6/17-6/18/2005

The hills are alive, with the sound of tourists! I landed in Salyburg, Austria yesterday and again I am surprised by the amount of tourist, American tourist.

I had to come visit this little place because of my fascination with the musical, The Sound of Music.

I was treated to a showing of the film, this morning my hostel. I found myself in shock of my new traveling comrads...most American but without a sense of the film, the story or the music. AM I THAT OLD? I was the only sing along participant out of 20 and I was loving every minute of it.... Most of the others walked out, I was not sure if that was my singing or their feeling about the movie. It is a little naive and childish to the new generation...where I find it endearing, still.

After watching the movie I walked around town and loved the fact that I could stand where the kids in the movie ran around the water fountain with horses, or cross the beautiful garden they learned how to sing at and take in the view from a bridge.

The signs on the streets have not changed and many Austrians can be found in their native custom of bridges, suspenders, bibs and hat. I walked with a smile of this little place that is overcrowded but still charming and the church bells still ring around the city. I imagine, that the Nuns still enjoy that sound from the hilltop abbey and I enjoyed it with a fond memory.

The hills are still alive....and beautiful with the sound of music!