Getting into the Salzburg Stride!

Day three: 

 Off to the Salt Mines!  Historically, much of the wealth obtained in this area came from the mining of salt.  We went by train to the small town of Hallein, Austria.  The tour we took was really interesting and fun....see pics below.  Back to the center for a home cooked meal of bratwurst, kraut und kartoffelns.  Their grocery store chain here is called Euro Spar, and it is really interesting to walk through and see all of the different foods available.  Michael and Amy have been helping converse in German, and is getting us along :)  They even have poppyseed roll to buy like you are buying a loaf of bread, and it is really good!  (still not as good as Grandma's though). Hitlers Eagle Nest (his vacation retreat in the Bavarian Alps) was close by but we were not able to view it because of the weather.

 Amy at the University center

 Michael reading the German newspaper. (not quite the "USA Today")

 Gluck Auf! (a send off greeting between miners which means good luck, and come back safely)

 Sporting the miner fashion. Hi Ho Hi Ho its off to work we go!

Majestic and Magical... are two words you might use to describe unicorns but today, we will use them to describe views such as this one found in Hallein, Austria.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Our Second Day in Salzburg!

Today was another busy day.  It started with a trip to the local market to make breakfast at the center.  Then off to meet Karsten at the train station.  We took him to his hostel to rest, then we went on to the Hohen-Salzburg Fortress.  You can see the fortress from all of Salzburg, it is amazing!  It was a good hike up, and the view of the Bavarian alps and city was spectacular. 

Breakfast at the Center dining area.

Amy, Kathy and Karsten at the train station.

Amy, Karsten and Michael.  The fortress is on the mountaintop behind them.

Mozart is everywhere.  Gotta love that guy!

Amy taking time out to enjoy a chat with her good friend.

On our way to the fortress!

A view of the cathedrals as we are making our way up.

Salzburg and the alps.

Another view of Salzburg.

Let's go get a brew!

At the Puppet Museum -- a couple of dummies -- I mean marionnettes!

Fire!

Christmas Market at night -- hooray for Gluhwein.

Merry Christmas!



Hallo!

Well, just to let you know we made it safely to Salzburg.  Woooo what a trip it was, we are so tired.  The morning started out a bit tense.  Air Canada did not have our flight change in their system, even though they were the ones to have made it.  We were able to clear it up with our itinerary though, and receive our boarding passes.

We navigated our way in Munich, Germany's train station, which is not an easy feat.  We arrived in Salzburg at 3:30 p.m., and Amy was ready to go!  Snow is on the ground, and it is very cold.  Amy took us to Old Town Salzburg and we walked around the Christmas Market (last day today).  We walked around with a mug of Gluhwein (a hot mulled spice wine).  One word ... GOOD.  It hit the spot.  The scenery is spectacular, the sights and sounds are amazing.  Everyone speaks german here, hmmmm?   I can't believe we are here!  I will write later, but just wanted you to know we are here.  Now, off to bed.  Tomorrow we have a busy day!

Love you all.

Getting ready for Salzburg!

We are getting ready for our big trip to Salzburg, Austria to see Amelia!  We depart on Christmas Day!  It is coming up very soon -- wait a minute, "Do you know where your passport is?", and the answer is "YES, we do!"  (But, that is a whole different story.) This trip is the longest and farthest trip either of us has ever taken.  We have our warm coats, walking boots, carry-on suitcase (if we can pack a backpack for five days, I know we can pack a carry-on suitcase for 13 days), and travel size toiletries (check, check, and check).  Now, we need to mentally prepare for this adventure, and plan our travel itinerary.  Life is a highway, and we are getting ready to merge!!!  Oh yeah!

We will keep you posted, and share pictures with you along the way.