The Hills Are Alive

Salzburg at night
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Journal Entry 21, 15 November 2006 - The Hills Are Alive

I arrived into Salzburg by a graceful older style train that glided through the picturesque countryside of Germany and Austria, passing through the magnificent Alps and arriving late morning into this relaxed almost sleepy, city. My directions were clear to my hostel and since it was a magnificent autumn day, I decided to walk. It was one of the best decisions I had made on this trip. I met two American woman who were studying in Germany and had come to Salzburg for the weekend with only one thing on the their minds, to “doe, rei and me” all the way around this Sounds of Music capital.

A great place to take a few days just to chill out

Christmas Eggs in a display window
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They introduced themselves and we arranged to meet up that night at the Mirrabella Gardens to watch an amazing 4-piece ensemble, performing classic Mozart pieces in one of the finely crafted staterooms. The room was stunning and it perfectly accompanied the sounds and small audience that was present. I felt I was part of an exclusive club, however for 30 Euros anyone could be. You simply purchase tickets at the venue at about 8pm and don’t worry if you’re a little grungy, because it’s all about the music. Thou it did feel nice to get dressed up for the evening. After the performance was over we headed to an Irish Pub (a good reliability in each city) to have a few and enjoy a good night.

An Autumn Day in the Mirrabella Gardens
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The next morning I wandered down to buy some fresh cheese, bread and pastries for my breakfast (I was really starting to enjoy eating like the Europeans) and headed back to the hostel as I had an appointment. My appointment was booked in at 10am with Mrs Andrews and my two new American mates, to watch my very first screening.... ever.....of The Sound of Music. Yoho Hostel isn’t the best, its shabby and feels more like a school camp dorm, however they do boast that they show a screening of The Sound of Music everyday. Now for those out there, like me, who have never watched this musical, Salzburg and the surrounding hills is where the film is located.

The Alps in the Distance - The Hill the Von Trapps went over at the end of the movie. In reality if you climb that hill, youll end up in Germany.
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Now the purpose of watching the film wasn’t merely for the sake of looking like a sensitive new aged guy, but because I had been roped into doing The Sound of Music tour with Panorama tours that afternoon. I thought it was best that I have some idea of what I was getting myself into, for once. The half-day tour cost 30 euros and included a pickup from the hostel. I spent this funny afternoon singing along to the various tunes and trekking the various movie sites. I wont tell you any film secrets or locations except to say that this tour is a must and it’s even better when you get some mates together to experience it with you. It’s basically a big karaoke machine on wheels and you can even purchase some "spiritual enlightenment" onboard. That night we met up with Mietta and enjoyed a night of cards and baileys.

The Lake District
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The next day I really felt the need to explore this small city, as a result I hired a mountain bike and hit the roads. Salzburg has remarkably good bicycle lanes and weaving in and out of the alleyways was relaxing. The ride was relatively level the whole way and the roads well sign posted. I rode out to the various gardens and parks, enjoying fresh pastries and fruits along the way. I concluded my ride at the Salzburg Castle, which when roughly translated means "Salt Castle". So upon named from the early ships that carried salt along the river. The walk up was breath taking, literally and the view from the top was just as inspiring. The museum had an excellent exhibition on the various rooms and roles the castle had played, whilst the courtyard that surrounded the base of the castle had chess players and musicians alike.

Christmas is in the air
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I spent the remaining afternoon strolling the lanes, purchasing chocolates and souvenirs whilst learning about the influence music has had on this city. The various Christmas markets, outdoor skating rink and Christmas window displays made this old town feel warm and welcoming, whilst the fresh smells of mulled wine and pinecones created an aromatic atmosphere throughout the alleyways. I headed back to the hostel to wish my good friends a pleasant trip back to Germany with a promise that we would all meet up in Salzburg in 2012 for the Winter Olympics being held here.

The Sound of Music Pagoda - the one liesel danced in
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That evening Mietta and I headed back into the old town to do some outdoor Ice-skating and try a sample of the legendary Sacher Torte. If your a chocolate enthusiast, than this small restaurant in a must. The divine torte will make your tastebuds weep for more, with the smooth textures of the creamy torte and elegant setting of this restaurant; you will feel like a royalty.

The next morning I checkout and headed for the Airport, it was time to return back to London. I caught a flight for 30pounds and was back in London by lunchtime. Salzburg nestled in the Alps is an interesting small city with an atmosphere of nobility and full of old charm. The Austrians were exceptionally friendly, with the exception of one Austrian man who cut me up whilst riding. Salzburg is an easy city to get around with everything in easy walking distance and is a great place to take a few days just to chill out and really soak up this relaxed pace of life.

Salzburg from the castle
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To Be Continued...