Travelling Teddies Archives - Oktoberfest Brisbane

Farewell Brisbane

November 12, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia /by Travelling Teddies

What a year. Travelling around the world has been amazing and opened our eyes to so many wonderful cultures.

Buckingham Palace, London.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

IFC Mall, Hong Kong Island.

But our favourite part of the trip was coming to Brisbane. We’ve met some great characters along the way and experienced the best the city has to offer.

Story Bridge from Eagle Street Pier.

A stroll through the City Botanic Gardens.

Walking along Victoria Bridge to South Bank.

Unfortunately, it is time for us to return home. Herr Bear’s father’s bakery gets really busy leading up to Christmas and they need all paws on deck. As his father always says, “The Black Forest cake isn’t going to bake itself! … and neither is the Christstollen!!”

I do miss home, but we’ve grown so fond of Brisbane.

We’ll never forget your beach in the city. If only we had something like it in Munich.

Streets Beach, South Bank.

Reimer and Louise Moeller made us feel at home in Brisbane and have become our second family here.

Reimer and Louise Moeller – our second family here in Brisbane.

It was also great to see so many young students getting into the German culture at Oktoberfest for Teens.

Front row seats.

Photos with a young fan.

Thank you to our friends from around the world, who came and visited us at Oktoberfest Brisbane.

Franz, our friend from Brazil.

Sharing a pork knuckle with our friend Po the Panda.

Germans VS Aussies! Staring contest between Herr Bear and Bruce the Koala.

And a big thank you to you! We’ve come to love the land down under and you Aussies have been a great host.

I wish we could stay for Christmas, but us Travelling Teddies will definitely be back soon.

Thank you Brisbane!

I hope we’ve helped you embrace your inner German. Auf Wiedersehen Brisbane 🙂

Oktoberfest down under

October 19, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia /by Travelling Teddies

Oktoberfest Brisbane put on an amazing event!

The entire place was oozing with Germany, so Herr Bear and I felt right at home.

We made so many new friends, and boy were there some characters out there.

Everyone was amazed at how we travelled around the world and came all the way from Munich to be here.

We love sharing our German culture with you and we found the best way to do that – is by eating it!

Eating giant pretzels

Herr Bear and I had our fair share of sausages, schnitzels, pretzels, gingerbread, schnapps, and bier.

Weisswurst bavarian white sausage with pretzel and sweet mustard

We’ve definitely put on a few, but that’s okay, we’re still on holiday!

This week, I have heaps of photos for you because so much happened last weekend…

I can’t believe Oktoberfest Brisbane has only two days left.

The Moeller and Zoulek families have done such an amazing job, we have our friends flying in from around the world to experience the event for themselves.

If you haven’t come down already, or you’re joining us again, Herr Bear, our international friends and I will be there tonight and we’d love to see you.

Time to embrace your inner German at Oktoberfest Brisbane. Auf Wiedersehen ♥

A Taste of Bavaria

October 10, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia /by Travelling Teddies

An invitation came in the mail for us to attend Anzapfen, Oktoberfest Brisbane’s Official Opening Ceremony. We’re so excited to be here in Brisbane for Oktoberfest. Last year we were in Munich and Lord Mayor Christian Ude tapped the first keg.

“Do you think Brisbane’s Lord Mayor will tap the keg and serve the first beer to their head of State Government?” Fräulein Bear asked.

That is the way to traditionally open the festival, and Fräulein Bear feels very strongly about upholding traditions. She’ll be impressed if they do it right.

Moving onto more important matters, I was in desperate need for some food from home…

Thank God for King of Cakes. I couldn’t wait till Friday, I was craving pretzels.

Lucky the Farmer’s Market was on. I just wish my pretzel came with a side of bier…

I tried to have a bite of Fräulien Bear’s strauben (deep fried choux pastry with fondant topping), but she was reluctant to share. She can be funny about sweets sometimes.

Later, we wondered down Adelaide Street and came across King George Square. So much beautiful open space, but it just needed some grass to sit on.

Fräulein Bear had some tea to wash down the strauben. I can’t believe she still had room for a scone, but I kept that thought to myself.

Afterwards, we went to the Museum of Brisbane to take a ride up in the Clock Tower.

Helen was our tour guide, she knew everything about the Clock Tower. Apparently, there was a time when women weren’t allowed in the elevator.

“Looks like females run the show now, right Helen?” said Fräulein Bear. Helen smiled and nodded.

It had a great view of Brisbane. I wonder if anyone’s been proposed to up here?

As much as I enjoy exploring the city, I also like sitting down for a drink with my Fräulein.

Last stop for the day, Brisbane International Airport … at 2am in the morning.

Arrivals, Brisbane International Airport

No, we’re not going home yet. We’re just here to meet and greet our good friends from Munich, the Münchner Buam Band, who will be playing at Oktoberfest Brisbane.

I was surprised they had more luggage than we did. I know there are 6 of them, but usually it’s hard to beat when travelling with Fräulein Bear. I mean, how many of the same Dirndl do you need?

But even though she always takes up 90 per cent of our luggage space, I still love her.

Looking forward to Friday and being surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of Bavaria again… Guten Nacht und bis bald ♥

Getting ready for Oktoberfest Brisbane!

October 4, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia, Teddy /by Travelling Teddies

Queen Street Mall

Our family was at Queen Street Mall today helping Oktoberfest Brisbane share with the locals a taste of the festivities to come. Herr Bear was planning to climb the Story Bridge, but I couldn’t pass up free Lebkuchen (gingerbread). The climb would have to wait.

Today really reminded me of home.

I hadn’t had gingerbread in a while and our heart was so delicious, I almost ate the whole thing! Herr Bear was not impressed.

It was so nice listening to Vic (the Roaming Accordionist). When I closed my eyes, it felt like I was back home.

We didn’t milk the cow, but it was fun watching the locals giving it a go.

That Nova Boy was a cheeky fellow. He caught us off guard and made us kiss in front of everyone. I was blushing the whole time after that. But of course, Herr Bear didn’t seem to mind.

Afterwards, we were so exhausted, we went back home to the Watermark Hotel to get some rest before going to the Story Bridge.

Eagle Street

We woke up hours later and I wasn’t sure whether we would still be able to see the Story Bridge. Thankfully our lovely hotel receptionist told us how it lights up at night and encouraged us to go.

But no one told us about the purple lights! It was more beautiful than I imagined.

We walked to Riverside, but seeing as though we just missed the City Cat, we thought to check out a local bar. Herr Bear was keen to try some Aussie beer.

We ended up at a place called Riverbar and Kitchen where Herr Bear had his first Fat Yak, and I tried the bartender’s favourite cocktail, an Elderflower and Passion fruit Caipiroska.

The night was perfect, with yummy drinks, candle lit tables, right by the river, and the Story Bridge in the background.

Sometimes Herr Bear gives me this look, and I know he’s thinking about the future. He likes the laid-back lifestyle here and I find more things to love about Brisbane everyday. I think we could get used to this… Guten Nacht und bis bald ♥

Soaking up the city sights

September 26, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia, Teddy /by Travelling Teddies

South Bank

I don’t know who’s idea it was to put a beach in the middle of the city, but whoever that was, was a genius!

There were so many people at Streets Beach that day, we were lucky to find a patch of sand to have our picnic by the water.

So many kids were screaming and running around, poor Fräulein Bear’s Dirndl got splashed on so many times.

“I knew I should have worn my bathing suit…” She said.

Should have – I thought. But then again, after the way we’ve been eating on our trip around the world, there’s no way this bear was taking his Lederhosen off.

After getting our paws wet, we head out to see what else we could find along the Brisbane River…

Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank – You might see us here for Riverfire this Saturday (28 September)

City Botanic Gardens

Goodwill Bridge

Pink bunny, South Bank – they’re everywhere!

Brisbane Festival Graffiti, South Bank

Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank

Such a beautiful view of South Bank at night time.

Brisbane has definitely exceeded our expectations! I wonder what other adventures we will get into… Guten Nacht und bis bald ♥

Guten Tag Brisbane!

September 20, 2013/0 Comments/in Australia, Teddy /by Travelling Teddies

We can’t believe it – we’re finally here! The weather is Wunderbar and sunny, no wonder why our family here is in love with Brisbane.

They were going to take us sight seeing, but they were really busy organising things for your Oktoberfest here. We’ve never been to an Oktoberfest outside of Munich, so I’m excited to see how you Aussies celebrate!

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to get some sleep on the flight from LA, so we needed a quick ‘teddy-nap’ before starting to explore.

After a wonderful rest we were ready for action! (Thank goodness for our ooo-so-cosy beds – Neil, the manager and our new BFF, even had to CARRY us up to our rooms as we were so tired .. but more about him and his hotel later)

First stop, Art Gallery. You might have picked up on this already, but I love going to libraries, art galleries and museums. Herr Bear isn’t really into it, he’s more the adventure type and trying the local food and of course, bier.

Art Gallery

Here are some of our photos from the first day…

State Library of Queensland – reading a classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

State Library of Queensland, Queensland Terrace – Tea & Me display

Somewhere between the Art Gallery and Cultural Centre bus station – hopefully we can come back to this place to watch the fireworks for Riverfire that everyone keeps telling us about.

Here’s our new ‘home away from home’ – Watermark Hotel Brisbane – our beautiful room with a view

Watermark Hotel

Time for us teddies to go to bed. We can’t wait to see what else Brisbane has to offer… Guten Nacht und bis bald ♥

California.. here we come!

September 13, 2013/0 Comments/in Teddy, USA /by Travelling Teddies

Hollywood

Fräulein Bear was really excited to go celebrity hunting. But after hours with no luck, we hit the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Keen to take photos with her favourite actors’ stars, she was a bit disappointed when she couldn’t find them..

“How can they call it ‘Walk of Fame’ when Til Schweiger and Moritz Bleibtreu aren’t even here? I found Arnold Schwarzenegger, but he’s Austrian!” She said.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

After exploring Hollywood Boulevard, we went to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). I’m not really an art person, but the antique street lamps (Urban Light) were pretty impressive lit up at night. It was nice walking around there, holding paws with Fräulein Bear.

“This is kind of romantic,” She said, resting her head on my shoulder.

I didn’t tell her, but I thought it was romantic too..

San Francisco

I loved San Fran’s cable cars. Still hand operated, they’re pretty old school, but it was like travelling back in time. Really different to riding on the ICE rapid rail back home, zipping along at 300km/h. We sat on the outside of the cable car, which was scary at first – we’re not that big and I thought we were going to fall off. Fräulein Bear dug her paws into me the entire time!

“Next time Herr Bear, we are walking!” She said.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Next stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. Fräulein Bear told me we could climb it after seeing it done on an episode of The Bachelor. But one of the workers informed us she had watched the same episode too, but that they had climbed the Bay Bridge. How she got a red bridge and a grey bridge mixed up, I don’t know – trust her to get confused.

Thankfully, our relatives in Brisbane have offered to take us on the Story Bridge next week when we arrive. Less than one week away, we can’t wait to go to Australia!

Watch out for us Brisbane, Travelling Teddies are coming to you.. Auf Wiedersehen ♥

Hello Hong Kong

September 5, 2013/0 Comments/in Asia, Teddy /by Travelling Teddies

London and Dublin were amazing cities to explore, but now our journey takes us to a very different corner of the world.. Willkommen (welcome) to Hong Kong!

Herr Bear and I love trying different breakfasts overseas and we had our very first Yum Cha in Hong Kong.

Our favourite dish was barbecue pork buns which the locals called char siu bao.

With tasty sweet and savoury meat wrapped in a light and fluffy steamed bun, it practically melted in our mouths – definitely a world away from our pork knuckles back home.

After breakfast, we explored the area on foot where we found a near-century-old Clock Tower, once part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus.

Coming across another timeless piece in Hong Kong history, we climbed aboard the Star Ferry.

It was a beautiful way to explore, adored by locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour.

Another first time experience for us was trying pantyhose milk tea! After returning to Kowloon, we took a break at a little tea restaurant, also known as cha chaan teng, where they strain the tea through what looked like a long stocking (which I guess it gets its name from) and sweeten it with condensed milk.

The end result was a really smooth and richer flavour tea. I only wish I had some homemade Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to go with it.

We were so excited about seeing the Symphony of Lights, we reserved our seats overlooking IFC Mall on Hong Kong Island. And it was spectacular!

Every building had a part to play using brightly coloured lights, search lights, and even laser beams, all synchronised with the music.

Hong Kong has given Herr Bear and I some weird and wonderful experiences and we can’t wait to see what California has in store for us.

Look out for travelling teddies in the US… Auf Wiedersehen 🙂

Bears in the UK!

August 30, 2013/0 Comments/in Teddy, United Kingdom /by Travelling Teddies

Here we are in London Town!

Another cloudy day in London, but we have a lot of sightseeing planned for today. The city is much bigger than Munich, with way more people. But even with more people, it’s still really cold. We’re definitely looking forward to warmer weather in Brisbane.

First stop. Westminster Abbey! Unfortunately no royal appearances for us.

Didn’t even notice the time. I forgot London was an hour behind Munich. Thanks Ben!

Would have been great to go on the London Eye today. But maybe when it’s not so cloudy – whenever that happens…

It’s too bad we didn’t have a Garden Party invitation. Just had to admire Buckingham Palace from outside the gates.

I thought taking a photo with the stone lions in Trafalgar Square would be cool, but up close, they were kind of scary.

What? We just couldn’t help ourselves okay?! We are tourists after all..

Hanging out with the Irish folk in Dublin

What a change of scene from London. Sun and blue skies. The locals were really fun and happy to have a chat, even though we weren’t entirely sure what the conversation was about.

We were quick to take in the sunshine and beautiful gardens at St Stephen’s Green. Then we walked to St Stephen’s Church (also known as the Pepper Canister) to see the newly renovated copper dome cuppola and clock. Fräulein loves doing these kinds of things.

She also loves history and exploring museums, so she made sure we visited the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle, apparently the best museum in Ireland. Must have been, because she spent hours in there! I ended up walking the castle grounds alone, thinking about what some homegrown Irish beer would taste like…

Later, walking around the city, we found statues everywhere! Some of them were famous people, but others were just regular folk. We weren’t going to, but we thought we’d take at least one photo with them. Lächeln (smile) Oscar!

Didn’t have time to visit the Guinness Storehouse, but we ended the day sharing a pint at a local bar. It was tasty – rich and creamy, but.. I prefer my dunkelbier (dark beer) back home.

Look out for travelling teddies… Auf Wiedersehen 🙂

… how it all began

August 30, 2013/0 Comments/in Europe, Teddy /by Travelling Teddies

It all started in Germany when a handsome boy bear called Herr Bear fell in love with a lovely girl bear called Fräulein Bear.

Herr Bear was raised by a caring master baker and pastry chef who was an expert from Black Forest cake to pretzels. Fräulein Bear is the daughter of a hard working farmer from a little Bavarian village, who is admired for his goats, used by the local tailor to make Lederhosen for all the village guys.

The couple ventured to a nearby town to study, and this is where their paths crossed.

“He said he loved me at first sight, on our very first date!“ – She says.

“I don’t remember that!” – He says.

Herr Bear studied business so he could run his father’s successful Bavarian bakery. Fräulein Bear studied creative dance, to follow her dream – being a world-famous German folk dancer.

Now they’ve decided to visit their family and friends in Brisbane … but it’s a long journey to get there!

Ready to begin our journey from the Marienplatz, Munich

Follow the adventures of the travelling teddies, here on the blog, Facebook and Instagram.

For those who are new to the German language,the names Herr and Fräulein are simply German for Mr and Miss, in this case, Mr Bear and Miss Bear.

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