Showing posts with label Salzburg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salzburg. Show all posts
Friday, May 28, 2010
Paris to salzburg by B
We took a night train from Paris to Munich and it was quite a ride. It's about 10 1/2 hours and while we booked a couchette with beds they are deffinately not the comfiest kind of beds, especially if your 6 ft tall. Needless to say by the time we hit Munich I had gotten a grand total of about 3 hrs of not great sleep. It was cool though because we met this other couple from PA that was traveling around Europe as well we got to talking and found out that he had just proposed to her under the eiffel tower in Paris; how exciting! We checked in to our hostel in Munich and since we couldn't get in our room till 2 we decided to go see the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Dachau, Germany. It was an amazing musuem and exhibit and a very sobering place. I believe very strongly that these places should always be remembered and taught to children and our childrens children so that this kind of atrocity will never be repeated again. Some people I think blame God for the worst things that have happened in human history, but the truth of the matter is that God was not behind these torturings and killings, we were.
That night we got ahold of one of my friends from high school who lives in Munich and had a couple of 1 liter beers together at the augustiner beer hall. The next day we went to the englischer gardens and watched a bunch of people surfing in the middle of the park on a quickly flowing river. Surfers have such ingenuity when it comes to finding waves. The gardens were beautiful and the food in the park was delisioso! We came back and saw that they had been setting up some booths on the streets for what we know is ascension day. There were tons of booths and we thought they wouldn't be open until they day we left but they opened that night and some of them had food others had games some were Protestant others catholic it was amazing to see these two faiths come together in this way! We tried lots and lots of food it was all so yummshis. The thing that really impressed me though was munich's kicking music scene, they had tons of musicians lining the streets playing regae and folk and almost all in English great stuff! All the people were really happy and upbeat, the festival in a whole was a major highlight of my vacation thus far.
The next day we went to slazburg Austria this train ride from Munich to Salzburg was great! The scenary was absolutely gorgeous and when we got to Salzburg the scenary there did not disapoint. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and where he spent some of his time, so we went to see the house where he lived. It is pretty amazing to think that such a young boy could compose such amazing things! Salzburg was an amazing place all in all and they too had some kind of music fest which was also great. Good old Bavaria and there music scene who would have thought? And the food here was incredible so much so that we went out to eat at the same place every single night! I am pretty sure I have never had a better restaurant experience and I think I tried everything on the menu good stuff!!! The only negative about this city was the weather it was chilly like 38 degrees chilly and a little rainy but it made it very nice to be inside enjoying great food.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 33-35: Salzburg
5/14 f
5/15 s
5/16 sun
It was a very cold and misty morning on Friday. We rode into town and started making good use of our Salzburg cards (3 day pkg that included free transportation and site admission within the city center). Our first stop was
Mozarts residence and Mozart sound and film collection on the new side of the Salzach river. I didn't know much about Mozart aside from the fact I've played some of his compositions. It was really interesting to walk through the rooms, listen to the audioguide, and watch the documentary.
We walked across one of the bridges and saw our next stop, the
Hohensalzburg Fortress high on the hill.
But first, a couple hours had passed since our breakfast feast at our b&b so of course we were starving. I'd heard about the Alter market on Getreidegasse and found it right away when we crossed onto the old side. Hard to miss-it's the most popular street.
Found the market and grabbed some food and a giant chocolate pretzel.
We made our way up to
Hohensalzburg fortress. Huge place. Great views.
Inside the fortress was the
Fortress museum
And the World of marionettes. Creepy.
Afterwards, we went back down the cable car and detoured to St peters church.
There were catacombs that we couldve climbed up to in the mountain but we were freezing and just too lazy I guess.
Instead, we took a bus (nice and warm!) to the Stiegl Brauwelt.
The place was huge and had lots of displays about the area, the Stiegl family and of course how they make their beer.
After going to their restaurant for our complimentary beer tasting (or drink tasting as you had 3 coupons for .02L of any beverage you wanted) and snagging our free gifts we headed home. I don't know how that place can afford to give away all those free drinks and gifts but whatever, fun times.
We caught the bus back home and Since it wasn't dark yet, explored in the forest.
Then for dinner, We had decided that since we loved the restaurant last night so much we weren't going to mess with a good thing so off we went. We were "those" who documented our dinner. Atleast we didn't take the photos with our food.
Potato soap (creamy and fantastic)
I had Schnitzel
B had Mixed grill
Cream cheese Strudel for dessert.
We lugged our fat selves home. I found a tick on me that night. I blame the forest.
The next day we headed out early to The Hellbrunn Palace and Trick fountains. B was a little skeptical about the "trick" fountains since I couldn't explain to him exactly what we were doing. I honestly didn't know what to expect. A really small bellagio sorta thing?
The grounds were acres and acres but first you had to go with a guide to see the fountains because it was a manually run thing.
The deal was that an archbishop built this palace (1700s maybe) and he was kind of a jokester. He built all these little fountains into the floors, walls, and ceilings to surprise his guests. There was a table in the garden that squirted water up through the bench. One room had a fountain that propelled this crown into the air. Doorways leaked. Floors shot water up It was crazy. We didn't take any pictures because we didn't know when we were going to be surprised. After the tour, we were free to room the other part of the grounds.
When we came back into town we went window shopping and had to step into this shop that losts its marbles over Christmas and Easter decorations.
While we were wandering I spotted it. The "Wurst stand am alter market" that I'd read about. It had just drove in so we killed some time at a hot chocolate shop before finally getting a Bosna (wursts with onions and mustard and curry powder). It was really good minus the onions. We also got a Kase Krainer - cheese sauce baked in it? Also yum!
Right around the corner was the Residenz State Rooms (official apartments of the Salzburg prince archbishops) which was free with audio guides. The rooms were so elegantly decorated. Couldn't imagine living in such a large and ornate place.
Headed back to the b&b and then to dinner. At this point we were loyal customers. I got the best freaking plate ever. Putan sandwich with krauterbutter and salad. I literally exclaimed outloud when I tasted it how good it was and might have teared up. Again, I admit nothing.
The next morning, a city wide marathon was going on and public transportation into the city was nonexistent. We had to drop our bags in storage since we had to check out at 11 but our train wasn't until 1 am. So we took a taxi. Blah, since there was traffic, double the time double the fair. Oh well.
We dropped our bags at the station and walked to. Mirabellgartens. We had fun walking through it and getting lost in all the hedges that kind of formed a maze. Drizzling so no pics.
We checked out the Museum of Nature History and Technology (aquarium, reptile zoo, science center and more) next to get out of the cold. Overrun with kids having a great time. It was crazy but fun. The science center had hands on machines that was cool to tinker with.
Next we took the Monchsberglift to a panaromic terrace overlooking the city. Not too shabby.
We had booked a concert at the Residenz that afternoon so we killed some time at
Mcdonald (had voucher since we used the loo the last couple of days-almost everywhere in Europe charges to use the toilets but this McDs gives you vouchers which was nice) and snacked on a Apfelbrezen (apple pretzel) from a street vendor.
Off to Concert at the residenz. We didn't read the program right and the concert was actually all harpsichord. We wish it had been piano but it was still very neat and probably more accurate to the sound of it's time. Also It was in a really small room but it held the sound well.
Jumped on the Salzach cruise after. Just went down a little ways and back up. I fell asleep for a little bit because it was so slow. At the end they did a little stunt with spinning the boat around.
Of course we made sure to have dinner at our place even though we were in the city. We had 6 more hours to kill.
When we got down there we could see Untersberg mountain which we hadn't been able to since it was so rainy. We wish we could have gone up there (not really because it would have been worse than freezing with just our sweaters). See the summit and cable car ride? Next time.
Had my Putan Sandwich and tea and apple rings. B had traditional wurst and sauerkraut and a banana split. Ah it was perfect. Bye Reiterhof - we will miss you
Had to rush a bit at the end to catch a bus back to the train station so that we could do laundry before they closed. Did laundry and then waited on the platform for a little over an hour for our night train....again.
5/15 s
5/16 sun
It was a very cold and misty morning on Friday. We rode into town and started making good use of our Salzburg cards (3 day pkg that included free transportation and site admission within the city center). Our first stop was
Mozarts residence and Mozart sound and film collection on the new side of the Salzach river. I didn't know much about Mozart aside from the fact I've played some of his compositions. It was really interesting to walk through the rooms, listen to the audioguide, and watch the documentary.
We walked across one of the bridges and saw our next stop, the
Hohensalzburg Fortress high on the hill.
But first, a couple hours had passed since our breakfast feast at our b&b so of course we were starving. I'd heard about the Alter market on Getreidegasse and found it right away when we crossed onto the old side. Hard to miss-it's the most popular street.
Found the market and grabbed some food and a giant chocolate pretzel.
We made our way up to
Hohensalzburg fortress. Huge place. Great views.
Inside the fortress was the
Fortress museum
And the World of marionettes. Creepy.
Afterwards, we went back down the cable car and detoured to St peters church.
There were catacombs that we couldve climbed up to in the mountain but we were freezing and just too lazy I guess.
Instead, we took a bus (nice and warm!) to the Stiegl Brauwelt.
The place was huge and had lots of displays about the area, the Stiegl family and of course how they make their beer.
After going to their restaurant for our complimentary beer tasting (or drink tasting as you had 3 coupons for .02L of any beverage you wanted) and snagging our free gifts we headed home. I don't know how that place can afford to give away all those free drinks and gifts but whatever, fun times.
We caught the bus back home and Since it wasn't dark yet, explored in the forest.
Then for dinner, We had decided that since we loved the restaurant last night so much we weren't going to mess with a good thing so off we went. We were "those" who documented our dinner. Atleast we didn't take the photos with our food.
Potato soap (creamy and fantastic)
I had Schnitzel
B had Mixed grill
Cream cheese Strudel for dessert.
We lugged our fat selves home. I found a tick on me that night. I blame the forest.
The next day we headed out early to The Hellbrunn Palace and Trick fountains. B was a little skeptical about the "trick" fountains since I couldn't explain to him exactly what we were doing. I honestly didn't know what to expect. A really small bellagio sorta thing?
The grounds were acres and acres but first you had to go with a guide to see the fountains because it was a manually run thing.
The deal was that an archbishop built this palace (1700s maybe) and he was kind of a jokester. He built all these little fountains into the floors, walls, and ceilings to surprise his guests. There was a table in the garden that squirted water up through the bench. One room had a fountain that propelled this crown into the air. Doorways leaked. Floors shot water up It was crazy. We didn't take any pictures because we didn't know when we were going to be surprised. After the tour, we were free to room the other part of the grounds.
When we came back into town we went window shopping and had to step into this shop that losts its marbles over Christmas and Easter decorations.
While we were wandering I spotted it. The "Wurst stand am alter market" that I'd read about. It had just drove in so we killed some time at a hot chocolate shop before finally getting a Bosna (wursts with onions and mustard and curry powder). It was really good minus the onions. We also got a Kase Krainer - cheese sauce baked in it? Also yum!
Right around the corner was the Residenz State Rooms (official apartments of the Salzburg prince archbishops) which was free with audio guides. The rooms were so elegantly decorated. Couldn't imagine living in such a large and ornate place.
Headed back to the b&b and then to dinner. At this point we were loyal customers. I got the best freaking plate ever. Putan sandwich with krauterbutter and salad. I literally exclaimed outloud when I tasted it how good it was and might have teared up. Again, I admit nothing.
The next morning, a city wide marathon was going on and public transportation into the city was nonexistent. We had to drop our bags in storage since we had to check out at 11 but our train wasn't until 1 am. So we took a taxi. Blah, since there was traffic, double the time double the fair. Oh well.
We dropped our bags at the station and walked to. Mirabellgartens. We had fun walking through it and getting lost in all the hedges that kind of formed a maze. Drizzling so no pics.
We checked out the Museum of Nature History and Technology (aquarium, reptile zoo, science center and more) next to get out of the cold. Overrun with kids having a great time. It was crazy but fun. The science center had hands on machines that was cool to tinker with.
Next we took the Monchsberglift to a panaromic terrace overlooking the city. Not too shabby.
We had booked a concert at the Residenz that afternoon so we killed some time at
Mcdonald (had voucher since we used the loo the last couple of days-almost everywhere in Europe charges to use the toilets but this McDs gives you vouchers which was nice) and snacked on a Apfelbrezen (apple pretzel) from a street vendor.
Off to Concert at the residenz. We didn't read the program right and the concert was actually all harpsichord. We wish it had been piano but it was still very neat and probably more accurate to the sound of it's time. Also It was in a really small room but it held the sound well.
Jumped on the Salzach cruise after. Just went down a little ways and back up. I fell asleep for a little bit because it was so slow. At the end they did a little stunt with spinning the boat around.
Of course we made sure to have dinner at our place even though we were in the city. We had 6 more hours to kill.
When we got down there we could see Untersberg mountain which we hadn't been able to since it was so rainy. We wish we could have gone up there (not really because it would have been worse than freezing with just our sweaters). See the summit and cable car ride? Next time.
Had my Putan Sandwich and tea and apple rings. B had traditional wurst and sauerkraut and a banana split. Ah it was perfect. Bye Reiterhof - we will miss you
Had to rush a bit at the end to catch a bus back to the train station so that we could do laundry before they closed. Did laundry and then waited on the platform for a little over an hour for our night train....again.
Day 32: off to Salzburg
5/13
In the morning, we checked out of our hostel, stored our luggage and headed to the train station. Bs friend had invited us to his place for a traditional German brunch. We thought we knew where we were going but actually took a lovely detour to Horzkirchen then back to the city center then finally to his place 2 hours later. Despite our lateness, we had a great visit and the brunch was wonderful. Meats, cheeses, breads, tomato and mozzarella, eggs, chocolate, yum again.
Afterwards we picked up our bags and booked it to the train platform because we saw there was a train leaving earlier than we planned. The ride was gorgeous.
2.5 hours later we were in Salzburg. It was sprinkling and freezing. Our while trip thus far has been cold. Good thing we packed heavy sweaters and raincoats.
Our first impression of Salzburg was like walking back through time. The city is so well preserved and just wonderfully located between lush mountains with the alps as a nice backdrop.
Our b&b was a good 29 mins from the city center by bus but it was worth. The nicest b&b we've ever stayed at with the friendliests hosts (great family and they live on the property).
It was too late to go into town so we went to a restaurant that our host recommend up the street with good Austrian cuisine. The food was outstanding. We mmm'd and ahhhh'd through our while meal. I had smoked Ham with white asparagus and hollandaise sauce. B had wurst with potatos and their special pickled salad. Apple wheels for dessert! The restaurant is family run with the son running it and the mama and fam cooking.
Cosy atmosphere.
Walked home in the rain then crashed.
In the morning, we checked out of our hostel, stored our luggage and headed to the train station. Bs friend had invited us to his place for a traditional German brunch. We thought we knew where we were going but actually took a lovely detour to Horzkirchen then back to the city center then finally to his place 2 hours later. Despite our lateness, we had a great visit and the brunch was wonderful. Meats, cheeses, breads, tomato and mozzarella, eggs, chocolate, yum again.
Afterwards we picked up our bags and booked it to the train platform because we saw there was a train leaving earlier than we planned. The ride was gorgeous.
2.5 hours later we were in Salzburg. It was sprinkling and freezing. Our while trip thus far has been cold. Good thing we packed heavy sweaters and raincoats.
Our first impression of Salzburg was like walking back through time. The city is so well preserved and just wonderfully located between lush mountains with the alps as a nice backdrop.
Our b&b was a good 29 mins from the city center by bus but it was worth. The nicest b&b we've ever stayed at with the friendliests hosts (great family and they live on the property).
It was too late to go into town so we went to a restaurant that our host recommend up the street with good Austrian cuisine. The food was outstanding. We mmm'd and ahhhh'd through our while meal. I had smoked Ham with white asparagus and hollandaise sauce. B had wurst with potatos and their special pickled salad. Apple wheels for dessert! The restaurant is family run with the son running it and the mama and fam cooking.
Cosy atmosphere.
Walked home in the rain then crashed.
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