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Published: February 23rd 2007
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On the train ride to Salzburg
The views provided in the early morning. (June 26 through June 27 2006)
June 26
Our train ride through the south of Germany and into Austria was beautiful. A perfect morning, few clouds, and the sun shining, provided spectacular views as we rode into Salzburg. We arrived in the city right before 10, and headed to the International Youth Hotel. The walk was short, less than 15 min, and not very complicated. We unloaded, and pre-registered for beds, and waited for a while until we could leave them in our room. The hostel was excellent, and we saw different brochures naming it one of the top 10 in Europe. We left the hostel and walked south on Paracelsusstrasse. We walked through the streets, heading to the river, and side tracked on some mainly pedestrian streets east of Makartplatz, and roamed around. From there we crossed the Salzach, and went into the Old Town. After roaming around in the east part of the Old Town we sat to have some beers and lunch. Relaxing in the sun and quenching our thirst. From there, we roamed more, and found some back streets, and a flight of steps that led up to a road that took us to Festung Hohensalzburg
(the fortress). The walk up the stairs provided glimpses into the residential housing in the Old Town, and great views of the city as we walked towards the fortress.
The walk up to the fortress was exhausting, and making it to the top was worth it--though a bit pricey to get in. (On a hot day, you can sit next to the large openings around the walls of the fortress, and extremely cool air blows in, and cools you down immediately.) We strolled for a good bit, seeing some old relics and walking through the museum. We tried to cover all the fortress, and I believe we did a good job. The views were great, especially of the snow capped mountains to the east.
We headed down, and once again into the Old Town, this time the area around the domed cathedral, and through street stalls selling souvenirs and beer mugs. We walked north, on Mullner Hauptstrasse, and headed to a beer garden that the travel guide suggested, called Augustiner Braustubl--they serve a beer brewed by monks, or used to be. When you walk in, you are greeted by empty, immense corridors, as you make your way outside. You are
finally greeted by several food stalls if you so desire, and two large indoor halls, which at least one is set up with a television. Once we reached the outdoor sitting area, we were ready for the huge beers served in the ceramic mugs. The place was empty, just one table near us was occupied. We ordered our beer, and swallowed them fast. As the afternoon dragged on, more people came and joined the atmosphere. An American from San Fran travelling alone joined us for a beer--we would run into him in Bratislava. Late afternoon, and we leave for the hostel to see the evening match. We walk through the Mirabell gardens, and take some pics.
The International Youth Hotel is by far one of the liveliest hostels we have stayed at. The bar is great, and the beer is not expensive. We arrived just as the Italians got the luckiest call, and beat the Australians. We drank the night away, and met great people. We hung out with several people, about 5 Americans, Julia from Argentina, and Scot from Scotland who spoke perfect Spanish. We drank while playing drinking games, and watched the game which went into penalty kicks--Ukraine
View from the train
On our way to Salzburg beat Switzerland. We had decided to go to Bar Flip, some 20 minutes away. As we were leaving, I met a group of Koreans, and had a drunk chat with them, and practiced the Korean I still remembered. They were impressed, but didn't end up joining us. On our walk we lost the people from Iowa, and kept going with the rest. The bar was small and cramped, but with a good vibe. Most college students in the city head to that part of town for drinks, at least that is what we were told. I stayed at the bar drinking with Julia, and Little Boi and Tron stayed at the back of the bar with the others. We all got completely smashed, and by 2 or 3 we couldn't even stand straight. Scot stayed, and the other Americans had left earlier. Julia and I lost my brother and Tron, as they began to argue about nonsense. The streets of Slazburg are great, and atnight relaxing. The river is beautiful as it reflects the city. I said goodnight to Julia, not knowing where my brother and Tron where, I headed to bed, to be woken up by them a few
View from the train
On our way to Salzburg minutes later trying to brush their teeth. The guys on the top bunks were not happy, as they showed the next morning.
June 27
I woke up early, as the guys from the top bunks made as much noise as possible, and even tried to wake us up on purpose. Tron and Little Boi kept sleeping. I got up, showered, ate breakfast, and used the internet a couple of blocks away. The other two finally woke up, and I hurried my brother as we were going to miss our train to Vienna. We said our goodbyes to Tron, and headed to the station just past 10.
Salzburg was beautiful, but I don't really know if you need to stay more than two days. We only stayed one day and one more would have been perfect. There are gardens that we missed, and one could head out into the mountains to take the Sound of Music Tour or walk through the ice caves. I greatly enjoyed my time, and simply seeing the city with the mountains in the background was magnificent.
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