The Four Knights of Beer - 2013 Meetup

[Lord Raa]

It begins again!

I am at Birmingham airport, but it looks like my flight to Zurich is delayed, so I will be meeting Mosh later than planned.

Yes, Zurich.

Birmingham to Zurich to Madrid to London Heathrow to San Diego on the way out.

On the way back, San Diego to Heathrow to Madrid to Frankfurt to Birmingham.

This travel plan does make sense, honest.

 

[EagleCeres]

I did comment that that was some weird plane triangulation... but I know you'll get here safe and sound for Raa Fest 2016: Once Upon a Time in México

 

[Lord Raa]

Well, things have changed slightly.

My flight to Zurich was delayed to the point where I'd miss the connection to Madrid, so they put me on another to Amsterdam.

Only that flight was full.

So now I'm going via Frankfurt and won't get to Madrid until this evening. I've texted Mosh to tell him, but don't know if he's had the message yet.

 

[EagleCeres]

Keep us informed of your status Raa!

 

[Lord Raa]

Made it to Frankfurt, just need to complete the last part of this long day. I've been up since 4am

 

[EagleCeres]

Raa Fest 2016: Once Upon a Time in México

Day 0
Seems like Raa had a heck of a time with his connecting flights from jolly olde England, but luckily he seems to have joined up with Mosh in Madrid.... after traipsing through Das Vaterland.

Meinos has reported in from London Heathrow, hoping to meet up with the Heisenberg Bros... at whatever gate their ticket tells them to.

Meanwhile the Eagle has been finishing up some last minute hosting matters for the Baja section of this year's edition of RaaFest.

 

[Meinos Kaen]

Oy. You through security in the food area yet?

 

[Meinos Kaen]

Well, we met. About to board. See you in three hours, according to the timetable.

 

[EagleCeres]

Day 1: Airport Shenanigans
Finally met up with the gents at San Diego Airport... they found me eventually

Anyway, slow night since people need to relax after that long flight.
But not without a round of Ramen and Yakitori at one of the local places I love to frequent.

 

[Lord Raa]

After a delicious meal, it's time to crash out to prepare for some shenanigans tomorrow.


Unfortunately, I've forgotten me camera. Will make a decision on getting a new one tomorrow nwhem I'm awake.

 

[EagleCeres]

Day 2:
Started the morning with a hearty pancacke breakfast and a leisure drive down to the port town of Ensenada.

Had a pit stop at La Mission beach, then a quick detour by the Baja Wine country.

Once at Ensenada, we had some ceviche at one of the local seafood carts, Mosh was pleasantly surprised with the taste of the crab salad tostadas.

After a bit of a walk about the town we had a nice dinner and cracked open one of the cider bottles Raa brought for us; while laughing our asses off during our rendition of MST3K on KEIJO!!!
Bad, evil, rotten ideas were begotten...

Day 3:
After a nice breakfast, we stopped by the Caracol Science Museum and saw some nice info on the Tectonic plates and the Ring of Fire. 
Their earthquake room was a laugh.

After that, we took a drive down to the great tourist trap that is La Bufadora marine geyser, where we enjoyed a great sea breeze... too bad the local souvenir sellers didn't know the definition of being chill.

A bit later we dropped by Estero Beach to hang out in the sand and get a bit of sun while the weather was good. The also had a nice Prehispanic History Museum where we got a bit of history.

Later that night we had a few cheeky Margaritas at Casa de Mini courtesy of Eagle's sister.

 

[EagleCeres]

RE: The Four Knights of Beer - 2016 Meetup

Day 4:
Once properly re-incorporated, we drove up to Rosarito for some more chill down in the sand.

Relaxed until the evening where we enjoyed a few good cuts of steak.

Day 5:
We drove back up to Tijuana and set our base of operations at The Eagle's Nest.

After a a round of McLane Burgers at a local BBQ place named THE PORKER; we did some Plex and Chill, this new session of MST3K inspired with the 80's great show STAR FLEET (aka: X-Bomber)

 

[EagleCeres]

Day 6:
Drove into town with Meinos on a telephone emergency, his Note4 decided to suicide on him while on vacation; luckily we were able to get him an inexpensive replacement.

Afterwards we went down to the local movie theatre and got to experience The Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange) debuting on the silver screen... Cumberbritches did a solid job.

Followed by the very unique and LULZ filled experience that is LUCHA LIBRE!!!
We forgot to buy masks tho... Raa would have looked quite fetching in a LA PARKA mask.


Day 7:
Started the morning a bit late, with a brisk walk around the Tijuana Beach boardwalk and a... "healthy" breakfast.

Later on followed up by a Carne Asada cook out, where the delicious meat washed down with a few of the local brews courtesy of Eagle's local pack of crazies.


Day 8:
Time to drive back up to San Diego, luckily Mosh was there leading a rousing session of "WOULD YOU RATHER" and debates about Power Levels, Shit Quality of Waifus and Gary Stu's while we patiently waited in line to cross back into the states via the San Ysidro Land Port of entry.

Once re-settled back in our hotel in no-so-sunny San Diego (it was drizzling that day), we went to pick up some okay'ish pizza (we're still spoiled from that Pizza from Napoli we got last year) followed by another session of MST3K, this time with the classic Young Frankenstein, appreciating the Halloween theme going about.

 

[EagleCeres]

Day 9
Another late start, followed by a few drinks by the bay in sunny San Diego.

Had a nice leisure drive, but since we forgot to bring costumes, we missed out on trick or treating (because who goes clubbing on monday???).

Mosh convinced us to get some more ramen, where we met up with another of Eagle's local otaku buds where we discussed more about the local fare and grab some ideas for the last few days of the fest.

Day 10
Woke up early for a hearty breakfast, then drove up to the City of Angels via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Once in L.A. we headed straight for the Getty Museum, after braving traffic, we got treated to some great european art and modern photo exhibits; including a limited engagement of the Art of Alchemy.

Then we dove up to the Griffith Observatory to get a good look at the city and a few good pictures with the legendary HOLLYWOOD sign in the background.

As the sun began to set, we took a leisure walk down the boulevard of dreams and took pictures with the Stars of the Walk of Fame.

Capping out the night with few double-doubles, fries (chips) and a cold drink at a nearby In-n-Out hamburger.

 

[EagleCeres]

correction

Day 9
Another late start, where we went FULL MURRICA at a local shooting range, where Raa Mosh and Eage unloaded the better part of of 250 rounds onto a few unexpecting targets.

Once that was out of our system, we had a few cheeky drinks by the bay in sunny San Diego.

...

 

[EagleCeres]

Day 11
Had a curious time aboard the USS Midway (Aircraft Carrier turned museum). Got a bit of a walk and a ton of pictures. Mosh got me into one of the Airplane VR simulators... he's one crazy fly boy.

We hunted down some souvenirs at Horton Plaza, one of San Diego's shopping malls that feels like it was inspired by M. C. Escher.

We closed out the night with a few suds at Stone Brewery.

Day 12
Time to pack it in... but not without a bit of last minute souvenir shopping at various malls around town and a stroll on the sands of Imperial Beach.

Our last group meal was courtesy or Miss Mini (Eagle's sister) at San Diego's own Phil's BBQ. Hope you gents enjoyed it.

We got to the airport with plenty of time to check in and get the TSA stuff sorted out.

Once again gents, thanks for the great time.
Hope you enjoyed yourselves!

Lets see what we think up for next year.

 

[Lord Raa]

Currently sitting in Madrid airport waiting to board for Frankfurt and then back to Birmingham. If all goes to plan, I shouybe back in the UK for lunchtime.

A great time was had by all who took part, as is tradition. Next year has a couple of options.

We shall see what the future holds.