Salzburg for a day

Not having much time left, we’ve been thinking about the things we really want to do in Munich.  It doesn’t look like we will be able to climb the Olympic stadium, and U2 isn’t scheduled until Oct, but I really wanted to get back to Salzburg.

So today was my day.  A little strange because while both girls were in school, Troy & I were in 2 different countries, and neither were the country our girls were in.  But I could have run across the border so I felt pretty ok about it…

It was beautiful, and just amazing to be back “home.” 

I actually drove right to the Stiegl Brewery, and loved what they have done to the Brewery Museum! (loved their May Pole!!) The beer garden in the courtyard was amazing, and I know it would have been one of our hangouts – if only it was open when we lived there.  Now days, (sounding so old) the kids live across town & would never come to this area…

After picking up my kitch, I parked in the most amazing parking lot under the Moenchsberg, and walked thru town. The cathedral is finally finished – no more photos of Kylie Minogue on the outside – and looks clean, beautiful, and very peaceful considering the scene outside.

Obviously setting up for a concert.  I hope the weather holds!!

I did notice that the streets were rather empty for the end of June.  Maybe the weather in Europe is finally getting to the tourists (I’ve never see the rivers so high), or the world economy is finally taking it’s toll, but Hugo Boss is gone…  Sorry.

What a day, thank you…

Snow in the Park

Following lunch we wandered back to the other side of the river & headed for the train station, but not without some play time at the park next to Mirabell Gardens

And then back to the train with 6 minutes to spare (otherwise it was another hour wait) and home. 

Where even the Hauptbahnhof looks festive for the season.

Salzburg Markets

Crazy busy.  That’s the only thing I can think of when I think of today.  There were people everywhere!!  The vendors were not the nicest (if you don’t want it touched don’t put it at a child’s eye level!!), and the average age of the shoppers was easily into the 60s if not 70s so things moved a little slower than we normally do. 

We did buy a couple of Nutcrackers for the girls, and some ornaments, but then it was lunchtime, and we really needed food & a Stiegl (beer) so we headed up the hill to the Stiegl Keller & the view of Salzburg.

Christmas trip to Salzburg

We took the train to Salzburg today, along with thousands of other people, and checked out the Christmas markets that line the area around the Cathedral.  We thought the train would be better than driving because the autobahn between Munich & Salzburg often gets jammed with traffic (stau) and we were thinking it would be more relaxing.  However nice it was, it was also a little stressful dealing with strict punctuality with 2 children. 

The train was packed, and people were so desperate for seats that one woman even asked if she could sit with us four in the FOUR seats that we had, and when I told her there was no seat available she questioned me?!  Like anyone would want to sit with energetic children for a 2 hour 20 min train ride if they didn’t have to?  Plus I just didn’t want to be told by a stranger to keep my children still when she chose to sit with us.  Anyway, she left…

But Salzburg was beautiful.

Munich & Salzburg

Back to Munich to rain, rain & cold rain.

We spent a day downtown, and then on Tuesday drove to Salzburg to meet Caro for lunch at her office, and a fabulous environment the Gwandhaus. We had enough time before lunch to show the new Salzburger Center for UP to dad, and just happened to run into Frau Strobel cleaning up after all the kids left for the year (they left the Friday before). She took the time to show us the new center, the classroom, library, and dorm rooms (a bathroom & telephone in every room!!!) And to announce that the group will get an Austrian Priest next year as there aren't any priests available at UP! (or rejects from Notre Dame).

Given the year that we had, and the cultural differences I see now between US & European Catholicism, I'm curious as to how it all is going to go. I think I may have convinced Troy that we need to host the kids for a dinner in Munich next year. I'll keep you updated...

Anyway, then we were off to the Gwandhaus for lunch, with a short stop at Schloss Hellbrun first. (Alexandra & I stayed in the car while she napped.)

Gwandhaus is an amazing place for lunch, drinks in the middle of a bike ride (they actually have electric bikes you can borrow for a couple hours), or an afternoon on the grass. I realize how much I missed in Salzburg when I studied there - mostly because it was the never ending winter & too cold to walk anywhere around the outskirts of the town. Caro looked wonderful as usual, and lunch was a special treat.

Then we went downtown for a while before the short drive back to Munich - you know it only takes 1 hour 15 min (with no traffic!).

** Happy Cinco de Mayo!

More Salzburg

Sophia wearing Nana's reading glasses.
Moya & Lynn standing in front of the Gazebo at Schloss Hellbrun.
Sophia in the church at Mondsee, used for the wedding of Maria & the Captain in the movie.
The newly cleaned ceiling of the church of St Michael.
Sophia & her (very well used) camera!For all the Salzburgers, this was our bus on the tour today! I was having a total flashback...

Sophia on the Musical Tiles

Sophia on the Musical Tiles
Video sent by moyamz

Jumping out music next to the gardens at Schloss Mirabell

Sophia & Nana in Salzburg

Day one of our Salzburg adventures!

UP Salzburg Center

Balconies of some of the dorm rooms (the kids were on spring tour in Italy & Greece)

I thought all of the Salzburgers would like to see what the new center looks like. AMAZING... Huge kitchen, eating area, a built in bar (VERY important for all of those Stiegl parties), living space, foosball table (dangerous), a library with computers, and huge classroom with desks & chairs for everyone.