sometimes I really miss no longer working in Europe ....
 

totally off-topic but this puts a big grin on my face (I am originally from Munich and I started working there for a high-tech company where it was normal that the workers would have their first beer (with some nice sausages) at 10 AM :cheers:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100408/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_denmark_carlsberg_beer_strike

I like an early lunch...beer and sausage, oh boy. :cheers:

Chris - I totally understand what you are saying.
When I was living in Johannesburg, my company sent me over to Paris (France) on a number of occassions to work from their head office. The company run canteen served superb food - and (it seemed) nearly everyone drank wine with their meal. Nobody seemed to get drunk and consumed the vin within moderation.
I could not see this kind of thing happening in Australia - there would be cormitose bodies laying all over the factory floor. And those not laid out would be outside fighting......

Nothing quite like a good Bavarian Pilsner and Brat savored in Englisher garden. I have not been to Germany since 99 but heading to Berlin in two weeks. I'll sip one slowly for you Chris. :cheers:

I totally understand too. I am in Switzerland on a 2yr international assignment for work from the states. Two weeks ago I went ahead and signed a local contract to stay here indefinitely. I really love it over here. I'm in Basel which is 5mins from France and 5mins from Germany. So I get both good brats and good croissants!

Missing Hesse
 

Don't know about the Bayern breakfasts, but I was surprised the first time I walked into a Bäckerei early in the morning in Hesse and saw the blue-coveralled guys having beer and sandwiches made of brochen, ham and cheese for breakfast. I soon found out what a good idea it was!