After dropping off our luggage at the Eurostar Hotel, the 2019 Cohort began their first full day in Munich with lunch at the Augustiner Keller brewery/restaurant/beer garden with Tilman Krueger from the U.S. Consulate office. The lunch began with an unforeseen culture-clash: Germans (or at least Bavarians) are very precise on when it is acceptable to consume caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea. Not before the meal, not during he meal, but only after the meal. Our special circumstances had to be explained to the near-horrified waiter so that members of the Cohort could order coffee without further offending our hosts.

The meeting with Mr. Krueger was informal but insightful. He mostly talked about how current White House policy changes regarding diplomatic functions have deeply affected his office and the job he has to perform. As of April 19th, the German Ambassadorship had remained unfilled since January 2017. The major problem this has caused is the Embassy and Consulates within Germany lack someof the influence they could have with an Ambassador at post.

A fun factioid: during the Octoberfest, issues requiring U.S. Consulate assistance occur within the first 20 minutes and some change.

The Augustiner Keller is one of the most popular breweries/beer gardens in Bavaria. Established in 1812, it has a history that is closely tied to the history of the Octoberfest itself. The basement of the building has been renovated into indoor drinking and dining areas with relics left in place to depict the basement's history of storing and cooling beer. The beer garden outside of the building is a traditional beer garden: one does not need to be seated or even order from the connecting restaurant to sit in the beer garden. Come, bring whatever, and enjoy the social gathering and the beauty of Bavarian flora. Note, however, if the beer garden is attached to a particular brewery, you may only purchase and consume their beer in the garden.