Near Klagenfurt

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I have made a goal to have at least one Servas visit per country so that I can become acquainted with the real culture and not just the tourist attractions. I am staying in a lovely house near Klagenfurt, a house built after careers abroad, and in my mind the design and detail are perfect. It has me thinking about my house and perhaps a few tweaks I could do.

The views of the mountains are lovely from every window and balcony. I forgot how changeable mountain slopes can be as light changes throughout the day and evening, or when clouds and mist move by. When I arrived yesterday my hosts took me to a tower to get 360 degree view of the area.

The train journey here was delightful through mountains and valleys. Pure pleasure to watch the ever changing views while sipping a cappuccino and later having a red curry filled with vegetables cooked properly. I had intended to read a book but throughout the four and a half hour trip I was content to look out the window at the constantly changing scenes. I tried to take photos, but none of them actually captured the beauty. It was a game trying to snap a photo of something before a tree, wall, tunnel or another passing train ended the scene. Vienna to Klagenfurt is the best train ride so far on this trip.

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Photos

View from my bedroom balcony
Taken this morning

View from look out tower
Klagenfurt is a town on on right side of this lake

Slide option
You could descend by a slide like the ones that they have in water parks. I declined the offer. ha ha

Look out tower
Made of wood

Info sign
In middle of photo. I an not sure if you can zoom in and read it.

Vibrant bushes
I am surprised by how many flowers and bushes grow well here.

Klagenfurt
Is there at the end of the lake

Beginning of train ride
Leaving Vienna and the hills turned into mountains

Brown river water
I have seen this in every country….must be the type of sediment

Train stopped
At a place that began with “St V”, and I had time to zoom in

View a few minutes ago as it begins to rain
The white flowers on bushes have lemony scent and can be picked to make a drink.

Local dish from Carinthia
Large dumplings, one variety stuffed with potatoes and cheese and herbs, the other stuffed with some plant from the forest that has garlic flavour.

Pumpkin seed oil
Is used as a dip. Very nice dish with complex flavours. This regions history has influences from Slavic and Italian neighborhoods.

Good meal at local restaurant
Pork, sauerkraut, and the largest ball of bread stuffing that I have eaten. Delicious.