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As the small train approaches the magnificent culture Mecca of Europe, I gather my things and I take note at how amazing the architecture changes in just a one-hour train ride out of an old satellite nation into Western Europe. As the train comes to a halt inside Sudbahnhof, my travels continue. Austria has a population of just over 8 million, Vienna is the capital, and music, art and architecture reach extravagant in Salzburg. A wonderful range of outdoor activities- skiing is some of the best in the world is what Austria is known for. It borders the countries of Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland making it an easy stop.
I had a bit of a panic attack "I am in a far off land and want my own bed and my own language". I take a couple of deep breathes, regain my bearings, then concentrated on the task at hand, to have fun and to see the world. First things first: I needed to find a map. Finding a place to sleep or finding where your hotel is a good place to start. This can all be done in and around most major train stations, as there are thousands of backpackers flowing though every year. Trust me, they are ready for you and have been asked every question under the moon.
With the city now under my feet, I visit some amazing museums and art houses where you can view some of the best operas and plays in the world. This city is also known as a very political (governmental) city. This is largely due to Euro city. First on my list are the Garden parks of Schwarzenberg, Botanischer, and Schweizer which are all located just out side the train station. These gardens can offer a beautiful look around the city and a good walk, to walk off train lag. The museum of Arsenal is a good place for a look into the history of Austria's war and military while you wait for your train. Then, on to Karlsplatz which overlooks several Ringstrasse institutions, baroque church, and Wagner's wonderful art pavilions. The Ringstrasse was built on an epic scale and it is now a place to see amazing architecture and museums along with some amazing churches. A good half day is needed to see all the sights.
I head to Schönbrunn Palaces for a nice afternoon walk. Well, that's what I thought, but when I got there it took 30 minutes to walk from the Palaces to the Zoo (Tiergarten), both are located in the same areas on the large property. The zoo is one of the most modern I have seen, they even have polar bears. This is another place you can spend a good day. A real culinary treat is a place located right out side the zoo's main gates. Just cross the street and walk down what looks to be the back alley and you will find a massive restaurant, where you can find some amazing and very tasty local Austrian food at a good price. As a side note, Vienna will host the 2005 world Hockey Championships this spring, a good reason to go visit this amazing country.
After a long day of looking around, it is time to find a train to my next stop, Salzburg. A very pleasant young lady is at the ticket office when I arrive at Sudbahnhof, she politely informs me that the train I want to take is leaving in about 30 minutes from Westbandhof. As this looks to be much too far to walk in that time, she recommends I take the tram but does not guarantee it will get me there on time. A short run to the tram tracks just outside the stations to find a tram ready to leave, but after a close look at the map, I cannot tell which line this tram goes on and where it will end up. I can't risk missing my train so I hail a taxi and I am off. Knowing full well this taxi ride is going to cost me close to $25 Canadian (about $23 more then the tram); I sit back just to enjoy the not-so-cheap ride. This ride flows along a major road most of the way there, where I can see my tram that I would have taken following the same path, as we round the last bend so does the tram. Well, I just learned my lesson; if a cute girl tells you to do something, you should take her advice. By the time we park, the tram has stopped and left Wesbandhofe.
Out of the big city and into the mountains, with the snow starting to accumulate on the ground. Just picture yourself lost within "The Sound of Music", with an inch or two of white powder covering every hill as a backdrop. My hearts starts to race as I can feel the energy of this area, maybe this is because of the amazing skiing which has helped Austria dominate the Alpine skiing event or maybe it is because I can't wait to get into Salzburg. This beautiful city lost to Vancouver to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it is hard to see why. When you first get to town, a good place to find a bed is in a bed and breakfast is Haus Christine bed and Breakfast. It is about a 4 minute train ride outside the city but it's only $1.70 Euro to get there. Well worth it and the train runs about every 45minutes and the view is specula. The family is friendly, the rooms are cozy, the food is great, and the view is worth every penny. It is very clean and peaceful. Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence) are one of the many tourist attractions of the area and a great for any music lover. There is also the Sound of Music tour which I recommended going on if you have time. Hey guys, it's not that bad!
Into the main part of the city towards the Hohensalzburg Fortress, you will find many large churches and many street performers looking for a little tourist cash. Right below the main lift you can find a small market which is a good place to stop and eat and pick up a souvenir or two. Now, I think it's time to Fed-Ex some of my souvenirs home as my bag is overflowing. This will cost me some good cash but will save my back for another day.
The walk up the hill does not look fun at all, but the tram looks about as dangerous. The tram which climbs the cliff face up to the Fortress is a nice ride but don't look down if you are afraid of heights. This castle has never been captured by enemy forces. The view of the mountains is spectacular- makes you want to go skiing or snowboarding right then and there. Back down the hill- Getreidegasse is the main commercial street of old Salzburg. A walk around, fighting off the tourists for the very high class shopping in the tourist city, is enough to make any one go nuts, but the passageways and courtyards are neat to get lost in. There are a couple hills looking over the cities which can be a nice day's walk or the cemetery can give you a look in to the past.
This tourist city has worn me out, next stop Switzerland!
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