Day 12 Vienna – Salzburg
Where: Vienna – Salzburg
When: Sept. 16, 2005
Travel Day.
Maria and Deanna got up early to get coffee before we had out to WestBahnhoff to catch our train to Salzburg. We packed most of our stuff last night except for toiletries and overnight clothes.
We bid Tina farewell as she has been a gracious host. She autographed my guidebook as her picture was in it. I’ll make a copy of the page and mail it to the author.
There was a little confusion at the train station as I checked the board it said that our train to Salzburg was leaving at 9:34 at Track 5. But I could not locate the car, number 313. So I ask a train rep that roams around the tracks helping helpless tourists like me. He said the train at track 5 is the slow train. I didn’t understand by slow train as it was not painted yellow and it had long cars. (bad humor). Anyway, the train weÄre looking for is at track 7 the faster train to Besl. Which I believe is in Switzerland if I’m not mistaken. They posted the final destination of the train. But they did not post the intermediate stops which included Salzburg. Oh well. We found the right car and the reserved seats.
The ride itself was ho-hum. Mostly flat terrain with quaint villages here and there. It got prettier as we got closer to Salyburg.
We got to Salzburg at near 1pm. We got our tickets for Füssen on Sunday right away, so we don’t have to wait last minute. We then got a taxi to our hotel. The taxi driver was very nice as he spoke english very well. He was also very engaging. He pointed out places and gave historical accounts as we headed for the hotel. He mentioned that he had just dropped off 4 people from Wisconsin just an hour ago heading for Vienna. Ok. He then mentioned that he has a brother that lives in GB and that he gets numerous packers paraphenalia(sp) as presents from his brother. I’ll give him a benefit of a doubt here. I didn’t see any packer stuff in his van, which was very nice. A mercedes benz by the way. We were at the hotel in no time and it only cost us 8€. Not bad considering the luggage we have.
The Hotel Weisse Taube is located a block away from Mozart Platz. There’s this guy Moyart again. As we were checking in we booked a dinner & concert at the Hohensalzburg. Which is the castle high above the mountain that overlooks the entire city sorrounding. The rooms are nice and clean as Mary and Don has a great view of the castle from their window.
We took the furnicular to the castle. Very expensive. Will not take this again, I’d rather hike. The view are breathtaking! even though it was in the foggy side, the mountains as you look towards Germany are very impressive. Awesome view. We will be in and seeing the mountains tomorrow on our Bavarian tour. The view of Salzburg is equally impressive. You can really distinguish the old town from the new town. The old town being the “touristy” side of town. The two places are divided by the Salszach rive. This was called the salt river because in the olden days when salt was worth it weight in gold, pretty much all the salt travelled down this river from the salt mines of Bavaria. So, Salzburg was strategic and wealthy as they would tax these salt boats. The fortress built here was never breach in its numerous attempts. But the railway station was heavily bombed during WWII.
The dinner was great food, but the restaurant overlooking the west side of the fortress has a commanding view of the valley to the west and the Bavarian mountians. We had a spectacular view of the sunset.
The concert was great as usual. Everyone thought it was great including myself, considering the location. It was in a chamber that when peering over the windows, you can see all of Salzburg. This will probably be my last concert of this type for a long while. I can only hear of Mozart so much.
We had a great walk back to our hotel after the concert. The streets were void of vehicular traffic with patrons talking and laughing at various cafe’s along the way having their last coffee or beir for the day. The window shopping at night is great as there is no chance of purchase. Whew!
Will have to try that Mozart chocolate tomorrow. See if this Mozart guy is as good of a confectionary as he is a musician!
Having a great time! but miss you all!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tags: C The Trip
Administrator
Jaime,
This guy Mozart and his colleagues seem to enchant quite a few people with their kind of music.
After reading so much of your posts on them, subconsciously, I began searching for a radio station that plays only classical music and I have found a really good one here in Austin.
For three days now, that’s all I have been listening to, and I’m afeared I’m starting to like and enjoy them, especially Chopin and his piano compositions. I wish someday I could play hhis music. But I think that’s too far-fetched!
Perhpas, sometime in the near future, we can go on European tour and see these places with you as our guide, how’s about that?
Regards and Take care. By the way, how’s the chocolate?
Dad . . .
Dad, I would not mind at all to be your tour guide while in Austria especially Vienna.
Just like anything else, once you hear the music after you haven’t listened to it for a while, you’ll tend to like it. But, after awhile if that’s all you’re listening to, you’ll get sick of it. But enjoy it in the meantime. Everything in moderation. But, if it’s a new thing and you don’t know moderation. It’s ok to go to extremes.
Unfortunately, I have not tasted any chocolates in these parts. I’m not much of a sweet tooth. But we did go window shopping yesterday and there were tons of chocolate stores with Mozart balls! don’t ask, then I don’t have to answer!
with best regards from everyone here,
jimbing…….
PS- say hi to Jerry, Georgia, JJ and Zoilo for us.