Austria- Sound of Music Country

Well the trip to Austria was quick and comfortable....

German trains are very clean and modern.  If you are over
age 26 you can only buy a first class Eurail Pass in the US
so I am traveling in enforced luxury.

I have to say that in my short time in Salzburg I realized
some day I would have to come back.  Out of all the places
I have been I think Salzburg is the one I would love to bring
my family and friends to.

I arrived in the early evening, and after settling
into my beautiful hotel room I strolled down
 the narrow cobblestone avenue, lined with shops
 and restaurants, that led from my hotel on one
 side of the Salzach river, across the bridge
 and into the old section of town.

Night in Salzburg

The weather was cool but pleasant.  As you approach the river the old town is lit dramatically; churches towering over the shops and a dramatic cliff with
the huge fortress topping it provides the background.

During the next day I discovered that I had arrived
during the annual Rupertikupertik or St. Rupert's Festival.  The two main town squares were packed with
revelers and families.  The kids enjoyed rides and the parents relaxed in beer gardens under shady tents.  Musical groups
performed at every street corner.

I sat down and had a local pale, spritzy beer and a Schtecklelfisch or "fish on a stick".  Squeeze on some lemon and baste it with butter...delicious!

Traditional Dancing

I then followed my Rick Steve's guide book on a tour
around the old town...though the landmarks were
a little difficult to find because of the rides
and crowds.

I ducked into small churches and sat in relative silence
marveling at the shrines and soaking in the
atmosphere.  I went into a back alley and
the guide led me to a huge, ancient waterwheel
and then through a gate into the St. Peter's
Cemetery.

The graves are marked by intricate wrought
iron name plates and covered in well tended
mini-gardens.  Apparently iron was cheaper
than carved stone.  Graves are not bought
in Austrian cities...you rent them for 10 years
at a time!  Your relatives tend the graves and every
night candles are lit on the graves.  It was very
beautiful.

Some of them are family tombs
locked behind wrought iron gates.
These were the inspiration for the scene
in the Sound of Music when the family hides
in the Abbey in the graveyard from the
Nazi's.

If nobody pays the rent every 10 years then they
dig you up! Eeeek....

Salzburg has Mozart's family home and birthplace.
When I return I would love to go to one of the
concerts that they hold in the fortress overlooking the
town at night.

Shopping is also fantastic here.  It would be easy

My hotel room

to spend money bringing back presents.

Well...on to Italy next.