There is no end. There is no beginning.

Just the inifinite passion of life. Apparently this is a quote from the great Federico Fellini, whilst I was thinking of ELP lyrics of a similar content.

Well, it is December the 31st again, another Hashing year has passed and I am taking a deep breath trying to reminisce about this outgoing year. A toast goes to absent friends, especially The Wolf, Hashing legend in his own respect who passed away earlier this year during a Hashrun. And another toast to all those left standing to carry on.

A hard habit to break ia the Red Dress Run, which here in Vienna always goes along with the LCC Silvesterlauf once around the Ringstrasse which is about 5,4 km. In the absence of Free Willie who in previous years always paid admission and always in vain tried to win the Hash Mobile (first prize for the winner), it was Mind the Gaps turn once again to bring along that Cimbing Rope to which the small crowd of 15+ duly held onto, yet again. The number of runners at the LCC Silvesterlauf is usually more than 3000.

I had the dubious honour to be ze front runner, given the state that this geriatic bunch is more and more slipping into, we presumably will have to be carried around the Ringstrasse in a few years time. Many many people took pics and videos from our jolly and often singing running group and it was a certain pleasure when the main announcer of that run at the finish line was asking me "Who are you guys?". My answer:" Well, the Vindobina Hash House Harriers" Q:"And what are you all about?" A:!A drinking club with a running problem". Then, 5 seconds silence and then a giggle. And that was our Red Dress run,, look for the pics at the usual Hash Flash Page and a couple examples here.

The end is beer

The circle was a relaxed affair inside the Ringstrassengallerien, and after the last Down Down in 2010 was handed out, everyone went over to Flanagans (including very late ones King Ralph, Ze GrandMeister Stormin'Norman and Ice Queen) to drink the remainder of 2010 away.

Saubattln!

OnOut to 2011!

There is peace amongst the hills

And right now Ladies and Gentlemen, after the Christmas tree has been decorated and the little one is to be taken home in an hours time I feel it is the right moment to put in a short summary of the best Christmas run in 2010 out there in Guntramsdorf.

Fond memories of the run in 2002 with its heavy fog and heaps of snow are still lingering on, with Dr. Shitfaced, an American Hasher from Taiwan being our guest back then. At the OnIn at the nearby Thallern Restaurant three of us soaked that poor fellah so badly in beer that up to this day we don't know if he ever caught his flight back to Taiwan the next day Especially after Munk kicked him out at the Schönbrunn U Bahn stop late at night.

On our present occaasion the sun out in full splendour at -10 degrees Celsius and we the Hares Tickpleaser Sex Energy and yours truly couldn't help but set a short and mild run that just lasted for a bit more than the hour and mainly led uphill through all that snow to a viewpoint where we prepared a Schnapsstop and after that downhill again on the other side of the Eichkogel. Lots of familiar faces such as the Famous Pimpsqueak and his Scarlett Pimpernell, No Mercy Mistress, Deodorant and others came along. Hash Flash extraordinaire My Pint of View even tried out his Cross Country Skis before the run but unfortunately did not put them on during the run.

To see is to believe

Two cans of coke burst in my gardenshed when I stored all the liquids for the run there two days before the run and there were little icicles floating in the down down cups.  A lovely scenery altogether. After a short circle it was on off to the restaurant where good food and drinks were had by all.

Well, time flies and I am herewith wishing everyone out there a very Merry Christmas. Stay safe and healthy. See you around at one of our runs or in the Schweizerhaus even?

OnOut.

Mad Man Moon

So it was December the 17th (one week ago actually) and with time on our hands and the little one staying over at Grandmas for the night we decided to visit a High Quality Full Moon Hash (by its own definition) once again.

There was some decent snowfall going onin Vienna on that day and hooray even Lord Glo Balls' Google Map directions worked out fine. Upon getting to the quote vast Allerheiligenplatz it was a bit of a challenge to find the kids playground but even 25 minutes late the other 7 Hashers were duly waiting for us.

Anyhow, the falling snow somehow covered everything, the good, the bad and the trailmarks, some sort of reddish polenta(?) were absolutely invislble, yet the comfortable side of all this was that tha pack of 9 stayed together at all times. And, after quite a while of walking through the snow and alongside the Augarten, the Glühweinstop in the Bunkerei with some hot Salsa music and Glühwein senza Sugar must have been the highpoint of this evening.

The long way back made another GrandMeister of another significant Hash say: "Tbis is way too long, let's just have one Down Down for the Hares and another one for the rest of us!"

Shoe be Doo

Right next to the Root C.Anal palace the short circle was held, Lebkuchen and more homemade Glühwein made up for the length of the run, and the OnIn at the nearby Pizzeria was nearly tasteful and yummy.

OnOut.

Santa Delighting Lucia

At a time when I should have stayed at home and watched TV / or just consumed some Zirbenschnaps it was tinme for No Balls Prize and Harry (the) Tosser set the second of their Swedish inspired Santa Lucia runs starting from the centre of town, not far from the Kursalon Hübner.
Everyone (including former Local Hero Ground Control) dressed up as was decorated as a Lucian Disciple and it was most pleasant to see that the charming Royal Butt Diver herself had been chosen as Lucia herself.

Vindobona Lucia in 2010

To make it short, there was not much of a run since a) have we become a bunch of bleeping Geriatrics (nothing wrong with that!) and b) was the weather, well, a little bad with some scattered rainshowers.
A highpoint was the crossing of the Karlsplatz Christmas Market where we briefly lost Ice Queen, Slush Puppie and Richard Kopf. 

The main point of the run was the Schwedenbomben feast right next to the Musikverein and I honestly canÄt remember who succeeded that Noble task of eating the Schwedenbombe without using their hands. Maybe time will tell.

Eat it up!

Well, since the starting point of the run was quite near then and it still continued to rain there were a few good souls including Marathon Man, Munk and myself who couldn't care less but get back to point A if only to find the gate to warmth, beer and dry clothes locked.
So what can one poor boy do but take yet another Glühwein? It took another long while until all the runners (Tickpleaser, Ground Control and consorts)  made it back and then even longer for the main Hare No Balls Prize to open up the beery gates. Since time was not on my side this time, I had to leave the circle early. But thanks anyway.

On Out.

Can't wait to see those faces

And once again it was up up and away to the often tested and proven worthy location Martinsschlössl in Viennas 18th district for the annual Hash Chistmas Party. Was it the usual number of partakers of around 55? I remember this number usually fluctuates between 50 and nearly 70. More important is that everybody seemed to be having a jolly good time , ably assisted by the Hash Band, consisting of Just Ken on Lead and Just Chuck on Rhythm Guitar and vocals, our very own "I don't slap" Septic Yank on Bass and Disco-Bob No Balls Prize on Drums minus the Floor Tom as "I didn't want to carry so much stuff, you know?"

And the band plays on

A set before and after the awards speech, this time featuring our Dearly Beloved GrandMeister, made people dance (and romance?) and was it the fantastic bouffe that regulary makes us come back to this venue or what could possibly be the reason? Might be that there is hardly a better place here in Vienna to be found to host us all. Besiedes, the most regarded price and medal for the worst run in 2010 went yours trulys way! 

Please take a few minutes to check out the Christmas Party Pics and think about joining the Vindobona Hash in the near future !

On Out.

Thank God it's Christmas

Delirio

Before I continue with further updates place check out this wonderful piece of music by Luis Miguel. I first got to know this song in another wonderful version on a CD called New York City Ache by Bobby Sanabria.
I want to listen to and see something cheerful as I learned that one working colleague with whom I had worked on a foreign assignment for a few years and whom I knew at least workwise quite well passed away yesterday.
My condolences to Claudias family, all non Hashers.



Si pudiera expresarte Cómo es de inmenso En el fondo de mi corazón Mi amor por ti
Este amor delirante Que abraza a mi alma Es pasión que atormenta A mi corazón
Siempre tú estás conmigo En mi tristeza, estás en mi alegría Y en mi sufrir
Porque en ti se encierra toda mi vida Si no estoy contigo mi bien No soy feliz
Es pasión, delirio de estar contigo Y yo soy dichoso mi bien Porque me quieres también.

It wasn't me

Well, here is one more piece of support by a regarded Mister someone who goes by the Name of Mind the Gap, covering the run on December the 5th up on a very crowded Cobenzl on a very cold day.

Quote:
"Written by Ghandi Temp.

Krampus run (its never too late to do the run of the year !!)


-----------

Despite the treacherous road conditions and the cold weather a pretty large group of Hashers were gathered Sunday afternoon ready for the Krampus run. It would have been a larger crowd but, because the Christmas market had gate crashed the location, parking spaces were difficult to come by and a number of Hashers were cruising around in their cars (nothing new there) waiting for that lucky break or even parking their car further afield - in fact almost in a field (more later).

Maybe they were cruising around still changing into their red underwear which was a stipulation of the run.
Eventually most souls made the group and we headed off through the bemused crowds into the snow. All except Tick Pleaser who still hadn't been able to find a spot - but he would race after us later - he needs the exercise anyway !!

Almost immediately we were a) in snow, b) going up hill and c) without markings as the many sledging kids and trampling feet had wiped out the second check. But that did not matter because the hares in their wisdom had decided to set the trail where no sledger, trampling foot or normal person would go - up past the end of a sledging trail, steeply (what more steeply ? Yo !!) into the woods and even deeper into snow. The first casualty of ths deep snow seemed to be St.Norman, aka Stormin' Norman.
Since G-String was not present at the run, MTG decided to be the hero of the day and go back on a S + R mission only to receive the news that St Norman had short cutted to the front of the pack and was in no danger. Making a mental note to himself to award himself his fourth Hero Of The Hash medal MTG went up that damn hill again !!

And so it went on, up and up through the trees, then level for a while to the great relief of the pack and finally down hill to the song check and many choices of where to go next. All that is except MTG who was at the back with Glo Balls making sure he didn't fall to his death or get eaten by one of the bears, wolfs of squirrels that inhabit the woods. Think about it - first he goes off to rescue a saint and then protects an OVH - surely saintly behaviour - maybe soon another title will be added to the already impressive list that is the Prof. DDr.'s own.


Obviously when they reached the song check the pack was long gone - Glo Balls was dispatched to the shortest, safest and steepest route back while MTG attempted to catch up with the pack. And catch up he did (via the hard core route which as it turned out only 4 others had done). What a hero !!


The pack seemed to be in good shape, no losses (note to hares: make it more difficult next time), even Mindphuck, aka Souvenir, aka Rita was enjoying herself and we all know that the last time there was snow was Tasmania was during the ice age. And Mindphuck wasn't even there then. Luckily for the pack it was more or less down hill from then, except of course for the sting in the tail that was the final slope back up to the the lookout point on the path that then lead the pack straight back to the car park.


Perfect planning allows this kind of trail laying ;-) Back at the car park, beer was dispensed along with Krampussy (is that a word?) things like nuts, dried figs, tangerines, chocolate things, and more beer. After a period of indecision a spot was found for the circle. By this time it was bitterly cold and surprisingly No Mercy Mistress was in the circle. It transpired that her car was stuck not in a field, but a snow bank. Since help from the Hashers would not be forthcoming until the circle was over NMM had to stay.


The usual stuff in the circle: hares MTG (saint? quadruple holder of the Hero Of The Hash medal? even OVH ??? who knows !!) and KUTY-PI were given thanks and punishment; visitor MindPhuck was honoured (honored for our retarded american cousins!!), and, and, and finally the Red underwear police were on the scene. KUTY-PI and MTG showed how it was done, followed by St. Norman, MyPint Of View, Root C Anal, and many others (see the photos) but the black sheep of the Hash was King Ralph with black underwear for which he of course drank. No Balls Prize blinded everyone with last years Green skiing jacket so no one could see the colour of his underwear.
 

We know what's underneath!

 
Mercilessy, since bitterly cold had turned into f*cking bitterly cold, Richard Freiherr von F*ckkopf (aka unofficially as XXRARK) kept the circle short, even MOM managed to control his pouring instincts, and after rescueing No Mercy Mistress's car, we gathered at the on-in nearby for some beers, good food and a lesson in how not to get your guests to pay for their food (you had to be there!!).


So: run of the year? By the time you read this we'll all know."

Unquote.

I don't really mind the cold since it usually IS cold in winter but abusing a location where we had most of the aforementioned disaster already on previous occasions? Once it was so cold that the beer froze in the Down Down Mugs before it could be put to good use. Kein Witz.

Here's to the Hares!

With Plenty of Money and You

Here is yet another example of worthy contribution by the now already well known and established secret Co-Contributor Tickpleaser. This covers the run he and I set in and around Mödling on the 28th of November, covering a pretty area which is small parts of  the Naturpark Föhrenberge and parts of the Liechtenstein hill (not the country of the same name!)

Quote:"

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Or so they say.  Well, all the signs were not good that this would be the case for run #1495 after the Hares had to change the D-Erections a few days before, due to a proper run taking place in Mödling on the same day. Perfect planning, as always.  Safe to say that there were a few more participants in the Adventlauf than the Hash.  But we all know who had the better time, don't we?  The weather was perfect with the first winter snow freshly fallen and reminding us that Christmas is finally around the corner.  MTG was not there to tell us exactly how many days it was to Christmas as he had disappeared to spend the weekend in Zagreb with a few other turncoats (or seasoned travelling Hashers, depending on your point of view).  With three Zagrobians celebrating their 70th birthday, plus a 77th to boot, the Zagreb Hash makes even VH3 seem youthful - which as we all know is quite an achievement.

The run started in a car park on the outskirts of town just next to the forest and sure enough went straight on up and into the trees. (Where there's a hill, there's a Hash?)  Thankfully for all concerned the destination wasn't the Anninger, at 650M the tallest hill in the region, and the trail soon turned right and on to the top of a ridge, before a steady walk down a lot of steps and with a great view of the aqueduct that supplies all you lucky Vindobonans with nice fresh mountain water. En route, the hares Marie Tamponette and Tickpleaser showed their obvious inexperience (I change that to imcompetence, Note Marie Tamponette) by forgetting where they had laid the trail just a few hours previously.  Luckily there were enough hardy souls present to take charge and lead the bewildered pair on towards their own markings. 

The Hares had wisely (and somewhat surprisingly) remembered to use a dash of polenta here and there so the markings were visible despite the patches of snow and other cold stuff.  The run skirted along the valley floor next to the Mödling-Hinterbrühl main road (Brühler Straße) and, surprise, surprise, then ran up the hill the other side to the top of a second ridge.  Thankfully most of the pack failed to notice (or more likely didn't care) that the trail was very similar to one a year or two ago from the same Hares, and sure enough it went past the Schwarze Turm, that slightly strange tower come unusual house, which sits over Mödling brooding like a fat maiden aunt at a wedding.

The promise of a Gluehwein stop was enough to get the straggling line of Hashers moving again, following The Famous Pimpsqueak -  whose keen nose (or was it local knowledge?) had already sniffed out the impending stop.  Sure enough, a few minutes later all were happily warming their hands round their mugs thanks to a small Weihnachtsmarkt next to a church on the way down to Mödling itself.  From here it was a short trundle back through the pedestrian zone and yet another Weihnachtsmarkt, with a final walk uphill along the Goldene Stiege and back to the car park. Needless to say, the beer was for once properly chilled thanks to the Austrian winter weather and those hardy few who braved the On-After left Gasthaus Bockerl to find their cars under a few cm of new snow which very politely waited until the end of the circle before coming down to earth.

Unquote."

Love is in town!

Get it out of your System

Dear Readers from all over the place, you make me proud to announce the glorious addition of yet another remarkable contributor. Messieurdames, put your hands together for the one and only Tickpleaser!


"Quote:

It was with a heavy heart that we found ourselves once more in the car park on Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse for run #1494. The only glimmer on another otherwise grey Viennese November's day was the prospect of a live run and the chance to humiliate the Hares.......or should I say the lambs to the slaughter? Tickpleaser, who turned up just when Glo-Balls said 'So, what about a co-hare?', unwisely volunteered and, like a nodding donkey entering the gates of the glue factory, ended up as Free Willie's partner in crime. And there lay the seeds for a disaster in the making, with Vindobona H3's very own Hernia Twins chosen to set a live run.

The pack, never that keen to actually start moving, gave the Hares a decent enough head start. The trail wound its way through the Donaupark, over the Alte Donau and past the highlights and lowlights of the 21st district before looping back towards the Donaupark, with a cheeky little stretch past the Neue Donau just to confuse the pack, before running under the Donauturm and on home through the park once more. Of course, the real challenge on a live run is simply to catch the Hares in the act, so to speak. Free Willie and Tickpleaser started in good spirits, mainly based on the fact that the last time anyone in VH3 actually ran on a Hash was back in 2001. Indeed, they were so confident that they even stopped half way round to refill their flour bottles. This was their second big mistake. The first was basing their choice of clothing on the Ronald McDonald school of camouflage, with both sporting the bright red 'Globalls 1000th run' hats which could be seen from the other side of Vienna. Their third mistake was forgetting that not all the pack were intent on getting back without scuffing their trainers. So, who amongst the mangy pack took on the challenge and took up the scent?

Well.....who better to excel on a live run than VH3's very own Deerhunter? Step up to the mark King Ralph, ably abetted by Hash Hound Vilia. With his eagle eyes, KR spotted the Hares early on and steadily reined them in until, with a good third of the run left and still a kilometre or so from the Donaupark, he was only a few hundred metres back. His cries on ON-ON! may have woken most residents of the 21st from their mid afternoon nap but it was to no avail as the rest of the pack was just too far behind to help, or care (well, there's a surprise).

Indeed, the only people to respond to KR's call were in fact the Hares! Woken from their pleasant afternoon's amble, and spurred on by their desire to keep their trousers on in the circle, Free Willie and Tickpleaser kicked off again. KR, by now definitely in the hunt despite the lack of support, steadily chased the Hares down and even their devious laying of a Titty Check didn't deter him as victory was in sight. His efforts, though, untimately ended up in vain as the cigars took their toll and he lost the Hares around the Donauturm, ending up back at the car park just a minute or two behind Free Willie and Tickpleaser. So - this time anyway - the Hares kept their trousers, despite KR's valiant attempt and the short cutting efforts of a few of the more devious amongst the VH3 brethren who also made it back close behind. A good time was had by all (well............... most, well.........at least some) and the general consensus was that we should have a few more live runs. On-On to the next one in 2011!

Unquote!".

Well, not very much more for me to recommend than to try your luck and stroll around Viennas Christmas Markets. Not necessarily the biggest one on Rathausplatz. There are plenty other opportunities around (Altes AKH, Am Hof, Freyung, Belvedere...). And if you happen to live outside of Vienna in some other part of the World, come visit the Vindobona Hash (founded in 1982) and run(?) with us.  It is well worth the effort.

Or you may just happen to like today's musical piece.
On out.

Birds Like it

So here is a report straight from the horses mouth, which is the GREAT Slush Puppie himself. This run took place on Sunday, November the 14th.

Here we go.
"Quote (in my best translative effort)
The meetingplace would have been superb except for the fog. Run through the Maurer Wald, the first checkpoint had already been destroyed by the countless walking dudes, 98 % of those being dog owners, and the first FRBs were doing some extrametres already.
Next scene alongside a vineyard: Richard Kopf is falling, remains unhurt and finds out later on that he must have lost his mobile and reckons that it might fell out during his fall. Tickpleaser suggests that R.Kopf should walk back and call his number with someone elses mobile phone to hear his own one ringing in the grass.
As usual, Ice Queen takes care of business from here onwards, calls the RA's number, after a long while Nedja (lifepartner, Lebensmensch of R.Kopf) answers the phone. Richard Kopf did not take the damn thing with him and left it at home!

Run # 1493

Ice Queen is now having a long chat with Nadja, and chatting seems to have been the principal motive for all participants. Merry Me, Septic Yank, No Mercy Mistress, Boney M, Root C, Lord GB (OVH), all chatters from the "chatting club with a walking problem".
Passing by the Wotruba Kirche, when architectural expert King Ralph point out the missing eaves and the hereby resulting ugliness of the concrete front (typical architect - no master builder).
Then onwards to the Sternengarten and onto the lovely Pappelteich. The songstop was ignored due to the absence of a Songmeister. And then back into the forest. Flying Dutchman is the only one who seems to have a vague idea of where he might find himself and yet he constantly takes the wrong checks, presumably all this takes way too long for him already. King Ralph has lost the group a while ago as he thought that the trail would lead by the signposted Waldschänke which was inapplicable.

After one hour everyone is back at the outside wall of the Lainzer Tiergarten, but near the Gütenbachtor (a bit away from the cars that is). A short extraloop for the FRBs, on down towards the road and then back up the long and steep meadow, W*nkers and Runners are back together again.

Then it is really boring and uninspired by the Hares constantly along the outside wall of the Lainzer Tiergarten, it is nearly dark by now.

In the absence of our famous GrandMeister it is up to the freshly baked GM of Vice to open the circle which obviously hits her completely unexpected. Usual Down Downs thereafter. OnIn at the Designerheurigen Wiltschko within walking distance from the carpark.

Ganslsuppe, Kümmelbraten, Murauer Flaschenbier, and the really young wine (the real Heuriger) was already available. The pack atrracted considerable attention due to clothing (other guests rather sniffish, due to  "assimiliation" to-days Hashers had not been thrown out from these premises.
One more thing : Good luck to  Septic Yank for the upcoming Hip operation.
Unquote".

Thanks to Slush Puppie for this report.
On Out.




That bird with feathers of blue
Is waiting for you
Back in your own backyard

You'll see your castles in Spain
Through your window pane
Back in your own backyard

Oh you can go to the East
Go to the West
Someday you'll come
Weary at heart
Back where you started from

You'll find your happiness lies
Right under your eyes
Back in your own backyard

C'etait une bonne annee je crois

It is that magical time of the year when anybody who is anybody (which in fact is everyone at the Vindobona Hash) gets elected onto the Masthead to carry out all possible and unthinkable jobs that can crop up during the existence of a Hash Chapter. The run, to my mild surprise, was being set across the railway bridge leading out of the Prater (thanks a LOT, Hares!) and then through very much industrialized parts of the 11th district right near the Gasometer where a shortish songstop was crowned by Deodorants failing memory to come up with the right verses for the good ship venus. I honestly had no idea that this song was featured on a Sex Pistols record from 1979. Funny Punks.

The Song Stoppers Heart is yearning

A New Boot?/Guest? from the Tirana Hash was amongst the leaders of the pack and it was the last possible way over that ensuiung pedestrian bridge where the trail was leading back into the Prater. Who was it who took that winning short alongside with me? Our guest from Albania, together with the Third Child, Tickpleaser and Munk. The rest of the trail was as tasty as a Martinigansl at the Hash House. Guest/Regular Multiple Entry with Girlfriend Feel my Meat both ex Moscow and now New Delhi I suppose? graced us with their presence (which of course was our present) and, later at the circle, Mutiple Entry started to distribute a few nice looking Moscow Hash Tees to an assorted few.

Well, and the cameth the AGM. Multiple "Kingmaker" Entry won an initial vote over Standing there for the role of presiding officer to moderate the meeting, there were reoprts both from Hash Cash and GrandMeister (and yes, we ARE financially healthy) and then cameth the voting rites. To be introduced by a most fitting trumpet fanfare. (Yuck!)





Everybody who is anybody (i.e. all of us, even if they were not present) got awarded one post or another on the Masthead, with the expection of Squeeze Box Mama perhaps, who was suceeded by Root C Anal as Vice GrandMeister, Yes, and your Hero Stormin' Norman is going to continue for another year. His last one as GrandMeister, he says. Let's all do what we can to keep him and Lord Glo-Balls (OVH) in their respective posts, for the next 15000 runs perhaps.

On Out.

Typical example of a dispute during an AGM, maybe.

Why was he?

On Friday November the 5th, the delectable Merry Marugoto and the remarkable My Pint of View prepared for a surprise party for Joystick who always looks the same and never seems to get any older, at least to our beloved GrandMeister. Go tó the Bamkraxler Restaurant in the 19th district and find there likely tihe only place where Augustiner Bräu is being sold in Vienna. Lovely stuff for sure.
Alright then, Hashy Birthday (again and for the rest of time) herewith.

And here is some form of support for Joysticks affiliation to Japan:



On Out.

Happy New Beer

Some habits stay the same, at least for a bit. Opening and closing day of the Schweizerhaus - though that may change drastically from next year onwards as the Schweizerhaus has been completely ripped down and is being totally renovated - have become fixtures outside the Hashing year, but peacefully juxtaposed to the runs.
My Sisters Glowing K'unts initial idea was to set run far away from the Schweizerhaus somewhere in the 14th district and was persuaded by Joystick to start the run from the outskirts of the Prater at a favourite place of ours, the Knusperhäuschen at Rustenschacherallee in the 2nd district.

Cherchez les femmes

Me and family got to the Schweizerhaus at 10:00 exactly and by then there was already a decent crowd, with our friends from Prague, the Motovidlo Jazz Band. Family left after an our which was quite understandable if you're not into beer.
I am always amazed how quickly the time passes over the course of a few beers and when the Brass Combo Schürzenträger - our heros! - started to play everything was fine. The Hash crowd came along for an extended OnAfter of course. And then, to top it all first Lady Go Diver turned up for a short visit from the Hague and shortly after - dare I say it - MINUTEMAN made it all the way over from Tennessee to partake in the festivities. Dedication at its best, my friends. And it sure is always fine to see friends again.

Senza Parole

On out, to the reopening naturally.

It All comes back to me now

If have not been to Innermanzing before and it was a pleasant occasion when King Ralph and his disciples were setting a run starting from his house. Everything was prepared for a tasty OnAfter with a spacious partytent and a few fireplaces in the Royal Garden, the start of the run led off from the garden straight through a little ditch with a few pair of wet shoes and straight on up into the local hilly surrounding.

Tent with a View

Through some pleasant running terrain - and gee it must be REALLY cold here in winter! - it was onto the much welcomed Beer Stop, and from there via a pretty slick False Trail back to the Hash Villa where the fires were already burning to keep us all warm. Several certificates were handed out by Lord Glo-Balls (OVH) including one for King Ralph for having reached 350 runs. I had to leave early so no report from the sumptuous bouffe that was being prepared including sausages, potato salad and, well, beer.

The Great King Ralph

On Out.

Little Stars Dancing and Jumping

A recent Full Moon run that was being set by the delectable Casting Couch and Sex Energy somewhere in Viennas 23rd district saw me being appointed or rather persuaded to come along as the flowercarrying guy.
A short and pleasant short run near Alterlaa (but not quite there) leading on over the Altmannsdorfer into an older looking residential area lasted for about 40 minutes which is more or less perfect Full Moon timing. Having experienced Hashers like the wonderful Red Aunt and The Final Kuntdown running along really helped as they discovered a sign that read Hash View right outside their garden door. And, being great hosts, they kindly provided Schnaps for the lot. A sincere thank you from your Blogger herewith.

Kisses Sweeter than Wine

The circle was an affair in the darkness, rather close to the Metroline 6 and was highlighted by the late turnup of Munk and the Full Moon GrandMeister Joystick. The OnIn can be highly recommended at Mimis Stüberl at the nearby Altmannsdorfer Straße. Great food and traditional Viennese company, so to say.

There can only be one GrandMeister at a time

OnOut.

Raise a Voice

Today a year ago I started this Hashblog, the idea was to get rid of the old Rehashes that once covered the runs of the Vindobona Hash House Harriers and to find a new format, mix things up a bit. Thank you very much to all who visited and indeed thanks to all those who left comments. Even if you don't have a clue what Hashing is all about and just jumped onto some musical piece, well I would say we also share a common interest here.
Enough sentimentality, the aim is to get ready for the Schweizerhaus closing day this coming Sunday.
It is all about beer, music and nice company. By means of explanation in case you have never heard of this great beer place.

On Out.

Home by the Sea

Another run I couldn't make, and alas I read about Schnaps -and Beerstops that I missed in the rain, somewhere out there at the Badeteich in Süssenbrunn on the other side of town, hared by Needleman and Bootleg Sister. Cold and Rainy but still a turnout of 18. And the OnIn at a Gasthaus by the Lakeside. OnOn to the next upcoming distractions.

                                       

On Out.

Amazing Journey

And here is the official news of the second Vindobona Hash baby that has been born on October the 13, her name Leyla Marie, the sister of the Bintang Kidd Anthony and son of Sex Immigrant and Marathon Man. Sincere congratulations again from my part. And here is the official press notice, taken from this link:

Geburt am Rettungswagen

Die kleine Leyla hatte es besonders eilig und kam Mittwochnachmittag bereits im Johanniter Rettungswagen zur Welt. Mutter und Kind sind wohlauf.

Am 13. Oktober um 17:45 kam die kleine Leyla auf der Fahrt ins Krankenhaus zur Welt. Der Vater hatte um 16:52 den Krankenwagen der Johanniter bestellt, seine Frau hatte bereits regelmäßige Wehen. In der Donaucitystraße, in Wien Donaustadt, war es dann soweit. Die Frau hatte einen Blasensprung und Presswehen. Der Fahrer und Notfallsanitäter Thomas Wagner hielt in der Unterführung vor der Auffahrt zur Donauuferautobahn an und half bei der Geburt. Binnen weniger Minuten erblickte das Baby das Licht der Welt. Leyla ist 55 cm groß und 3,3 kg schwer. Mutter und Kind wurden anschließend ins Sanatorium Döbling gebracht, beide sind wohlauf.

Für den Notfallsanitäter Thomas Wagner war das bereits die dritte Geburt, nicht so für die beiden Kollegen: Zivildiener und Rettungssanitäter Martin Simonsky und Praktikant Fabian Weyss haben das erste Mal bei einer Geburt geholfen.

Are we talking about potential members of our Masthead in 20 years time?
Here's to somebodys little sister:



On Out.

I wonder as I wander

Before I try to cover that insignificant run from Sunday the 10th of October, sincere congrats herewith to Pussy Galore and Just Maria on the occasion of the birth of their son Matthias Bernhard  on Saturday October the 9th. Keep building to the Hashes future, folks! We know who'll be next here in Vienna. Watch this space.

Admiring a vast area of fields and half finished houses - and the newly opened terminal station of Viennas Metroline # 2 (U2) one could not help but feel immediately at home, in the midst of half-finished houses, long roads of England-like semi-detached houses and - Transdanubian special - completely flat area. Aspern, one of the oldest settling areas of Vienna and for sure the scenery of Naopeleons defeat in 1809 - will be seeing a whole new part of town coming to life in a few years, including a further three of four extra Metroline stops.
Anyway. Some unexpected a very nice green parts including some quiet backroads led out to the former Flugfeld Aspern. Flat terrain as flat as possible all around. The only elevation I could make out was a three metre high mudhill where there was the songstop.

After that it was another long and straight run to the Marathon Man Family house and a very welcomed Schnaps stop. And then on back to the car park where credit was due once again to Marathon Man for doing a fine job as guest RA, in the absence of most officials, except for one (the most important one of course).

Mister you-know-who-without-whom

Those building site containers at the parking lot even contained a halfway decent and open toilet with toiletpaper, pretty astounding for a Sunday afternoon. Senk ju to the Hares My PInt of View and Joystick of course.

On Out.

This song is herewith dedicated to Mathias Bernhard, baby boy of Pussy Galore and Just Maria.

There's heaven ahead

Literally spoken since the place that the Hares Deodorant and Knödel mit Ei had chosen once was a large factory to produce TNT and one place that saw some forceful detonations. Writing this run up in absentia I can only speculate about the happenings, furthermore no Hash Flash was present so you will have to do with this or writeup or just be so kind as to leave a comment if you made the run. Derelict houses, tunnels, old railway lines must have provided a special feel for the attendees. Remember that the nearby Tattendorf winemakers who are renowned to produce a fine Sankt Laurent.
Well, that's about it.

Suitable theme song for todays run enclosed (Original by Joe Cuba and Cover Version by David Sanborn)

On Out.

The Palace of Exile

can be found near Baden, in direction of Helenental. Park your vehicle next to the Hotel Sacher (not the one in Vienna) and then get started on over to forest, eventually finding your way up to the Ruine Rauheneck. Sperminator and Little Richard started the tradition of the Kaiserjäger a year ago and the second edition was placed on the outskirts of Baden. Knowing the prowess of the Hares, 25 or so runners showed up and then it was on up the hills. A few lenghty checkbacks later that aforementioned Burg Rauheneck had been reached. Look for the airy-fairy backside of Richard Kopf's Kopf.

 Windpassing 

The way back saw a songstop (well-meant effort) and some wading through lots of underwood and leaves on the way back to the carpark. Praise go to the winning initiative of the day which was to bring along 4 doublelitres of Sturm (all those readers from abroad see here for a description) and Little Richard tried to top that by having Linzer Torten spendiert (Hashy Birthday!) and the icing on the cake were the tastefully designed free Tee-Shirts by the Hares, let alone the Stamperln (Schnapsglasses) with the old double-headed eagle (once a symbol of Imperial Austria).
Farewell herewith to Crag Rat and Minnie Mouse, who should be already back in Nairobi. Godspeed!

Schilchersturm, a real treat!

Round this windy affair up with Pink Floyd:




On Out.

One Fish, Why Not

The first Sunday run was set by the remarkable Standing There in the vicinity of the Museumsquartier near the centre of town. For several reasong I couldn't turn up, from what I heard and read there were a few sights alongside the track and lots of lovely food, Champagne (Farewell to Glory Daze!) and Cold Beer. And Richard Kopfs sister made a visit. And even more food at the On In. For a special prcie of course.

Would you like a snack?

A musical blast from the past, somehow.




On Out.

Deep Throat

This gem has been pointed out to me by a well-meaning bloke and maybe at one song-stop on a future run the Song will go something like this.

It is called Siberian throat singing.





he loved the rain

she came into his life

and gave him an umbrella

(Russian Haiku)

Poetry in Motion

A new or much rather a different location (a carpark 200 metres away from two previously used starting points) was more than enuff to attract a crowd of 20 out to Strebersdorf and the usual routine occured. Meaning that we hit the vineyards and the Kellergassen once again (and all those sure are beautiful surroundings) and, after walkers and runners trails split and merged again, met at the Heurigen zur Christl at the Senderstraße in Stammersdorf, where we had many a drinkstop on previous occasions. "Don't you worry guys, this run will be short!" sayeth the Grand Meister. And that meant of course that the trail, for the runners at least, meant sweating and puffing and cursing. Though all was mended at latest at the winestop.

And, after a not so long way back to the carpark the once again cool beer and the present of King Ralph's presence completed this last Monday run in 2010.

This music has got absolutely nothing to do with this run or the area of Strebersdorf and comes from a guy whose music I love a lot.
Check out Vinicio Capossela. This one is from LiveinVolvo.
Brush up that Italian of yours.



 On Out.

Maiden Voyage

The delectable Finger Me, being duly assisted by My Pint of View and his Master Circle Jerk chose the venue of the Hash Houuse (Gösser Bierinsel in the Prater that is) for Finger Me's virgin Hare run. Since there is not much that one could possibly do wrong in this area, it was a treat to see that unkown terrain had been covered even after all those years and I found it especially pleasant that the first part of that run was being set on a relatively small area. After crossing the main road near the Lusthaus, it was more a standard thing to get to the Prater Hauptallee and then back through lots and lots of mud and dung.
The pleasure was all ours when a tasty cake was presented and Bier Her, our famours waiter from the Hash House enjoyed a few Down Downs with us. If you ever can fit that trip into your calender, go down to the Gösser Bierinsel and enjoy the great food and the peoples friendlyness.
The menu - Fleischknödel mit Sauerkraut - was simply superb.

Hashing Life is a piece of cake?

Strange things happen!

And put this to a worthy ending with a theme for something really important:



On Out.

Standard Definition

The Wasserpark right next to the Floridsdorfer Brücke is a stonethrow away from the now well-known carpark 300 metres to the southeast on the Donauinsel so a suitable question could be asked - why set runs very often in the same evnironment? On the other hand, that is not overly important as long as there is cold beer available and it does not rain too hard during runs. Although, Hash runs in torrential rain can be very funny. There are lots of fond memories, also a few from the current Hashing year.
Anyhow, this run was an after rain affair and it was well done and there was a beer stop, featuring COLD BEER. Very appealing indeed. Yet, at the beer stop location alongside the Obere Alte Donau the Hares declared that they either ran out of flower or something must have happened as 95 percent of the runners present decided to take it easy and just walk back.
A laid back circle later when daylight disappeared rapidly it was on off to a traditional Gasthaus nearby.

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

On Out.

Farewell at the Summer Office

The summer office, located at the Rathauspark in Viennas first district and opened annually during July and August is the place for the likeminded to spend the occasional and relaxed lunchbreak at. Over the years a loyal group of followers developed, and the comings and goings over the years now led to say goodbye to Lady Go Diver, who now works in the Pays Bas but promised to make it back occasionally. As you can tell by the pic, a small but merry group enjoyed that day. Farewell to Lady Go Diver and very best of luck to you!

Beggars Banquet, several decadeds later

Especially for all those who came to Vienna and left again, here is my personal musical wish to you. And try to find out who plays the saxophone at the very end of this song, you'll be surprised.





On Out.

Noddy goes to Sweden

Not a real connection to last Mondays run from my part since I decided to tale a break, stay home and eat great Wurstfleckerln - you actually can do Hashruns every Monday and Sunday in your entire lifetime but what the heck? From what I heard My Sisters Glowing (aka Afterglow) seemed to have set a good one somewhere in the 13th district and it musta been all milk and honey later at the OnIn.

Don't we all want a little Love and Happiness, at least sometimes?




On Out.

Just a Pool of Beers

A real fixture of the Vindobonian Hashing year is the famed Swimming Pool run of No Mercy Mistress's house in the 22nd district, not far from Hirschstetten. The area itself is not that much exciting, yet after many years one knows that the highlight (heileit) certainly is the circle around and sometimes in the hosts swimming pool, do not even mention the sauna that came in Hash use all steamin' and cookin' two or three years ago.
A true landmark of these runs over the last few years was also that there was a guarantee of heavy thunderstorms and torrential rainfall. Much to my displeasure none of these happened last Monday (August 16 that was) but some really heavy rainfall preceded this run as you can see by the following picture of the Hirschstetten Badeteich with slightly high water:

Two gents washing away the blues

The run itself was at times really pleasant but the sheer sights and sounds of the nearby motorway A 23 for at least a kilometre quickly made me change my opinion and since no-one else is doing a write up about all this you will have to live with it. Lots and lots of runners cameth along, including Null Comma Josef, King Gook even (at the very end) and the Great Kuntini managed to master all of the course on his hot bike, dragging his father with him.
The swimming pool water looked a bit greenish to me, nonetheless just about everybody took a swim and three brave ones (Munk, Lady Godiver and myself) made it to the sauna and the usual huge and tasty B-B-Q finished everything off. Circle? What circle?

On Out.

Sun in the Night by Brand X, might explain hot sauna in the middle of the night.

English meaning of the lyrics:

Sun in the night
Everyone is together
Ascending into the heavens
Life is forever

Original Sanskrit lyrics see here (two variations, as being kindly provided by some kind people in India - hey I DO know someone over there!)

variation 1)
Apgaté surya, sadhyanté janah
Nanu swargé api, jewanam chalati

variation 2)
Asatam gachart suryah, Sanyun jayanté janah
Swargé jaté satcharti jeewanam

Any additions/alterations greatly appreciated!

By the way, vocals being done by Phil the Collins

Dazed and Confused

Since a likable chap passed through our nice city (Multiple Entry is his name) from Moscow on his way to his next destination n New Delhi there was no reason for 35 people to stay at home but much rather to make it out to the Votivkirche to take part in a classic one. Yours truly first got stuck in traffic and then I got stunned by mutiple roadworks and the result was me being 20 minutes late. Tuff. Union Jack pointed the way for me and after lots of problems to find the remaining flower marks, all the way through the 9th district, passing by the Piaristenkirche, crossing over the Donaukanal and finally ending up in the Augarten, I was most pleased to see that Hash Cash had been forced to sponsor a Beer Stop in the Bunkerei. After a longish stop Sex.O-Phone, Munk and I stayed on for an extra Seidl so we had to make our way back across the 2nd district and up to the Votivkirche again.

The circle had a special feature with a naming for Just Fran who started to run with this Hash Chapter in 1982 and then stopped for a long time. For your pleasure (?) I include the official naming announcement by the delectable Religious Advisor Richard Kopf.

(Quote)

[ the full story and AUTHORISED SPELLING have to be stated so that the
owner of the newly-named hash handle can keep this dirge as a
certificate for all of her posterior :-) ]

HEAR YE HEAR YE HEAR YE
It is hereby announced:

Be it known to All Hashers - and in particular LORD Glo-Balls (cos it is he
who records these things and makes it official - watch the official spellings, lgb!).

On the occasion of the Run No.1479 at Votivkirche  (Hare: Multiple Entry - can't we get rid of him ??!!!),

there was a Naming ceremony for:

The Hasher Known Up Till Then as .............. Just Fran

In a full VH3 traditional ceremony,
was awarded the Hash Name: ............... ...  GLORY DAZE

Explanation (!?eh?):

perhaps due to the fine weather (gee thanx ra) in the circle, the Vindobonese
went for their third (!) naming in succesive runs (sorry, insignificant fool muhn runs do not count!)

Fran is one of the original hashers of Vindobona, going right back to ze early years. [Aside: how cum she looks so fresh beside these worn-out hobos of yester year - you know, those 1000 no-lifers]

Anyway, no-lifer "Cardinal" Munk came up with the suggestion that those early times at Vindobona were indeed the "glory days" (can i hear bruce strumming in the background?), but the spelling of the second word should reflect his observation  of Fran's oblique, slightly confused way of looking at him. And he wonders why...? :-)

As the other suggestions for a name were ven more obscure, Munk'S proposal was carried by the usual hashocratic procedure  (eh?!)

... She was not worthy ...

Ceremony (in VH3 tradition carried out by guest ra Multiple Entry): Flour, Beer; Flour, Beer; Flour , more beer ! ! ......
(disgusting sight)....

Signed on behalf of the Naming Committee:

Lady Go Diva (in absentia)
Marry Me (in absinthe)
Septic WYank (still on vacation?)
Freiherr von fickkopf 

Mindphuck (where she?)
Seedy CD Canada Dry (who he?)
Multiple Who (delhi or is it deli bound)

ON ON 

(Unquote)


Not much left to say but to include a fitting song for all this. Led Zeppelin of course.

This Cowboy Song

The Floridsdorfer Brücke and that part of the Donauinsel seem to have a charm of their own since this must be the third or fourth run in this area that we had over the last six months. Despite being a little critical about that choice I have to give the Hares credit for trying to come up with a new part all the way through a Schrebergartensiedlung that could remind one a bit of Smurfland. On our way across the Floridsdorfer Spitz there was an interesting looking job agency with a slogan like Ready, set, work.

The thing in my right hand is a slidewhistle

There is not very much to report than the fact that I had a nice chap with newboot Just Karim who gt awarded a Down Down in most classic teabag fashion afterwards. Shoes and such, you know? The way back on the Donauinsel towards the carpark needs no further mentioning, since, well, we have been there every many times before.
And even more credit goes to the Hares for providing COLD BEER! Truly remarkable. Thanks for having me.

On Out.

You must have heard about the Comedian Harmonists. Or at least some of you. This is musical history, folks!