Salzburg.

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Geo: 47.8, 13.0333

16tH NovemberAfter a 2 hour and 40 minute train trip we arrive in beautiful Salzburg near the Bavarian alps. You could bottle and sell this air despite that it's almost compulsory to smoke everywhere. We check into the Ramada which is 3 minute walk from the bahnhof where we have a small disagreement with the ridiculously young stupid bearded with silly curly moustache hotel manager. It gets settled quickly enough.It's very noticeable here with Syrian refugees lined up outside the station heavily monitored by police and soldiers, waiting to cross borders into Germany. It's actually quite confronting as are the beggars throughout. There's no aggression just desperation in their eyes.Off we go exploring the old town with its stunning architecture and onion domed churches scattered throughout the cobblestone streets. Much activity is taking place in the various platz's as they set up the hundreds of Christmas market stalls which open on Thursday. Many of the older folk here still dress very smartly in barbarian clothing and look very dapper. It's one very well attired country.My limited German is getting us by and I only once asked for drei instead of zwei. Oh well, 2 is good 3 is better.Next we find the Augustiner bier hall which is nothing compared with Munichs hofbrauhaus, here we have a quick half stein of Bockbier as the atmosphere was dull and smoky. Back at the hotel we ask for a decent restaurant and are directed to the braurestaurant where we both enjoy a great meal washed down with Austrian wines. Heading home we pick up a warm bottle of Chardonnay from the supermarket, I put it in the French fries chiller for a few minutes. Bedtime, Auf wiedersein zzzzz

17th November
Tea, shit, shower and shave and off we go again. Priority #1 get tickets for the "Sound of Music" tour tomorrow morning as today's weather is looking a little grey. Coffee time in a cafe with the heating so high we may as well have been back in Perth. Again we pound the streets and will later visit the Stiegl brewery for a stein and a good feed.We find Salzburg's oldest bakery with the kiln powered by a water wheel. Next is a little cemetery and from here you can see buildings and churches actually joined to the side of the mountain and old turrets of the once walled city defending itself over many years.We find the Stiegl brewery/ restaurant which has spectacular views across the city. The Japanese tourists are doing their typical touristy poses only these ones are looking very camp. Lunch is good!
Hotel early as we have to solve a problem like Maria in the mo

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Comments

[Norma]

Wow this place looks cool Ivan, Great photo's.

[Anne]

Oh Ivan - the whole trip sounds and looks so beautiful and amazing. When do you return to Paris. Take care

[ivanandchris]

Back to Paris Friday