You’re probably wondering what happened to the blog updates I was supposed to be sending from Ommegang Brewery’s “The Big Lebrewski” festival this weekend.

Two words: T-Mobile sucks.

No coverage on their network and spotty coverage from AT+T (the roaming partner) left me without much publishing capability. It’s strange to think that I could update the site in near real time from Asia, but can’t get coverage in New York state.

Now that I’m back in town, I’ve recounted a bit of the story via this photo essay about the trip. It was a great time. Signing up to work at the festival was the only way to get in, since it sold out in a day or two. Volunbeerism, as I’ve dubbed it, is something I’ve done before and enjoyed immensely. In this case, I got to camp for two nights, attend the first two hours of the tasting session, and receive a free case of Hennepin for my three-hour shift. When you consider the ticket + camping pass was $100, it’s a total bargain — nevermind how many great beers I got to try during the official tasting and the unofficial cooler raiding in the campground.

If I can get to New York next summer, I would certainly do it again.