For Labor Day Weekend we decided very last second to spend it in Austria, the land of Alps, yodeling, Sound of Music and beauty. It was a delightful good time and and the weather was very reasonable. It seems typical that every time we try to go to the alps- the clouds move in so we can't see the tops of the mountains. We got lucky this weekend.
We took the train all the way there which was really nice. Keith is a horrific driver and always tries to kill us on the Autobahn. So we usually spend a few hours yelling at each other because my life is flashing before my eyes. We will take the train more often because it was absolutely relaxing to watch out the window and read a book.
Our first little adventure was to a place called Hellbrunn Schloss. It was considered to be the Disneyland of the 1600's. There were trick fountains all over the place so the guests would end up soak and wet when they were admiring the castle.
This was a fun trick. Supposedly guest would sit in these chairs around this table to eat and then the fountain would turn on and get all the guests wet. Water came out of the their chairs, the middle of the table and from the ground.
We walked through all these elaborate rooms only to have water squirted in our faces or pop out of the floor and surprise us. I had to be careful with the camera because I never had any idea where it would come from.
Even this cute deer head would attack when you were least expecting it!
One of the first things I noticed about this castle is the color scheme, only because yellow and turquoise are now the new trend in home color designs. Just wanted to point out that trendy color combinations are often recycled because this castle is like 400 years old.
The park at this location was unreal with the view of the Alps. The weather was so gorgeous there were people laying everywhere. And they have no shame, many laid around in their bra and underwear trying to soak up the sun. This is Jadyn by the Sound of Music gazebo. There is a scene where the oldest daughter dances around on all the benches inside of it.
The park where the kids play was even fun for these teenagers. I am convinced that Europe has better parks because the parents aren't sue happy if their child happens to get hurt. So they put fun equipment in them that you would not dream of seeing in the US. Just my opinion but really, what happened to all the Merry-go-Rounds that used to be on the playgrounds of my childhood?
This piece of a equipment is a slanted disk that moves. You are supposed to walk on it without falling off. The kids thought it was cool. I liked the backdrop even more.
This was fun, it was a jumping device where you try and bounce the person on the other side. Keith and I got involved too.
And what kid doesn't love a zip line?
The park was filled with extremely manicured gardens full of gorgeous flowers.
This is another scene from the Sound of Music- I can't seem to recall but I think this is Mozart's park or something. He was born in this city, so I can't be too far from the truth.
Later that night- we met some friends at the Augustiner Beir Garten which is produced by monks. With weather that was so delightful, the Europeans have it right when they take all their tables and chairs outside to eat and drink. (Keith- you look like a tourist in that shirt!) This place was really cool though having to wash your own mugs was different.
Here is Ann Petersen enjoying her weekend here too! We met up with her and her boyfriend and then ran into some other people we knew while here. It was a very lively and enjoyable weekend.
Wrapped around every tree was a coat rack. Looks like they have there a long time. Thankfully we didn't need to use our coats this evening which is very unusual.
The kids did not join us at the Augustiner though Jadyn wanted too a tiny bit. We have decided that the kids are old enough to show some independence, even in foreign countries. We aren't raising pansies, that is for sure because some of the initiatives that the kids already take surprise me on occasion. While we were here, the kids went to the restaurant downstairs and ordered dessert together to enjoy in their gardens and even tipped the waitress. Then they order Sound of Music to watch in the hotel room. Sometimes they are so responsible it floors me.
Man, I didn't have a tripod with me so taking night pics is nearly impossible. But it was soooo beautiful with the castle on the hill and the churches below it all reflecting off the river.
The next day the was the day the kids were really looking forward too. We went to the Salt Mines. We hired a tour guide to drive us out to them and then spent about 2 hours going all through them. We had to dress up in these white uniforms I guess to stay clean. We went down these awesome wood slides to go deeper in the mine. It was a lot of fun. And anyone who knows me, knows that I love salt!!! So I bought quite a bit of what is considered some of the world's finest salt.
Afterwards the guide took us through a replica of a Celtic village to show us how the inhabitants of old days lived. Then he took us to a festival where there were 100's of vendors.
I mean really, where else on earth can you shop under the mountains like this? Jadyn scored a Rip Stick for next to nothing. She learned the finer point of negotiating.
The last day we were here we spent walking and bussing all over the city. We found this communist building that is now a jazz club around the corner of our hotel.
It kind of pisses me off that there is a McD's everywhere I go in the world! I don't care how cute their sign is. I despise globalization and how it makes everywhere you go in the world the same.
It wouldn't be Europe without an awesome fountain and church.
I love store displays, this one was particularly nice.
Cute coffee shop where we finally got some decent coffee.
I just adore Austrian traditional clothing. I want to own all of it.
I saw several clothing items made of grainsacks! I instantly fell in love.
Isn't this fantastic?
I would so wear this.
Though I find wearing a life size parrot or a gecko around your neck a little strange.
Because we relied on public transportation, getting to a grocery store wasn't in my cards. I always love to visit grocery stores in foreign countries because you never know what you will find. But I am going to assume it is very similar to the ones here in Bavaria only because we are so close. Perhaps next time....
