Today began a few days of early mornings and late nights - meaning a packed full weekend of some of the most beautiful places! But that scenario of late nights and early mornings is difficult. With only 5 students this year, we had to take some perks out. This trip was one of them. But at the last moment, after fiddling endlessly with the budget, we found we had some extra money - just not enough to hire a chartered bus to take us to all the places and then stay in nice places as well. So we rode the train - and found our way to the Hostel for the girls and the hotel for me. Mine was nice but I think they struggled a bit since they had a room for 6 and they were only 5 - which meant they shared a room with another stranger. Then the bathroom was less than desirable. But would they pay extra for a nicer place? I don’t know. It is hard to say.
After dropping our bags at our respective places, we ventured into the city. We were all pretty hungry so we looked for a place to eat. It was early (about 10:45) so not a lot of FOOD places were open yet. On the back of the map we got from the hostel we found a burger place….and off we went, back the way we had come. But what a perfect choice!!! The burger was tasty, but the BEST part was that she brought LOTS of COLD water - something we are NOT used to here. I even asked for ice - almost jokingly. But she brought a class of ice cubes for us to share. How great was that!??!!!
I had emailed and secured a bike tour of the city with some Sound of Music places too. And we had money for the funicular up to the fortress. Everything was running smoothly, I was fairly certain how to get around the small town of Salzburg showing them briefly the highlights, as I have found that this group (minus one) enjoys seeing things, taking a pic, and moving on. It was hot so that was hard. I was looking for Igor, my favorite Salzburg artist. I had emailed him pictures I wanted him to paint for me. I didn’t think he would have it, but I hoped. Only I couldn’t find him in any of his normal places - which made me sad. We made our way to the Love Lock bridge….Megan needed to add a lock and that is where we were to meet RoseMarie for our bike tour. After getting our bikes and heading on our way, I realized that these girls were not avid bikers, nor were they confident on the bike. In fact, one struggled a lot with anxiety. We ended up walking the bikes in heavy congestion (wise anyhow) and then riding them in the open. Our guide was fantastic. I have found that there are good guides and there are not so good guides. I have had both. Gratefully today she was good. We biked about 10km in the heat … wow! I could feel the heat on my arms, chest, and neck! But it was fun and a relaxing way to see the sites. I would do it again if Lisa would allow it next year.
After a water stop with LOTS of water at Hellbrunn Palace where the gazebo from the Sound of Music is, we walked to the actual palace...something I have never seen. It was here that we rested, got gelato, and sat for awhile. It was beautiful and much needed after all the sun.
The ride back was pretty straight forward — then if was off to get some apfelstrudel from the famous place on the corner. Then it was off to the fortress for some views that I knew the girls would like. On the way, Igor was now in his spot!!! We stopped and when he saw me his face lit up. That is such a wonderful feeling. And what to my surprise …. he had done the picture for me. Only it was at his studio. I was SOOOOO excited! And I mean like a giddy school girl excited! I promised to come back tomorrow after we return from our trip to Hallstatt. Oh my goodness….I could not contain my happiness, my excitement!!! He showed me pics from his phone and that made me all the more excited and giddy.
The view from the fortress did not disappoint - never does! The girls loved it too. And that makes me happy.
That was the night for me. We returned to the hostel and hotel and called it a night. Long day but a good day! Salzburg is always beautiful.
