Up early again and on the train to Hallstatt. This time, instead of the chartered bus, we took the train which dropped us on the opposite side of the lake. This meant we had the opportunity to be on the lake. It was supposed to rain, so I wasn’t sure we would have time or be able to with the weather. It was nice...I love water.
When we got to the little town, we had to rush through to make our time for the tour of the salt mine. We made it and up we went...the higher we went, the more beautiful it became. I didn’t take as many pics this time around (which is true of MOST of this trip), but it was as gorgeous as always. Poor Priya’s allergies were horrible and she sneezed constantly up the mountain. Inside the mountain was better for her, thankfully. And the tour was wonderful as always. I loved the cold since I have been in the heat solidly for a few days. And the slides were fun too!
The clouds were rolling in as we waited our turn for the overlook picture point. It actually started sprinkling HUGE raindrops as we were waiting, but stopped as we took our pics. As we got down to the funicular ride down there was a line, a LONG line. Never before have I seen a line...and it took about 30 minutes or so. We were starving - the girls more than me since I think my breakfast was better than theirs. We finally got down and made our way to somewhere to eat. It had begun to rain a little more now. We found a place to slip inside and have some pizza. As we were inside the rain came down hard...pouring for a bit. Really, it was perfect timing. It rained hard while we were inside and not so hard while we were out walking around. I didn’t want to do much except get a double scoop chocolate gelato and sit! Just sit and look at the lake, take in the serenity and peace! And that is what I did!! Until it was time to get back on the boat.
I was nervous that with the rain, Igor would not be there. But he had promised to stay until midnight if necessary. So when we got off the train, I dropped the girls off at the hostel and then hoofed it quickly into the city, all the while hoping Igor was there. It was no longer really raining, but it HAD been. When I turned the corner, he wasn’t in that same spot, but someone WAS in the dry place under the arches. As I got closer, I saw that it was him and my heart skipped a beat! I couldn’t wait to see my picture. The ONLY thing I was nervous for was the cost. I had NO IDEA how much he would charge me. I was willing to pay whatever it took - even if I had to bring the rest back next year. To my surprise, he insisted on giving it to me as a present! WHAT!!??? How kind!! His reasoning was good energy….being kind, not ripping people off. He then insisted that he give me another to give to a colleague. I decided to give it to the Institute … and hopefully advertise for him since they always send students to Salzburg. I walked slower on the way home - almost floating. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! Smaller than I expected, but still beautiful!
Another reason for floating home was that I was talking with Spencer. I haven’t REALLY talked with him since he left. It was Saturday so he was just chilling. We had a great conversation about money, his job, my shoes, Austria last year, and life. I miss him a lot and I think he misses me/us too. It is fun to be on your own, I know, but is also strangely difficult at moments. He is coming home next weekend….only I won’t get home until a day later :(
