drupa travel tips: Beer o'clock at McDonalds

What do drupa and McDonalds have in common? Beer! says Printing Industries supa drupa travel agent, Gerd Wilmer.

Drupa 2008 will expose visitors to the largest blend or technology and heavy metal ever seen at a print exhibition – and some unusual social blends including beer-serving McDonalds stores.

Wilmer (pictured) says that since Germans never experienced the puritanism of Victorian times or any prohibition, alcoholic beverages are a natural part of the diet and are available anywhere – including McDonalds.

"You may purchase beer, wine and spirits in supermarkets, at the corner store or anywhere else you can think of," he said.

But if you prefer your ale in more traditional surroundings, there are a couple of things you need to know.

"A 'Kneipe' or 'Gaststube' (literally a room for guests) is a pub where you go to have a drink. Most serve at least some basic food, some serve more elaborate home style meals at reasonable cost. They have one or more rooms and you can sit either at a table or at the bar. Usually, there is waiter service at the tables," Wilmer said.

"But never, ever sit down at the 'Stammtisch'. This table is clearly marked and reserved for a select group of regulars. You will be asked (or told) to move to another table very quickly."

Opening hours are generally from 11am to 11pm with some having night concessions until after midnight. Food service finishes around 9pm-10pm.

Time is rapidly running out for bookings, so if you haven't yet booked your drupa travel and accommodation call Gerd or Helmut at Landmark Travel on (02) 9977 7100 for assistance.

Aussie BBQ tickets can be booked here or by contacting Theresa at Printing Industries on (02) 8789 7300 and by e-mail supadrupa@printnet.com.au
Drupa is held from over two weeks from 29 May - 11 June 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany.