Taxmen in England used to be called excise men. There is a story based in perhaps truth, or perhaps myth, that a few hundred years ago some men were smuggling cheese brought across the country into the south west county of Wiltshire. They hid a huge truckle of cheese in a pond to prevent the excise men from seizing it. They went to retrieve it one night with a wooden rake, but were surprised by the sudden appearance of excise men. When asked what they were doing, the locals said they saw the moon was lying in the pond and were trying to retrieve it with a rake. Of course, the excise men could see the reflection of the moon in the water, not realising there was a huge round cheese just below the surface. They assumed therefore that the locals were village idiots and went on their way. When they had gone the locals recovered the cheese from the pond and thus escaped having to pay tax on it. As a result, anyone from the county were nicknamed Moonrakers, implying they were daft when in fact they were very astute and capable of thinking on their feet. Although I now live in Somerset, the county next door, I was born in Wiltshire so always think of myself as a Moonraker. My name is Phil. I am pleased to meet you. How do you do?
Good morning. I am doing fairly well at the moment thanks. I have visited your country a few times on business and I have always enjoyed my time there. I am a great fan of German bier, especially weissbier.
Eww. I can't do the wheat beers, I take a mouthful and feel about 5kg heavier lol. I'm a Späten type of girl.
I like most German beers as well as the heavier, darker UK beers. The first German beer I ever had was at Stuttgart Universität whilst I was testing a jet engine. Beer on the job is very civilised. Alas it is not allowed over here.
Oh really? Is there an ingredient that isn't allowed to import/export? I haven't been to England yet, I will one day though. I'm a bit of a medieval kinda of girl so, all the old first and castles are really up my alley. I also want to take my wife to Ireland. She's Irish, but born in Australia. I'd love to spend a vacation with her in a castle hotel. How romantic. We've done this on the river Rhine.
In Germany, beer is classed as food so cannot be prohibited, but everyone knows the penalty for being drunk at work. In the UK, some places might allow alcohol but many have an outright ban on drinking while working especially when operation machinery, or on people. If you come over here and you like castles then don't restrict yourself to England. There are some fantastic ones in Wales and Scotland as well. Ireland is a beautiful country and the people there are so friendly and welcoming. My Mum was born in Australia.
Hi candy, Cheers. Looks like WSOs spot in his profile pic. I might be wrong? But it raises interest. As does the history of cheese...... (Good god girl, you’re prolific here!)
