Thursday 29 December 2016

Strange things happen

To begin with, the title of this post is a song by the great Klark Kent. Furthermore, the time between Christmas and New Years Eve, which a journalist referred to as the annual no mans land (appeals to me) I am using to put more strangeness on this Blog. Will a DNA test solve Habsburg imperial mystery? Maybe if only to show us that our friends from the Prague Hash were always our illegimitate siblings. Will this affect next years beer consumption per capita?

Who let the dogs in?

What is a beautiful mind? How does meditiation fit into this? We spent the better part of to-day with friends and kids and amongst udder things took a walk uphill into the lovely area of the Föhrenberge and to a viewpoint overlooking Mödling called the Augengläser. Do expect a Hashrun coming up there in the next few weeks. That walk led us also by a wellknown, ahem, clothing shop and the sheer beauty of them advertising their rebates struck me instantly.

My friend, you will be given a special price!



Eventually, our local Red Dress Run is coming up after two more sleeps. 2017 will see this Chapters 35th anniversary and the year shall be crowned in early summer by hosting the Eurohash. Stay tuned.



Saturday 24 December 2016

Merry Christmas

In the morning of Christmas Day I am throwing in some snippets that have been floating around these days in the Vindobona Blogosphere. Read about the pie in the sky, attached to a weather balloon, naturally reported first by the BBC.

The Catholic church has introduced "The Catholic App",  (watch out Richard Kopf for some more religious advice) and once again we won't have snow in Vienna for Christmas.Then there is this incredible story about Christmas Carol singing in German soccer stadiums, in Berin and Cologne that was. Amazing and abolutely lovely stuff.



                                          "Frohe Weihnacht! (Merry Christmas)"

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, safe and healthy 2017 with lots of Hashing. Hope to see some of you at Eurohash 2017.

OnOn
Marie Tamponette


Monday 19 December 2016

Carol Singing

Last week on Saturday evening after having heard a Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic in the Musikverein I was unexpectedly invited to a good friends house by another good friend and the theme of the evening was Christmas Carol Singing accompanied by a young lady on the piano, some local Hashers were amongst the merry party. The Christmas tree in their hourse had its trimmings up already (like in our own house a week before Christmas Eve so we can enjoy it longer).


Outlooks and insights


It was a beautiful evening with truly generous hosts and a very warm feeling. Amongst all the English, American and Ostrich Christmas Carols and Songs I was surprised that no Welsh, American, Canadian, Swedish and Ostrich Singer had ever heard of the Boar's Head Carol, to be found on the Chieftains Christmas Album Bells of Dublin.

I like this song very much and am including it here on the Hashblog.





I Believe

I believe that this is the right time for our annual Christmas run, yesterday held in Baden bei Wien, lovely old-fashioned city. Starting from the Arthur Schnitzler Park opposite the train station the crowd of more than 30 (counted by me during the circle after several beers and including visitors from London, Baltimore and Bonn) had to find their way along some backroads until it was uphill into the vineyards.

Further on up with lovely views and passing by the Rudolfshof (yes, we once did have a run up there some years ago) until the top of the hill above the Kurpark was reached. After same indecisive back and forth by the fast runners - no real checking out the right trail - it was a long way on down the hill with a gorgeous Hashview point along the way until the local Christmas market came in sight and then we all marched together to get some Glühwein, Heißer Hugo and Kinderpunsch. While joyfully sipping the hot spirits we were in the right spirit for a rousing Hash Version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

                        World's Worst Singing, Eurohash Song Contest here we come!

OnOn afterwards to the nearby carpark, circle and Christmas sparklers. I do believe that our Chistmas runs have a nice tradition, very much so as do the Red Dress Runs on each 31st of December. And I certainly believe in Father Christmas. RIP Greg Lake.




Season's greetings from Vindobona!


Wednesday 7 December 2016

Cool Yule

And another long time favourite occured last week on Saturday, namely the VH3 Christmas Party (see the post "A Christmas Song" for part 1 of this short story) where food and drinks were enjoyed in plenty, the Old Skool Band was playing, furthermore the annual Award Ceremony and the Moron Entertainment Inc. retrospective of the bygone Hashing year were performed. Half a mind is all you need to be part of it all.

A Long time Hasher



via GIPHY
What's the point in all this?



Don't ask!

Artwork provided by Tickpleaser






Keep coming back

One of the bare necessities for the average Vindobona Hasher is the opening of the Monday evening run season at the venue for run #1 in Vienna (THE first ever Hash run here in 1982) up at the Grüß di A Gott Wirt all the way up between Cobenzl and Kahlenberg.

On the following day after the revered Freistadt weekend our local Hash tradition (invented somewhat 13 or 14 years ago) has it that Cardinal Munk, OVH and yours truly are setting that run up where the highest elevation point of Vienna is located. And add to this that it is really a very nice area.

Since Cardinal Munk, OVH had several medical issues but made it up to the Gasthaus nonetheless (no wimping out here!) it was left to yours truly to set the run and carry on up the bubbly Stuff known as Sekt and cups to the top pf the hill. Tradition has it that the the hill needs to be conquered either from the right or the left hand side. My CoHare had to be carried up near the hilltop by car (!) with little help from our always supergenerous host Stephan (owner of the Gasthaus OnIn).

The stage was all set and the Sekt was hidden somwhere nearby (as in every year)


The Songstop and Sektstop also has been featuring the same song for years now, naturally invented by the World's Worst and copied here in a public performance by a potential rising star, ahem ;-)

Be it one way or the other way around the Hermannskogel, the way from a certain point during the run is simply spectacular, look for yourselves:

Welcome to Vienna and to Eurohash 2017 (click to enlarge)





 While I was setting that run on coming down the hill a definite snowshower occured with lots of windgusts, after all it was stil only the end of April so not unsual.



Sunday 4 December 2016

A Christmas Song

Memorizing the Christmas Party in 2009 at the Martinsschlössl in Viennas 18th district with this video from My Pints Youtube Channel while waiting for the pics of yesterdays party to be uploaded.

In loving memory of King Gook (RIP), featured here on the Maracas.



I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens

Saturday 3 December 2016

First comes the beer

Well, in total synchronicity let it be never too late to write about beer. And women. And most naturally the deeper reason why this very weekend in April took place in Freistadt, celebrating the 500th anniversary which was of course the 500th anniversary of the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot). As I sprained my ankle on a run in the Lobau a couple of weeks ago the most I was capable of was walking.

Walking from the U4 Terminal Station in Hütteldorf to where the Hashbus was waiting already, perfectly being organ-sized by Cherry Licker and her Commitee Helpers. I think I came along with at least four cold cans of Stiegl Beer, only to find out joyfully that there was cold Freistadt Beer on sale before and during the buzz ride.
 
In the bus with Hashers we (the serious drinkers I should say) occupied the feast table at the back end and trawling through some old pics I remember Lopsided Backside providing wonderful Jell-O Shots, RootCAnal provided a few bottles of Sekt, lots of beer cans and bottles were passed around and by the time the bus arrived in Freistadt at least the attendees of the party table were in quite festive mood already.

"No more Jell-O Shots ?!? What's that supposed to mean?"

The evening entertainment consisted of a guided tour of the Brewery (intense aroma inside!) and a nice dinner later on.

The Main run on Saturday, being split into a long run and an also not-too-short walk (I was on the walkers group) was leading by the local Teufelsfelsen and along through lovely surroundings where there once was a horse-railway running from Linz to Budweis (do you begin to see that great overall context?) ; Budweiser Beer at the Schweizerhaus, hint hint! 
At very long last there was a much welcomed drink stop hosted by Little Richard in the remarkable village of Vierzehn which is located on a road leading from Linz to Prague directly.  
The second part of the run and walk ended up at that Vierkanthof which was a great sort of Gasthaus. Delicious food and copious amounts of beer, looong food and beer break ensuing. The last past of Saturdays run/walk was a stroll back to Freistadt. Evening party and muzak until the wee hours.

Mahlzeit!

Sundays hangover walk through Freistadt was pleasant, one had to mind the occasional crocodile and the way and in the end there was a BIG snowshower coming down during the circle. Mind you, it was only the end of April that I am writing about here. Lovely weekend, thanks to everybody..
See you later, alligator!


Here's a health to a couple of the organizers






Monday 28 November 2016

Of Limericks and Ischleriks

There is not much that I can say about yesterdays run starting inside the Burggarten mainly because I was not present and yet, a highly interesting form of literature loosely called Ischleriks (derived from those wonderful Limericks of course) was flying round and I am including a few of both for your regarded perusal:

Die Sisi sagt: "Weil ich so blad bin,
geh' heut' ich zu Fuß auf die Katrin."
Der Kaiser nickt stumm
und denkt sich: "Zu dumm!
Grad da wollt' ich heut mit der Schratt hin."

Die Schratt haucht: "Franzl, komm zu mir her!"
Der Kaiser sagt: "Später. Jetzt geht's grad schwer."
Sie ruft: "Sex ist doch wichtig!"
Sagt der Kaiser: "Schon richtig.
Aber nicht, wenn ich grad den Krieg erklär'."

"Ich sollte die Villa verkaufen.
Bad Ischl is' für mich g'laufen",
denkt der Franz, "dieses Pack hier
geht so auf den Sack mir!
Am liebsten tät' all's ich versaufen!"
(Antonio Fian, 18.11.2016)

(Okay, some inside knowledge about persons and places would be helpful, I know.)


Here is an example of an Anti-Limerick:

Now straight along Albany Street
Where the Clubs and Societies meet
You can learn Mandarin,
Dance or boxing within
I’m going to learn Salsa, because I like corn chips." 

Followed eventually by a classic Beer Limerick

It's not made in Germany, I know,

But give this good lager a go,

You'll be filled with wonder,

When tasting Dortmunder,

Thanks be to Great Lakes Brewing Co.





If anybody who attended yesterdays run wants to share any memories, your comments are welcome.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Jazz Radio

If you're into Jazz music as much as I am then I would like to point your attention to Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli, Jazz Guitar virtuoso and singer from New York. It is a weekly Internet radio show full of wonderful music and relaxed moderation. I had the latest show playing on my recent home office day. You could also listen to it while you're reading the Hash Blog ;-)
Much to be recommended.


This is a song from a record called Brazil he made together with Rosemary Clooney.


Wednesday 23 November 2016

Remains of the Day

The following is a transcript from Cardinal Munk, OVH's speech at the ceremony that was dedicated to the Kaiser last Sunday in the circle:

"Dearly Deranged, let us pray!

Tomorrow we'll commemorate the one hundreth year of the passing of His Majesty Kaiser Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia, Lodomeria, Illyria, King of Jerusalem et. and numerous other places that sound like they were made up by the Marx Brothers.

It  is through my spiritual channels that we have been allowed to cast respectful eyes upon his body today. The Capuchin Friars have "lent" us his remains for a few hours and they will immediately afterwards be returned to the Kaiser Crypt at the end of this ceremony, so enjoy the spectacle while it lasts, and get a good eyeful.



His Majesty the Kaiser was a man who lost practically everything during his lifetime, and then a lot more after he died. His son, the Archduke, committed suicide, his wife - the Empress and his nephew were both assasinated with consequences that led to the outbreak of the first World War, and the ultimate destruction of his empire. It was said that he lacked a sense of humour. Maybe that was a good thing because his life could be labelled as a bad joke.

But a century after his death his legacy has become the pillar of the Austrian Tourism Industry - where would the Austrians be without their Kaisersemmel, Kaiserschmarren, Kaiserschnitzel, Kaiserwetter and (thanks Lopsided Backside! - Ed.) Kaiserspritzer!

Yummmmy!!!

So let us reflect on what his Majesty would say if he were alive today.

What! There's movement! The Kaiser is alive!!! "Es war sehr schön, es hat mich sehr gefreut!"

Oh your Majesty, what do we have forward to look for in heaven?

"FREIBIER!"
(End of speech and ceremony)

(Of course MOM, who was supposed to speak aloud those Imperial Lines forgot them all.) Beer for all nonetheless afterwards. Wot - still no Moronic Pics available? Blimey! UPDATE: Video of the grand performance proudly included, courtesy of Moron Bros. Inc.



And, since I mentioned this briefly in the last entry, here is an old and short writeup about that notorious run that the King and his offspring set in March 2006 on the Leopoldsberg. St. Norman (OVH) still must have special recollections about that run, don't ask where I dug this up from:

"To all the Heroines and Heroes who made it to the Leopoldsberg and to all
the Sniveling Wimps who decided not to show up in the pouring rain, blank
ice and snow and MEGATONS of Mud, loose Rocks and rotten trees:
Thanks for being around with the Wonderful and Remarkable World's Worst.
Thanks to the Hares for showing us that there are more runs between the
Heavens and our planet than you might imagine. The climb up that hill must
have equalled the life of the WW1 soldiers wading up and down their
trenches, yet our hill seemed to be insurmountable at times .
The unlucky ones who got stranded in the midst of the Hill were bravely
rescued by G-String (newborn hero with his own song now), The King himself
and Smorgasm.
The endless wait for the rescued ones standing out there in the still
pouring rain and wind led to a few premature withdrawals (if I may say so).
The initial thought after getting back to the car park was that that run
would deserve the "Middle Finger Salute'" from the Agincourt Battle
but the warmth that followed consoled everybody out there I'm sure.
Those who left early had to miss out an impromptu and  hilarious circle with
special guests (chosen at random) a Happy Bus Driver (got a can of Fanta)
and - strengthening our friendly ties with the PRC (China) 5 hikers from
Shanghai took part in the circle, singing us their favourite songs."

Testing their limits a long time ago (Pic from March 2006)

Tourists from Shanghai on the Leopoldsberg in 2006


(St. Norman, not yet OVH in 2006):
A most appropriate description and I was pleased to survive the World
War 1 Run.

Again thanks to G-String (Last night a G-String saved my Life) who
provide a stick, then offer to carry me on his back, then pushed up that
hill. Also thanks to Smorgasm, how pulled me up. Then to King Ralph's
dog lead which I grabbed with one hand for the final precipice (a
different spelling would be better).

But of course ... its always the RA to blame for the weather, and trying
to blame others shows that he is failing in his duties. As soon as the
schedule comes out, then the RA must get working on the weather ... its
no good blaming the schedule! No mercy on him!

---
On Out.

Monday 21 November 2016

Gott certainly erhalte

There could not have been a more fitting run number which is 1867 to the classic run that King Ralph presented in the 14th district, at Wien-Hadersdorf. Why the fitting run number you ask? Read about the Austria-Hungarian compromise (Ausgleich) in that very year. Today is the centennial passing day of the Emperor Franz Joseph. Here is a very interesting article that characterises the man a bit.

One was reminded of days of long ago at the World's Worst when the King used the set real killer runs that would lead extremly steep up and/or extremly steep down and/or through abhorrent amounts of underwood/brambles and the likes. Setting out into the Augustinerwald at the western edge of Vienna with neighbouring villages Purkersdorf and Mauerbach nearby we were told that "you know, ve have valkers and runners bits and zey split from time to time so you can make up your own run". The brave amongst us, counting in Squeeze Box Mama, Joystick, Mr. Pink and some more left the concrete roads straight onto the ankle-deep mud and shiggy (only in parts in all fairness) forest paths that were leading a long way out to an area where the Morons once set another challenging run of their own, all the way up a VERY STEEP HILL. (Quote from the Hare:" You know I vanted to go all the vay up zat hill but then I thought this vould be too long.") Well, thanks for that.


I assume the other brave part of the pack i.e. the walkers had equal fun on their part of the trail until we all happily convened for a short song stop. After this it was on back on the other side of the main road (Mauerbachstraße) and onto some more muddy forest paths, eventually back on footpaths and passing by Schloß Laudon on the right until the carpark came in sight again. The circle featured an extensive ceremony which was conducted by Cardinal Munk, OVH. Six Coffin Bearers carried a dead corpse which was covered by the Imperial Flag and was carefully laid down on the ground. The Cardinal then held a moving speech (which will be posted here maybe tomorrow, together with an old writeup about a former King Ralph run) and then cameth the ressurection of - MOM (nowadays Ersatzkaiser).

Moronic Pics will be added when they are available (they are now available).

Speech!


Returnee of the day was certainly Boom Boom Pecker who brought the sad news that one of the first VH3 Hash Hounds Otto von Pissmarck passed away at the age of 18. The same was reported of Hash Hound Gangster, Boxer a la bonheur of Swedish Origin. Rest in Peace, fellas. I herewith raise my beer in your honour.


Friday 18 November 2016

Moon is up

So there was a supermoon occurring, duly announced by Lord Glo-Balls, OVH and one has to say that the vision I had from the moon was close, clear and VERY pale. The mystery Hare was none other than Likk'm and the start point from the far end from the Stadtpark must have been an inspiration for every driver to secure a spot nearby. Well, we did pass by LGB's (OVH)'s mobile soon after the start.

Not much running tempo to write home about as within the entire pack, split up in small groups, there was no-one running. Or maybe I was so far behing that I did not notice. Anyhow, the positive thing for me personally after a 10-hour working day (shortly interrupted with a nice liquid lunch break) was the exercise, taking a long stroll through the better part of the 3rd district, on across the Schwarzenbergplatz and the Karlsplatz and eventually stopping over at the dreaded Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz.

Take my advice, dear readers near and far: This is not the kind of traditional Viennese Christmas market that you're looking for. There are enough other venues such as the Alte AKH, the Freyung, the Christmas Market am Hof or even the one am Karlsplatz are better fits for your seasonal needs. Take my word for it.


Senza parole



Quite a few took the nearest available tram back towards the Schwarzenbergplatz, a short walk back to the starting point and a circle with not too biq quantities of beer followed.  Any exercise spiked with beer is welcome so no real complaints here.


via GIPHY

Sunday 13 November 2016

On n'oublie rien

Schellenhof, Schellensee, Kellerberg, all parts of the southern edge of the 23rd district where Hares Primadonna and Anita Hanjob started to-days run from the lower end of Kellerberggasse. Although this area is a mere 3 km from where we live I herewith admit that this very starting point was new to me.

The nice crowd of 30 or so started back to the Ketzergasse and fittingly on over that big main road called Triester Straße - Triest was not part of the Ostrich Empire for 600 years for nothing - further on past the Autometzker and eventually on towards that massive concrete Nightnare called the Shopping City Süd. I would assume this is easily the biggest shopping temple in Ostrichland and although the have places for 8000 cars outside their shops, especially on the weekends before Christmas there are always loads of cars cueing back onto the nearby Südautobahn.

The Hares obviously knew that in the next landmark on the trail called the Eventhotel Pyramide was the weekend of the annual Erotikmesse (Erotic Fair) yet there was no beerstop, neither inside nor ourside near the cashiers desk. After that cameth the Wienerbergteich, an area that drivers sometimes may or may not see when they drive down the A21 from the Gießhübl towards the A2 or the S1.
Look up the definition for Ziegelteich because that's what the Wienerbergteich is.



via GIPHY


The last past consisted of some backroads at the end of Brunn am Gebirge, muddy fields and some more mud and at long last a Beerstop near the cellar of the former local Schellenhof Brewery.

History of the former Brewery presented by Primadonna (click to enlarge)

The way back to the carpark was short and the following circle with visitors from Illinois and Milano was not too long due to darkness quickly setting in. My thanks to the Hares for a truly entertaining run.



 









Friday 11 November 2016

The Frost is All Over

What about the frost? The temperatures in the Vienna area seemingly getting more mediterranean over the years and it is not unlikely that I could set an olive tree and an oleander into my garden and out from the pot.

A few days after the glorious St.Patricks Day(and Schweizerhaus opening day of course!) - you have guessed it that run covered here happened on March 20th - Hares Lopsided Backside and Beanman (survivor of Run # Uno in Vindobona in 1982 and a) still around and b) fit like a youngster) made us start near the Narrenturm in the Altes AKH in the 9th district, home of such establishments like the Stiegl Ambulanz or the Gangl Bierheurigen. You name them. Lovely surroundings. And difficult parking.

Painted all green on the inside!


A place well worth mentioning nearby is the Lane and Merriman's Pub in Spitalgasse, outside the Altes AKH where our great Host David threw many a merry St. Patricks private party for, well, a few. One can't say that this run lasted too long, after getting out of the area, on over the Ringstraße the Molly Darcy's Pub was the place of a long beerstop.

Bier her, oder wir falln um!
Some 20 more minutes after the Beerstop and this short run was already finished, with Irish Whiskey, Chips and Salsa. It was also naming time for Smoking Penis, alas no decent pics to document this historic moment.

Pret-à-Porter


There can only be one

With AGM Day behind us and some other elections elsewhere I would like to point that that the most popular bearer of a certain first name has certainly been around much longer than the other two important leaders of the same given name - at the World's Worst and elsewhere.





via GIPHY

Monday 7 November 2016

Far from here

AGM Day is always something special, although in a different sense it is pretty much the same every year. I remember AGM days in the middle and late 1990s were held somehwere along Sieveringer Strasse, presumably being preceded by runs up the Cobenzl somewhere. There was even one AGM at a Heurigen in Perchtoldsdorf (my fault, I know) and after one or two such meetings at the former Gasthaus zur Reichsbrücke we successfully managed to institutionalize this event at the wonderful Gösser Bierinsel behind the Lusthaus in the Prater. Tradition also has it that the Hares are always GM + RA, perhaps the only occasion during the Hashing year that Richard Kopf will set a run voluntarily.

Frau Eva, our host for 14 years and her chef Jindra (Big Ben) are gone into their well-deserved reitrements, yet Herr Josef (Bier Herr) and the better part of the staff are still there and they were much delighted to see us again. Take into account that this place has been built/opened sometime in the late 19th century, there are simply not too many of these old-fashioned places around here any more.

The weather looked grimy with some decent rainfall so those who did not precede the run with a warm up beer inside the Gasthaus had been hiding within a small something that looked like a bus stop to me (Linie 77A). It was surprising to see Likk'mm around, a newbie called Lucky Me and the usual 25 or so AGM attendees (could have been more than that). In the rain Hares Multiple Entry and Richard Kopf decided to take the way alongside the Lusthauswasser and OnOnto a Ballantines Stop near the water, much welcomed by all. OnOn across the Aspernallee and a bit nearer towards the Prater Hauptallee. After a short swing across that main trafficless road it was straight on back to the carpark.

Me likeeeeey!!


No special happenings during the circle, yet at the AGM Casting Couch tried to get voted in as new GM, yet lost by a mere four votes to confirmed incumbent Multiüle Entry ("I promise more simplicity in the year to come!"), still CC get rewarded with the post og Vice GM. The usual other business with endless elections followed. Same procedure.Yet the Vindobona Hash will be hosting Eurohash next year. A very special occasion. Lots to write about in the weeks and months to come.

Assorted Moron Pics will be added when they're available. (They are now available).

Welcome to Funny Farm!



Saturday 5 November 2016

Bubbles in my Beer

Since the Schweizerhaus closing day has just passed here is my short recollection of 2016 opening day, roughly describing the average beer drinkers routine:

Take the day off (of course!)

Get there by 10 a.m. and have your first beers at the beerplace across the road, the likewise wonderful Englische Reiter, where the real Hardcore people assemble in time.

Head towards the Schweizerhaus gates (still closed untl 11 a.m.)

Muscle your way into the garden (no sitting inside!) after the gates finally swing open at 11, ignore the TV cameras and the newspaper reporters.

Pray to the gods of your choice that your (our) good friend waiter Bertl has reserved a table for you under the moniker "Irland" like he always does.

Order your first beers and start the chitchat with fellow drinkers near you that will last for the rest of the day.

Order the Slowakische Krautsuppe mit Speck as some sort of late breakfast so you won't get too drunk too early. 

Watch MOM arrive, as he always knows about these clandestine dates without being told, as a tee-totaller he orders coke.

Ain't nobody here but us chickens


Listen to the Motovidlo Band from Prague doodling away.

Call up absent friends at random and make fun of them, it's FUN!

You may get spotted by journalists and the occasional interview could pop up the day after the opening.

Towards the evening and if you're still able to, walk (stagger) home, try to avoid falling onto the floor thereby cracking your glasses and/or torkling into lampposts outside the place, pass out and wake up in a hospital room (has all happened to various people).

Be happy to be alive and repeat this routine on closing day.





Without Rhythm

Some more catch up with my and this Chapters halfway recent past brings me to a run in early March that was set by King Ralph and Pop Ur Cork nearby the Prater, starting from "nearby Vivariumstraße" and the fact that this was a bright sunny day with half of Vienna strolling around that area made finding a parking spot an adventure.

A couple of weeks before that run there was a news article about a gentleman who would do a 10 kilometre run in a aroundabout for charity at an undisclosed venue as this sportsman did not want to attract tou much media and/or public attention (and cause minor traffic chaos). The same sportsman set a world record by running an astounding 852 kilometres during a few days on a running machine.


Meet the Beetles


Taking off from near the Prater we approached the Praterstern in no time and obviously King Ralph had been inspired by the aforementioned roundabout-addicted sportsman as he demanded the first and several following checkpoints (roundabout resembling areas) to be ran around in circles five times each, at least by those who pretended they could run accident free. Soon after followed that vast area where a from massive freight station - the Nordwestbahnhof - was once located, an area that is now being transformed into aresidential district with an endless array of appartment.

More ensuing checkpoints at more roundabouts, more running around in circles. Avery interesting area towards the end of the run was the local Stuwerviertel with a Circusmuseum being located at Ilgplatz (a round square, 5 rounds of running)

Somehow and at long last it was on back to the Prater area, then followed by a smallish circle, while the whole area was still jam-packed with the fair-weather walkers from all around.




via GIPHY

Wednesday 2 November 2016

Walk with me

Ah, the Ski Week Solidarity run, by tradition (and one sure can invent new traditions as considered necessary) set and starting on the same date and time as the Ski Week Hash if only to Prevent Matter over Mind, a non-skiing regular on Skiweeks, from travelling back in time to Vienna to get an extra run credit.

Apart from one single year where Ice Queen and Slush Puppie have tried something completely different all the way out in Mauerbach it was mainly me and Cardinal Munk, OVH, coming up with live runs, with startpoints alternating between the Karlskirche and the Votivkirche.

Apart from previous years when I - being a lone Hare .- trusted the "Free Form fornat" without any reccie or plan for the run this time my Regarded Co-Hare arrived with a Big piece of paper fully scribbled on. That was his detailed plan for that enterprise, including more or less any sight and landmark of several inner-city districts. What the heck I thought, then I'd just carry the flour and next year will be my turn again. After what seemed a bit too long in terms of duration (80 minutes) we two arrived at the Schwarzenbergplatz and the consecutive wait for the Hounds felt like a drought within the deep blue sea. The beer provided was warm Ottakringer. Although beggars can't be choosers.

At long last Slush Puppie, Lord Glo-Balls OVH, I think I remember Pussy Schumi and three or four others arrived to help celebrate the 16th edition of this supportive run. OnAfter at Herlitschka. Remember the Bond movie "The Living Daylights?" Parts of it was filmed in Vienna and in one particular scene Sir James is driving his vehicle past Herlitschka.


via GIPHY


On Out until next year. 

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Walk Right In, Walk Right Out

This is the first of a bunch of writeups trying to cover some ground on what has happened chez le World's Worst  in 2016. A pretty symbolic one happened in the middle of February in Gaaden opposite the local cemetery with Casting Couch and 2Bob setting the trail, a cemetery being the place where most Hashers will end up in all probability. (I am not writing this on All Saints Day for nothing).

Taking off into the nearby and wide-stretching forest area one could mainly see copious amounts of mud and some late winter scenery, alas without any snow. Given the ongoing climate change it may happen on one fine day that the Donauinsel shoreline will see the same beach buzz as, for instance, Queenslands Gold Coast? Would that alone be enough to lure the Sex-O-Phone family back to the Ostriches? Not even barely taking into consideration Mindphuck and all those other Vindobona Alumni, Minuteman et al? Before contuining this saga I will raise the following beer in your honour, extending my very best regards to all of you:

Greetings from the World's Worst Hash!

Way to go. After the usual amount of ups and downs there was this huge Villa somewhere in the middle of that forest, place of a biannual event of offroad enthusiasts and belonging to a family of importance. Some sort of law enforcement community means of transport could also be gazed at sometimes during the run.


Probably not suitable for chasing the Blues Brothers!


During the circle there a naming took place, this time of Just Mia and the Hashname that was awarded to her I can't recall anymore. Maybe someone could help me with this one? Tickpleaser?


We'll do it gentlemanly

Talking about gentlemen, OnOut.




Saturday 29 October 2016

My very good Friend the Milkman

Second and a bit belated post scriptum to the Full Moon Run Men's Room at the OnIn from Friday last week. Having enjoyed my last beer of the season in the Schweizerhaus (liquid lunchbreak) I was strolling over to the nice Pratermuseum behind the Riesenrad and this is what was pinned on the toilet wall:


You sure can find a auitable translation for this somewhere

I can add the old and icelandic question: Hvar er Snyrtingin?




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Wednesday 26 October 2016

Urgent Needs

A short post scriptum to the OnIn after last weeks Full Moon run in Viennas 23rd district at a place called Mimis Stüberl:


Let's go, chaps! 



This image met the strangers eye on the men's toilet, a banner the place's owners must have taken home from their last visit to a nearby soccer ground. Which of course prompted yours truly's imagination to search for the 23 strangest toilets in the world. If you had to make an urgent phone call on your way back to the carpark during the run and your mobile phone would haven been left in your car the nearest phonebooth you could find would have looked like this:


You know my name, look up the number


As in most cases, here is some fitting music :


Sunday 23 October 2016

How the Web was Woven

Well that header has got absolutlely nothing to do with to-days run. A first-time Co Haring duty with 2Bob resulted in Casting Couch, Fallen Angel and Just Dodo with Pooch Lucky all being Co-Hares too. The running area was quickly being indentified with starting off from not-too-far from our house near the Restaurant Oase. Have you ever heard of Schwedenbomben?

Wenn schon Bomben, dann Schwedenbomben!







Those kind of cream filled things surrounded by Chocolate are and have always been a favourite for, well, everybody. It happens to be that the Schwedenbomben production line has been moved to Wiener Neudorf a while ago and you can obtain a pack of 50 "second choice" for 8 Euros which makes them even more popular amongst work colleagues, Hashers and everyone else that you can possibly think of. The run started off with a crowd of 20+ moving past the Schwedenbomben shop all along to Guntramsdorf where the Hares had high hopes to come up with a drink stop at a Sturmstand in the vicinity but alas this time it was doors-shut policy. No explanations were given even though those stalls (Sturm is the non fermented wine) usually stay open until October 26.



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At long last it was on back via Neu-Guntramsdorf, the far end of the Figurteich, which has always been the venue for a run with swimming afterwards for the last 15 years and all the way back to the carpark. 

There happened to be a naming of Just Maria, Vet a la bonheur and due to several Harriettes insistence she was named O Sodomia (?).  Any corrections in spelling are most apprectiated.

Naming accomplished!
Tasty on after at the Restaurant Oase.


And, remembering to-days historical significance with this clip:



Saturday 22 October 2016

Drown in Pale Light

Attending Full Moon runs together with my beloved wife is more of an exception than the rule. Nearly six years after the first such run (look up the old Blog Post from 2010) Sex Energy and Casting Couch chose to start a Full Moon run again in Alt-Erlaa, somewhere in Viennas 23rd district.
A favourable conincidence had it that I was invited to help the Hares to lay a few False Trails along the trail which included a few nice stretches alongside the Liesingbach, then passing by the local Chocolate Museum and further onto a few backroads befiore - remember that a Vindobona Full Moon Trail is supposed to be a lil' shorter than a trail on a normal run - getting back near the starting point again.


With starting time approaching there were but five in total (Hares and Hounds) though by quarter past seven (p.m.of course) a merry round of 20 teamed up. Visitor Katoyboy form Bucharest H3 and Pussy Galore bringing along his family were the main human attractions. I was a bit surprised that presumably due to unpaid electricity bills some street lanterns remained unlit, especially around the pastures of green near the Liesingbach. Nothing wrong although to run a stretch in complete darkness.
Eventually St. Norman (OVH) conducted the circle, and, as was to be expected, a long On After again at Mimis Stüberl rounded the evening off.
On Out






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Eurohash 2017

The clock is ticking, several hundred regos have been made and, as an innocent bystander and an occasional sel-volunteered Hare for this monstruos undertaking I feel it is the right time to point out your regarded attention to 11 hidden wonders in Vienna. At least three of these attractions have seen Hash runs happening in their vicinity.

Quite a few more suggestions for your up and cumming visit to our nations capital (here is part 1 of the list, ahem) and, finally two more weeks to go until the annual AGM at our very own and beloved Hash House in the Prater.

Since one the places mentioned above is the Imperial Crypt, it should be fitting to include an anthem by Bobby Pickett and The Crypt Kickers.  Dance along!



Wednesday 19 October 2016

Interlude

A short little break for liquid lunch should always be feasible, best in a local serious beer drinking place. While there I took the opportunity to acquire a very nice book about this place's history, price is a mere ten Euro. Wonderful stuff indeed.


Liquid Lunchbreak

Springtime in 2015, whenever there's Spinach on the menu it is fantastic 







This certainly looks a bit fresh to me. Watch for yourselves.


Sunday 16 October 2016

The Essential

The Vindobona Hash got started in April 1982, something of an old Chestnut for you readers. Around the same time I bought my copy of Frank Zappas 200 motels, a piece that had been released in 1971 and for years to come I had no clue about "Hashing" or what "Harriers" were. Yet what mesmerized me instantly when I listened to that double record (what is a double record?) for the first few times and what still fascinates me 34 years later amongst lots of other cool stuff is the humorous absurdity that is encapsulated in the piece "Dental Hygiene Dilemma". Years ago when the former Rehash format which I used to write for this group became outdated somehow it was Lord Glo-Balls (OVH) who encouraged me to start a Blogsite for our Hash.



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Back then I put a lot of thought into the overall topic of this blog and which connection it could have with non Hashing themes. Just about the only fitting title I could think was "What can I say about this elixir?" which is a central line in the piece "Dental Hygiene Dilemma". So, here I am, giving it another fresh start and I am happy to have found a fitting description about the musical piece, bad teeth, a bit of Frank Zappa and if you cannot understand how all this is linked with Hash House Harriers demeanour well then at least I can. The general looseness, the fun and the spontaneity in both forms, entertainment and inebriated staggering through common and not so common surroundings fits together just fine.

Read the article and then watch the video. To be recommended.



Red Dress run in 2015


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So, after an extended Sunday afternoon nap that lasted a mere 10 months here is my recollection of last years Red Dress run, which as always was once around the Vienna Ringstrasse. Trawling through My Pints Hash Photosite I seem to remember that that day was a bit nippy, some Red Dresses looked a bit shabby already and, as far as the run was concerned, we are going slower every year.

A feast of friends


 Yet the ritual of getting rid of the old Hashing year and be ready to welcome the up and kumming new one makes this event special, embellished with the joy of seeing old friends and former Vinodobona Hashers again, such as Dazed and Confused and Dodgy Condom. It remains to be seen whether the impending Red Dress Run in 10 weeks will see this group in a more presentable state albeit I think that is not going to be the case. Anyhow, the river flows to the sea and so will these blogposts again.



What if they haven't got duck?  Well If they haven't got duck you're rather stuck.