There Are No Kangaroos In Austria

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From Pope to convent. We arrived to Salzburg, Austria for a few days of R&R as there was not a whole lot to do here but enjoy the unbelievable picture-postcard scenery. Salzburg lies in a valley. Mountains perched all around. Pastures in the distance. It is separated into New and Old town--Old with the appearance from Mozart's time. With our small, barely furnished room, and the churchbells ringing throughout the night, we feel like we are staying in a convent. Actually, it used to be a hospital. Our window opens out to a narrow cobblestone lane lined with shops and cafes.

One of the main attractions is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Used as the fortress for the archbishop rulers since 1077, it lies on the mountain above the city and towers above all. It was perhaps the most authentic castle that we have seen to date. It wasn't remodeled, painted, etc. The dungeon, instruments of torture and weaponry were all left on display. The latrine took us back to our memories of our lives in El Salvador. The tower provided excellent 360 degree views of Salzburg and the surrounding towns including the bluish-green river that flows through SALZ(meaning salt)BURG. Maybe it has something to do with the salt mines around, but the water seems almsot fake and a bit magical.

Famous for Mozart, Salzburg is decorated in Mozart this and Mozart that as the 250th anniversary of his birth approaches. Ironically enough he wanted to get out of Salzburg ASAP. He only spent 24 years here, but the town is completely in love with him. The Sound of Music tours run rampant (from the movie) and guides take you to all of the movie sets in Salzburg and the rest of Austria.

We also visited the Marionette Museum which can be summed up by the picture. We strolled around, sat under the sun by the Salzach River and enjoyed the absolutely beautiful weather. The last day was spent strolling in the Mirabell Gardens behind the Mirabell Palace. A quick stop for a quick rest. Austria was good to us. The country is beautiful, the weather even better. What more could we ask for.

Next up: Budapest, Hungary, September 14, 2006

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Comments

[anonymous]

Looks like you are having a great time ! I just shared the photos and story with your mom, Tenille. She is so pleased that you are having this experience...and I saw a tear in her eye !! We love you ! Stay safe and happy Susie

[Phillis]

What? Are you two 4?
And I was just about to congratulate you two on finally stopping to desecrate national monuments with your perty little heads and then came the marionettes... Well, at least now you two have found your place in europe posing in front of signs that say schmuck and wiener. Felicidades.

[Carole- favorite cousin]

Awesome blogs
Ryan... Your blogs are awesome.. It feels like we are all travelling with you both!!! but we do miss you!!!

[dadean]

What a beautiful place! I'm sure your fitting in just fine. Nice picture marionettes!!! Who was the schmuck? He looked like a wiener!!! Just kidding Ryan. Looking forward to seeing you two after your trip. We miss you and think of you daily. What's next? Be safe! Love you, Dad and Barb