Jun 25

June 25 – Salzburg is Special, Plan on More Than One Day to Explore

Salzburg's Funicular to the Castle

Salzburg’s Funicular to the Castle. I overcame the fear.

We (Han, Niki, Mia and myself) took off for Salzburg today about 300km to the west and encountered some beautiful countryside with charming homes and farms along the way.

Stopped at a roadside eatery for lunch called Landzeit Market. If you ever see one, keep on going. It is a tourist trap with subpar food at best.
We arrived a little before check-in at “Star Inn Hotel”, which turned out no problem. The staff was so nice, informed and accommodating. The hotel had just become part of the Comfort Inn Worldwide chain and the girls spoke excellent English. We placed our belongings in our rooms and headed out the door, as a new adventure awaits us.
The hotel sits just on the other side of the tunnel through the huge rockformation, that leads directly into the city’s center and main historic sightseeing district.
Walking through the tunnel was cooler in temperature and was very appreciated because it sure was hot today.
I could have done without the smell of urine in some areas, but that is life in darker places.
I was quite enchanted upon coming out of the tunnel. Once again I almost felt like the first days in Prague.
Everywhere you looked there was something more to see, study and feel wonderment. The old buildings bring such comfort to me.
I was in for quite the surprise when we rounded a corner, and behold the eye-popping magnificent Fortress Hohensalzburg, high above everything else and the only way to scale it was by the “castle lift” which is a small train going steeply up the side of the mountain, enclosed by mostly windows so not only could I feel my fear, I could see it too. The way up made me feel a bit edgy but we made it safely and being inside the fortress was well worth it.
The huge court yard has a center tree with benches surrounding it. I was visualizing in my mind what a day would be like living there and I am sure I was romantizing it into something unrealistic, but it was just so quaint and charming. Even Han got caught up in the magical atmosphere, and mentioned how great it would be to have a Petanque court there.
We had a sweet treat and coffee at the restaurant inside, luckily nabbed a table next to the fort wall and took tons of pictures. Looking below was like a tiny doll village with moving parts.
We would have liked to stay a bit longer but the wind was picking up and we had already been alerted it may rain soon. We wanted to get on the train before the mad rush, so we began our descent via the train and it was much more enjoyable the second time. I love continually pushing myself to try new things.
After the castle, we walked the famous street of Getreidegasse and ended up in front of Mozart’s birthplace. Very inspiring and is quite lovely. The downstairs is now a small food market, but even in Mozart’s years of living there, there was a small purveyor downstairs, so not much has changed. We did not go into the museum since thunder was now sounding in the distance.
We continued slowly walking down the famous Getreidegasse, which is considered to be one of the loveliest shopping streets in all the world. Due to limited time, I only went into one store which was Swarovski and was founded in 1895 in Austria. What better place to purchase Swarovski than Austria? It is also about 15.00 (per item) less expensive than in America.
We made excellent time because soon after making our way inside the tunnel, back to the hotel, it began raining.
We all were tired and took a little siesta and met up in the lobby for dinner. Finally settled on a mexican restaurant called Lemonchilli, which I thought to be somewhat of an odd choice, but we were in for a pleasant, delicious surprise.
We all chose the ribs and I have never tasted more tender or flavorful ribs in my life. There was a huge stack on each of our plates and I could not finish mine but I gave it my all. The rest were enjoyed by Niki. Now I am dreaming of some of those ribs.
The restaurant is also located in a lovely area of town.

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Jun 24

June 23 – Two Days in Breitenfurt

Liesenthal Str (1)June 23rd – Han and I have been stuck in the house some, due to me being down with allergies and quite a ways out of the city, so we had the great idea of walking to the grocery store in almost 90 degree weather. Mind you, not the brightest idea, especially on my part.
About half way there I was feeling faint. Had to sit down every so often. We stopped in at a car dealership just to cool off some.
I saw my dream car in the dealership parking lot, an original Fiat 500. Oh my, it is the cutest little thing. Even the color is great.
Fiat 500Finally arrived at store, bought our groceries, walked a little to the nearest bus stop and even though we were only going three stops ahead and with more walking, any little bit helped that we did not have to be in the sun.
I began pouring water over my head. As soon as we arrived back to the house, I was in the shower.
Rest of the day? Nothing, just took it easy.
June 24th
Today was all about writing, some computer work, cleaning the house, washing clothes and working on our further travel plans.
Niki went out with a friend and Han and I stayed in and watched a movie.
Called it an early night because we are going to Salzburg tomorrow.
Not every day is full of adventure and excitement. But at least we can sort through pictures (!) and write some observations down. LOL

Jun 22

June 22 – A Rendez Vous with Schonbrunn Castle

TJ at SchonbrunnToday Peter (Niki’s dad) nicely picked us up and dropped us at Castle Schonbrunn, so we would not have to take the bus. It is humongous and spectacular.
I will let the pics do the talking. Liberace would be horribly jealous of the interior of this castle.
You’re not allowed to take photos inside, as they want you to purchase the postcards, but you can check out all the photos here.
The castle grew in size over the years that the Habsburg Monarchie grew into a 600 year Empire. We saw were Napoleon once slept. Heard how four year old Mozart climbed onto the queen’s lap after playing piano for her. Read about the infamous and rebellious Sisi, who is popular but also slightly condemned for her rebellious actions.
Saw original furniture that the royal family used and enjoyed looking at the gaudy over-the-top wall and ceiling designs.
After rambling around the castle and me pretending to be Cinderella and the Queen (see pics), we ate a small lunch at “Cafe Restaurant Residenz.” I was not feeling like an actual meal so I had a piece of apple strudel with ice-cream and coffee. After all they are supposed to be famous for their strudel and even have a complete show on premises about how to make it and a show. Bottomline, it was a bit too touristy, even the flavor.
Peter picked us up, took us back to Niki’s house so I could rest. It was a very hot day.
Then he came back again in the early evening to get us and take us over to their home to have dinner.
It was so very kind of him to do all this running around and he even cooked. What a great guy!
I fell in love with their home before even stepping inside. The garden is lush, green, vibrant with flowers and they even have a vegetable garden.
When you walk in, I did not know where to look first. Me and my past decorating mind took over and went into overdrive. I pretty much asked to see every room, not me being nosy, just all the decor was a treat to the eye. I fell in love with two Italian designer chairs and I can say I seriously covet them, or almost close to it. LOL
Over 20 years ago I had given Niki’s mom a pillow I quilted and stitched myself and she showed me she still had it and it is in great condition. It made my day.
Peter also showed us his train model room in the attic. I went ballistic with excitement. I am a freak for miniatures and it was one of the coolest sets I have ever seen. He said it took him 12 years to build it. Wow, he is truly gifted. I was going crazy looking and touching everything. I am such a kid at heart.
Dinner was served al fresco outside with nature was almost as great as the food. Peter cooked authentic wiener schnitzel made with veal, potatoes and salad from the garden. We had a perfectly lovely time chatting, getting to know each other more and stuffing our faces with oh so yummy food.
If you look from upstairs, you see Vienna laid at your feet. Quite stunning!
I began to slowly crash from being tired, so I took up residence on the porch couch until it was time to go.
Just about as soon as we got home, we all went to our prospective rooms and crashed.

Jun 21

Trying to Make the Best of Five Allergy Ridden Days in Austria

cottonwood treesJune 17th
The cottonwood trees are just blooming here, which I am horribly allergic to, so yesterday I was already feeling kinda poorly and today it appears to be worse.
I caught up on some of my blogging and took a little nap. I never take naps, so this is not a good sign.

June 18th
This morning we all went to the farm just up the road. Niki wanted to show us where he gets his meat, eggs, butter, milk, bread, produce and more.
We were able to chat and thank the chickens who graciously provide the eggs we eat. This is a true “free range” organic farm. The chickens have a huge area to run around in with shady trees and then a tunnel called the “chicken highway”, which is underneath the actual road with inset grates, so you can see the chickens as the pass through but protects them on their way to the chicken coop.
Cows who are able to come and go as they please and are able to stand or lay down. No forcing them to stand in one spot, no cruelty of any sort. Also saw goats and pigs. Little piglets are simply adorable but dang do they smell something awful.
We took some pictures, enjoyed the rolling hill side scenery then headed back to the house.
Nik’s parents came over today. This is the first time ever meeting them and I felt awful. Being outside for that period of time at the farm hit me like a ton of bricks. I did not get to fully enjoy talking with them, so thank goodness we will be here longer.
Mia is staying the weekend also to visit. Mia is Niki’s daughter, who is eight and adorably precocious.
I was feeling so poorly that I pretty much whined for them to get me some medicine, then shortly after that, I excused myself from the get together and went to bed.

June 19th
Today was Mia’s birthday celebration. I slept in quite late and everyone was here by the time I came downstairs.
Everyone consisted of just immediate family thank goodness. We met his sister, her husband and two children. Really such a lovely family and not one bit surprised since Niki was raised by them.
Niki fixed a truly excellent brunch of eggs, toast, sausage, pnacakes and bacon on the grill. We also had some vegetables, four kinds of berries and more. More food than we could all eat.
After that Mia opened her gifts, we had cake and champagne, then sat around while Han played guitar.
Niki had to take Mia home, his mom and dad stayed on to visit with Han, as once again I excused myself and went back to bed. Staying in bed is really getting to me, but I have not been this allergy sick in ages.
However it was comforting listening to Han play guitar downstairs because my window was open and I had my own mini concert. He played my favorite song, which always makes me cry “Vincent” and I had to do everything in my power not to dissolve into tears from the song and from feeling a bit sorry for myself. I was already not breathing well, and that surely would not have helped.

June 20th
Today all it did was rain, rain and rain some more. I was fine with that because I had no inclination or desire to leave the house. When Niki got home we watched a movie and that was about the extent of our excitement today. By the way, the movie was called Whiplash and we all really loved it.
Since not much happened today, so I will mention some ingenious ideas that I’ve seen here in Europe, that I myself will def implement once we decide where to settle, and some are public use ideas that I really wish I would see more of in the states.

Towel hooksdoor hook• Very small towel holder hooks that can be simply attached to the wall or just slide on top of the bathroom door. Cost is probably three dollars at most. You hang your towel by the company tag or even from a sewn on loop if need be. They dry just fine. Love these hooks and will definitely buy some of these instead of expensive towel bars which are time consuming to hang, These hooks don’t become loose over time and what a huge space saver.

 

European windows• Vinyl Windows and doors that last much longer. They can lean inwards from the top for air flow or open up completely. They are durable, easy to operate and clean and one inch double paned for insulation.

 

 

 

 

Light switchpower outlets• Wall outlets and light switches. These do not jut out from the wall, the face plates don’t crack because of the small size and lay almost flush against the wall. Ease of usage.

 

 

 

 

bird stickers• Bird stickers on windows, so birds won’t fly into the large windows here. Something so simple, yet it can help save a bird’s life.

 

 

 

 

 

Public Steps• An individual area of steps, with the sole purpose to help moms with strollers and people with carts to maneuver the steps more smoothly and easily. I have never seen this before. What an outstanding idea!

 

 

 

 

Doggy poop stations• Doggy poop stations. Top area offers free poop bags and bottom area is where you dispose of the bags. I have not particularly been searching, but I have yet to see or step in dog poop. Maybe an idea for all beach entrances on Amelia Island. Fertilization purpose anyone?

 

 

 

 

June 21st
Beginning to feel somewhat more normal.
Rested most the day, taking my medicine and going through tons of tissues. Take my word for it, face tissue is not as soft here as in the states. My nose can verify this travesty.
Tonight we went out for dinner. I have kinda lost my appetite so did not eat very much but it was good.
The guys watched some music videos in the ManCave/Projection room and I called it an early night.
Han has been taking such good care of me. I have tried to be a nice patient.

This is what I wrote on Facebook about my allergies. I try to keep my humor.

I hate you Cottonwood trees. You stand there all green, vibrant and seemingly just as innocent as the other trees, but you’re NOT. You are evil with your white flakes that float gently through the air to spread your satan seed to try and make more little evil trees, which then climb up my nose to create discomfort and make me feel miserable. I wish you were all flies, so I could simply swat the living daylights out of you before you could create havoc to my sinuses.
I am surely tired of all your white shit raining down on me.

Jun 16

June 16th – My First Real Vision of Vienna Austria

Stephan's KircheJune 16th – A Day in Vienna Austria
 
Niki took the day off from work and we rode into Vienna via bus then train. We went for breakfast at his friend’s restaurant and my breakfast was quite good, then we went across the street to the oldest tea room in Vienna. Niki purchased some tea and I “eye” shopped because the prices were outrageous considering a coffee cup was 25.40 euro.
He began showing us around and I loved being able to find the must-see sights easier with our own personal guide.
 
Anker Clock was extremely detailed and marvelous. It plays Christmas carols during Advent season.
You can also check out the clock movements on youtube.
 
I really loved visiting the oldest church in Vienna called St. Ruperts.
Han and I lit another candle for each of our moms. Even though I am not Catholic, I have enjoyed lighting a candle for my mom in remembrance in churches that speak to me in one way or another. It has been special to remember my mama while on our adventure.
They still hold services in the church. The most unusual thing was the bones of a dead person inside a see-through vault. Yes, it’s a tad bit creepy.
My favorite was the uniqueness and variety of the stain glass windows which some are very art deco looking and stunning.The oldest glass window panes (doing from approximately 1370) can be found in the church. They depict crucified Christ and the Madonna with baby.
Read more about this fascinating church and history on the link below.
 
There are many other churches to visit and as previously written, you simply cannot miss stepping into the multitude of churches here because each one has its own story, architecture delights, stain glass windows and so much more. Even though I am not religious, I love walking in and feeling the calm of the building itself seep into my soul and it is very calming. Besides that, it is so much cooler inside, so go in to relax and rejuvenate from the heat. (if it is hot outside)
 
The Pestsäule is very touching monument to the plague victims of 1679. If you are walking around the square area, you cannot possibly miss it. It is very large and prominently displayed.
 
We had fun window shopping but no actual shopping. The prices here are sky high. I am not sure I can even afford to “walk” in a store.
There was an exclusive grocery store in the square area which we walked through looking at many delicacies, but when I noticed that a box of 10 individual wrapped Twinkies cost 16.70 dollars in USD, I figured we would use the restroom and leave quietly. LOL
Walking the beautifully laid out town square and side streets were well worth the time. The architecture is a mixture than runs from medieval times to modern. The modern gives it an interesting flare but at the same time is completely out of place.
On the way back, while waiting on the bus, Niki went to the meat market and bought a lot of protein for the grill. We ate like kings tonight, on the deck, with a soft breeze blowing.
After dinner we gave one of the neighborhood dogs the bone from the steak. He seemed very happy.
A perfectly, friendly, welcoming, relaxing and quiet neighborhood. I am really going to enjoy being in the country for a little while.

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