. So we have a lot of catching up but from our first meeting with our new neighbors they seem very friendly and open and I’m sure in no time we won’t be the new kids on the block, but feel like we have been there for years, I’m looking forward to it. So we attended the afternoon patio party and unloaded an SUV load of stuff in our future garage, so we accomplished a moving task while having a very pleasant afternoon.
Then there’s today – it’s WURSTFEST time! Only in New Braunfels, TX is it WURSTFEST time. Every time about this year Wurstfest is held, it is a 10 day music, eating and beer drinking event. It’s a place you can go with your family, spouse, old or young, if you like polka music you’re going to love Wurstfest. The weather this time of year is fantastic, there’s plenty of sausage and sauerkraut, and an unlimited amount of both domestic and import beers. They have bands from all over the Country and World that come to this event. Some bands come from Germany and I can almost guarantee that every band will have at least one accordion player. I thought accordions were dead, went by the way side in the 1960’s, but not here in New Braunfels, they are here to stay.
This is Wursthalle
Wurstfest has been going on for a very long time, from about the 1960’s, not sure of the exact history, so as always, the Internet will answer that question. We went this afternoon because after 4 years of attending this festival we do have a favorite entertainer the Alex Meixner Band. I have to say, in my opinion, he is the best entertainer of the event. This year he had a special guest, the Canadian National accordion Champ, he was amazing! Now I’m not an accordion aficionado, but it is an amazing instrument and fun to listen to. Every year we get our annual dose of the Chicken Dance and the Beer Barrel Polka, two traditions that I enjoy maintaining. Some of the entertainment are local to New Braunfels and are very good also.
Alex Meixner with Canadian Champion
Alex Meixner Band with Canadian Champion
Typically this festival is held near November 1st each year and the start date only changes by a day or two. The event runs over 2 weekends, and although they are open during the week, it is only open in the evenings starting at 5PM on weekdays, of course the weekends are the biggest days and evenings and based on the crowds we saw today, it was amazing. I have never seen it this crowded in the 4 years we have gone. If you like to hear some good German music, enjoy good food, drink some good cold beer, and enjoy the beautiful Texas Fall weather, then you need to make New Braunfels your destination for a long weekend or a stop over on your vacation in this area, I don’t think you will be disappointed. As I have stated before you don’t always have to travel far to have a good time, make some great memories and enjoy something different and new. If coming to attend Wurstfest make sure you have time to stop and see Gruene, and enjoy some good music and there is also historic downtown New Braunfels that is worth the stroll. It would certainly be a weekend that you will get plenty of good food and some great music, there is not a shortage of either one in this area. This is a road well worth traveling down….. enjoy!
Mark Halata and Texavia
A New Road to Travel 