Tag Archives: Austria

Day 12 – Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna.

22 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Austria, Schonbrunn Palace, Uncategorized, Vienna

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Schonbronn Palace,Vienna

Schonbronn Palace,Vienna

Less than one hundred years ago, Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna had been the enormous Summer Residence of the Imperial Habsburg Family.

The Habsburgs had ruled over an extensive Austrian/Hungarian Empire for several hundred years. Many generations of reigning Habsburgs had gone about their daily life inside this Enormous Palace. They had called it home from about the 17th right through to the early 20th Century. Every Summer they’d returned to open up both the family residential rooms and the stately Imperial Rooms. Amazingly there were over 1,400 rooms in all. This video below will give you a great overview of this enchanting palace in all its glory.

So on the afternoon of Day 12 of our river cruise, we were rather excited to be heading off for yet another afternoon of exploration…we would be spending some time wandering this spellbinding castle and its absolutely magical grounds. During this time we’d have opportunity to view both the internal rooms and the historically prized formal gardens.

To say Schonbrunn is architecturally ornate would be an understatement. It was rich, it was lavish and there had obviously been no expense spared during its creation.

It’s beautiful Baroque Exterior gives way to all the glorious detail contained in its royal Rococo Interior decor. It was truly just like a fairy tale palace and so befitting the King and Queen of this large and strictly ruled European empire.

But by 1919, the end of World War 1, ownership of Schonbrunn Palace was finally transferred from the royal family to the new Austrian Republic that had just come into power.

Today Schonbrunn Palace mainly serves as a tourist destination. Some 2,000,000 people are said to visit this popular sightseeing area every year. They come from all around the globe to view its beautiful  finery and learn more about its history.

The sheer size of Schonbrunn is almost unbelievable. Who among us would ever have lived  in a home of such grand proportions? Most certainly not D.B. or I.

Along with its 1441 rooms, there were also many acres of beautiful statued formal gardens, a most impressive Gloriette which offers absolutely enchanting views over the palace, a zoo and even an enormous palm house for exotics.

Garden statues, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

Garden statues, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

We spent over 2 hours viewing the stunning interior and the gardens but it was most certainly not enough. I personally could easily have spent the whole day there. WOW what another amazing place…it was just like stepping into your very own Fairy Tale.

More of Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

More of Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

Schonbrunn Video Links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVnZc8f6X-M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nZ1QCktfgw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3UQaKJFcgQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-iOZdu7xF4
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Day 12 – Vienna; City of Enchantment, My City of Dreams.

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Austria, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Global City of Enchantment, Vienna.

My favourite, a Global City of Enchantment, Vienna.

If you think Mozart, or Strauss, Freud or Adler, Buber or Wagner, Zinnemann or Menger…… if you think any of these great people, well of course…. you’re probably thinking pure Vienna. So many astoundingly gifted minds of the 20th century were either born in, or lived close by Vienna.

Vienna, Beautiful Imperia Architecture.

Vienna, Beautiful Imperia Architecture.

From music, to philosophy, from architecture to  psychiatry, from 20th century film direction to pure mathematical tables, this magical city has been called home by many of the world’s greatest thinkers in all areas of human endeavour.

Vienna's Classical Buildings

Classical Buildings

It’s operas, universities, theatres, and cultural pursuits have continued to be at the cutting edge of human endeavour over the past couple of centuries.

Culturally,  aesthetically and academically, Vienna has always been at the forefront of visionary thought and cultural advancement.

Personally I just simply continue to love everything about Vienna.

Grand Vista's, Vienna.

Grand Vista’s, Vienna.

Ask me why….and sadly I won’t be able to tell you. Perhaps it is buried deep within my early inner layers, or maybe even perhaps behind a past life’s door!

But one thing I can tell you for sure,  I’ve been mesmerized by Vienna for far longer than I  care to remember….for some reason it has always held a  strange romantic appeal which I believe must have seeded in childhood, if not, perhaps a long time before!

Just as the diamond sparkles and radiates its crystal inner beauty, so too does Vienna radiate its mesmerizing and spellbinding magical aura for me…and in the most enchanting of ways. Yes everything Viennese continues to attract and even intrigue me…..right down inside my own secluded inner core.

The streets of Vienna, 2013.

Promoting the arts in Vienna, 2013.

It was now day 12 of our wonderful river cruise and for the first time in my life we were able to tour this most enchanting of cities…..first by bus, then later by foot.

The architecture was everything I thought it would be. I’d heard so much about it. Some people love it… some dislike it’s grand decore.

Yes it’s so very ornate, so decorative and so classically imperial. There’s the early Romanesque, the Gothic, the captivatingly, beautiful Baroque and the oh-so-pretty Rococo. And of course as well there’s the ultra modern, architecturally pleasant modern contemporary.

I was most certainly not disappointed by the short few hours we had there. I only wish there had been more. I REALLY THINK AN OVERNIGHT STAY in Vienna and a SECOND DAY of sightseeing in this Imperial City would have been so very wonderful.

More of Vienna's architectural lovelyness.

More of Vienna’s architectural loveliness.

Dearly Beloved (D.B.) probably still doesn’t fully understand my par amour and neither do I in fact.

But we had a lovely day. We saw the sprawling, majestic palaces such as The Hofburg or Imperial Palace, The Belvedere Palace and Schonnbrunn Palace.

The Magical Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna.

The Magical Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna.

There were so many ornately detailed stately buildings such as the famous Vienna Opera House,  the Kunsthistorisches Museum, The Natural History Museum, the Albertina Museum, The Parliament Building and the Seccession Building and of course the classical Rathaus.

There were the beautiful Gothic and Baroque churches interwoven through the streets of the city center; architectural marvels such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, St Peters and St Charles along with many other wonderful kirche.

St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna.

Then of course there were also the many many highly decorative statues and the neo-classical fountains scattered throughout the city.

Ornate statue, Vienna.

Ornate statue, Vienna.

A real highlight of Vienna that continues to add immensely to it’s captivating imperial enchantment is of course, its beautiful horses.

Beautiful Horses, Vienna.

Beautiful Horses, Vienna.

The Spanish Riding School in the centre of Vienna houses the most exquisitely trained Lipizzan dressage horses. These beautiful animals regularly entertain the public with morning performances. If you would like to experience some even more personal equine adventures, there are also the captivating horse and carriage tours that can also be hired to transport you in style as you take a look around the this lovely city.

More of Vienna's beautiful horses.

More of Vienna’s beautiful horses.

Vienna is such a timelessly beautiful city.

I do so LOVE..yes truly LOVE LOVE  LOVE it all…

So much so I often tell D.B. to just look for me in Vienna if I decide to go on a little personal sojurn.

Promoting music and the arts in modern Vienna.

Promoting music and the arts in modern Vienna.

.

Shop front, Vienna Style.

Shop front, Vienna Style.

Contemporary architecture, Vienna.

Contemporary architecture, Vienna.
More of Classical Vienna.

More of Classical Vienna.

A different angle St Stephen's Vienna.
A different angle St Stephen’s Vienna.

One last photo of beautiful Vienna.

One last photo of beautiful Vienna.

Video Link: Absolutely beatiful Piano combined with ENCHANTING VIENNA:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7iclRWuGgA

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Day 11 – Melk; And a Most Magnificent Benedictine Abbey.

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Austria, Melk Abbey, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Melk Abbey, Austria.

Melk Abbey, Austria.

We awoke early on Day 11 to find ourselves travelling through magical Austria

It was akin to a good dream … one that comes back just  to bless you a second time!

This was now our second visit to an absolutely captivating country.

After all, we had already explored a little of the Salzburg Provence just three short weeks ago before even boarding our Longship Tor on this amazingly wonderful river Cruise.

For those of you who have been travelling with us, you will know I’d already fallen in love with the wonderfully mesmerizing blues and greens of the Austrian landscape. I’d been totally drawn in by our sightseeing around this wonderful country and its glorious snow capped alps, beautiful alpine spa regions and pristine lakes districts. You may or may not recall that  this had been one of initial destinations earlier on in this, “Our Grand European Sojourn” in the Spring of 2013.

Docking in the little town of Melk (Population approx 5,000), D.B. and I were soon busing our way up to the rocky outcrop at the top of the hill which overlooks the small township. Indeed, we were off to see the magnificent Melk Abbey in all its historical monastic glory. Belonging to the Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is just simply brim full of the most incredibly ornate historical treasures. It was truly another of those most notable and stand out sightseeing ventures of our holiday.

Exterior of Melk Abbey, Austria

Exterior of Melk Abbey, Austria

Do watch this video below if you would prefer a night time view of the Magnificent Abbey.

Initially built in the 10th century A.D. as a castle and home for King Leopold  1, it was later gifted in around the 11th century to the Benedictine order of monks by King Leopold 2.  Melk Abbey has been home to the Benedictines ever since.

However as we well know, the course of history rarely runs smoothly. Much of the original castle section of the abbey burnt to the ground in the 13th century. Different smaller sections were rebuilt in centuries following. By about the 15th century it housed the most remarkable library and scriptitorium. The churches often controlled the printed word at this time and held huge collections of books.

Library, Melk Abbey, Austria

Library, Melk Abbey, Austria

It was much much later…….. in around the 18th century that another rebuild and further remodeling saw it establish its current magnificent baroque style.

Today, tourists continue to travel from all around the world to visit the tiny little township called Melk; most come so they can visit and view this truly remarkable abbey. Housing a very eclectic monastic mix of the most wonderfully guilded treasures from throughout Benedictine religious history, Melk Abbey continues to be a drawcard for both Christians and non-Christians alike. There is just so much opulence….and so much grandeur……..at times sensory overload but oh so ….WELL YES ….MAGNIFICENT.

The Painted Ceilings, Melk Abbey, Austria.

The Painted Ceilings, Melk Abbey, Austria.

Once again as one area led on to the next and then to the next……. each seemed to surpass the other for both its storehouse of treasures and its magnificent architectural features. Truly again all D.B. and I could say was WOW, WOW, WOW and WOW!! What a truly amazing place.

Opulant historical treasures, Melk Abbey, Austria

Opulant historical treasures, Melk Abbey, Austria

The splendid staircase, Melk Abbey, Austria.

The splendid staircase, Melk Abbey, Austria.

The Chapel, Melk Abbey, Austria

The Chapel, Melk Abbey, Austria

The Summerhouse, Melk Abbey, Austria.

The Summerhouse, Melk Abbey, Austria.

The Township of Melk, Austria.

The Township of Melk, Austria.

And for those of you who are really interested in the absolutely magnificent Melk Abbey please also check out these links as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmAaoEu9wf4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs5IeBbID60

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SUuKrwVs_Y

Day 10 – Picturesque Passau; A Township on 3 Rivers

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Passau, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Beautiful Interior, St Stephen's Passau, Germany

Beautiful Interior, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

How could this be I had to ask? We did still have one more day in Germany after all. I’d thought Passau was in Austria but no…I find it’s actually in Germany but sitting right on the border between the two countries. It’s also only about 30klms away from the border of the Czech Republic.

Sailing down the Danube to

Sailing down the Danube to

So with yet one more day in Germany, we were soon off to explore lovely Picturesque Passau (Pop approx 50,000), which sits rather poetically on the confluence of three rivers – The Ilz, The Inn and The Danube.

It’s also sometimes referred to in German as the Drieflussestadt which translates to “the Town of 3 rivers” and at other times as “Barvaria’s Venice”.

View from high on the hill overlooking the confluence of the 3 rivers, Passau, Germany

View from high on the hill overlooking the confluence of the 3 rivers, Passau, Germany

Another photo of the beautiful view in Passau, Germany

Another photo of the beautiful view in Passau, Germany

Veste Orberhaus, Fortrees on the Hill, Passau, Germany

Veste Orberhaus, Fortress on the Hill, Passau, Germany

We’d decided to catch a little sightseeing bus and travel up to the top of the hill behind Passau in order to take in it’s picture perfect views. Needless to say there were watery vistas everywhere below…..indeed such a pretty little place.

Our bus driver was talking to all of the other passengers on board in German; hence we couldn’t understand a word he was saying for most of the journey. Many on board actually seemed to be participating in a little Trivia Quiz and some were even winning little prizes for their correct responses.

Then all of a sudden, the bus driver turned to us and directed a question in English.

“Passau is famous for its three rivers,” he said. “Can you tell me the names of all three?”

Well thankfully I’d actually read the little news letter delivered to our stateroom the evening before just as I always did. And I think I must have read it far more carefully than Dearly Beloved (D.B.) for I quickly rattled off my response ….”The Ilz, The Inn and The Danube,” I replied with quite some pride in my newly acquired knowledge.

Interesting doorway Passau, Germany.

Interesting doorway Passau, Germany.

“Wonderful,” replied our rather friendly bus driver. “You have won yourself this little voucher for some cake and coffee at a little café in Passau. I will show you where to go when we get back down into the town.”Indeed, I was quite excited by all of this! I’d actually won something.

Passau township, Germany

Passau township, Germany

But as you are probably aware, the rivers of Passau have also caused its Town-folk much grief at various times throughout history. Sodden and waterlogged as it was yet again early in June this year (and just one short month after our own visit). Record high floods had again triggered a massive cleanup to remove all of the smelly mud and silt from the cities roads and buildings as the water receded. If you have time, you might like to click on the video links below and take a closer look at the havoc it caused.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TueW2wD3RWo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRiiBtZ7FtY

Of the 50,000 inhabitants of Passau, 10,000 of them evidently include a revolving residency of students who attend the Passau universities. As such, this lovely little Town does have a rather youngish feel to it. There were love heart banners across its streets and  young people out and about just enjoying the sunny day.

Yellow Rose display, Passau, Germany

Yellow Rose display, Passau, Germany

According to Wikipedia, Passau was first settled by some displaced Roman tribes way back in about the 2nd century A.D.  Later, it was called home by the “Batavi” an old German tribe.  By the 8th century it had become the largest dioceses of the Holy Roman Empire.

Door on St Stephen's Passau, Germany

Door on St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

St Stephen's Passau, Germany

St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

Detail inside St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Detail inside St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

One part of the organ, St Stephen's Passau, Germany

One part of the organ, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

Gold statue, St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Gold statue, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

More Statues inside St stephen's Pasau, Germany

More Statues inside St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

More detail, St Stephen's, Passau, Germany

More detail, St Stephen’s, Passau, Germany

Last photo, St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Last photo, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

For us, today’s wonderful little sightseeing gems included the Alstadt (Old Town area) and the majestic, Gothic and Baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral, which was built in about the 17th century A.D. With its beautiful white interior and its Carpoforo Tencalla, Ceiling Frescos, St Stephen’s is truly a stand out piece of architecture.  The cathedral houses eight bells and lays claim to the largest organ in the world outside of the United States of America. We were lucky enough to hear it play as we were treated to an organ concert at the end of the morning’s info-walk. Just wonderful…….and yes yet another interesting and enjoyable day. But this one really was our last in Germany!

Spring Flower Display down near the river, Passau, Germany

Spring Flower Display down near the river, Passau, Germany

Passau Resident, Germany.

Passau Resident, Germany.

Apricot Rose in Passau, Germany.

Apricot Rose in Passau, Germany.

Pink rose in Passau, Germany.

Pink rose in Passau, Germany.

Children's traditional clothing for sale Passau Germany

Children’s traditional clothing for sale Passau Germany

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Hohenwerfen – On the wings of an eagle

23 Friday Aug 2013

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Hohenwerfen Castle in Werfen Austria

Travelling back from our morning of sightseeing in the village of Zell Am See, we decided to spend an hour or two just kicking back and exploring our “first castle”. We stopped in the little township of Werfen, which is in the Salzach Valley, Salzburg District, Austria, and some 40klm from the city of Salzburg itself.

From way up high in the mighty bell tower at the summit of the castle, you could almost feel as though you’d escaped your mortal roots and ascended onto a heavenly plain…. Floating on high with the angels and the eagles. Needless to say, the views from the top were, quite simply spectacular – stretching way out as far as the eyes could see and taking in all of the surrounding countryside for miles and miles around.

It was truly a “photographer’s paradise”….so many wonderful photographic opportunities.

Where Eagles Dare

Hohenwerfen was originally built in about the 10th Century A.D. The castle is reported to have taken on many and varied roles throughout the ages past. At differing times it has been used as a fortress, a prison, a military base, a hunting retreat and, much more recently, as a training ground for Austrian Gendarmerie (which was a rural military force bestowed with general police duties that existed in the last century).

The castle’s history throughout the ages has been quite eventful. It has survived two previous fires and been made famous by movies….

Where Eagles Dare, Just Married and The 10th Kingdom have all featured scenery of this majestic residence.

The Chapel

Today it mainly serves as an “Adventure Castle” for tourists and sightseers who, like ourselves, will travel from all around the world to become acquainted with its mediaeval past and historically rich treasures. Even within the short, couple of hours we spent there, we were able to explore the fortress chapel, the armoury and arsenal, many of the different implements of early torture, the pitch kitchen, the canons, and so much more.

Implements of Torture

Implements of Torture 2

The exciting highlight of our afternoon at Hohenwerfen was a rather impressive falconry display which provided us with an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the high art of falconry from a very close range. This last video link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoelMLY3SdI.will take you to a You Tube video showing this impressive falconry display if you decide to visit.

Falconry 5

These beautiful birds were spectacular in flight. There were vultures, red kites, owls and several others.

Falconry 1

What an amazingly interesting afternoon…. All in all another great day!

Falconry 3

Falconry 2

Zell Am See – Lost in an intoxicatingly beautiful landscape

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Austria, Bad Gastein, Uncategorized, Zell Am See

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“Just as a glass of fine wine can renew the soul at the end of a long stress-filled day, so too can an intoxicatingly, beautiful landscape rejuvenate the depleted spirit and bring renewed joy to the recesses of our immortalised journeys.”  KidazzleInk

The intoxicatingly beautiful lake at Zell Am See

The intoxicatingly beautiful lake at Zell Am See

Totally excited by the prospect of spending yet another exhilarating day, venturing out into Austria’s chartreuse green landscape, snow-capped mountains and tiffany blue waters, we decided to arise early.

The glorious morning vista of the Austrian Alps was beckoning just outside our window. Once again, it was so totally mesmerizing. The mountains were shrouded in their usual, whimsical mists.

For a brief time, we actually enjoyed just sitting back, relaxing, and watching yet another beautiful sunrise.

After a light breakfast, we eagerly gathered a few basic belongings together; our Austrian map, my beloved camera, my beloved’s mobile phone, our new BMW keys and warm overcoats…..

Then we were on our way.

Driving off into the Austrian Alps

Driving off into the Austrian Alps

Driving out of Bad Gastein (our carefully chosen base on this Austrian leg of our holiday) we meandered off towards the charming little lakeside village of Zell Am See. We’d previously been advised by our very reputable and, indeed, internationally-knowledgeable neighbours back at home (back in God’s own Country) on the Gold Coast in Australia, that this lovely Austrian “Lakes District” would be well positioned within one of Austria’s most picturesque regions.

We were already motoring and we were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to spend some more time exploring these new scenic surroundings.

As we drove, the valleys appeared to glow like green, peridot sapphires. Floating clouds and mists continually wafted across the melting, snow-capped peaks. Water from the run-off flooded into the little creeks and then on into rivers and lakes, making them appear an amazing, snowy-shade of tiffany blue.

You know…..the Austrian landscape is always so breathtakingly beautiful! Our Australian neighbours had been right yet again.

More scenic beauty.

More scenic beauty.

Yet, despite these amazing surroundings, my personal monsters were once again returning. My internalised fears about the right-handed driving experience were again, inexplicably intruding. Sadly, I can’t lay any claim to exhibiting very much in the way of helpful, or even remotely well-mannered, co-pilot behavior during this journey. I would have to admit to again being quite terrified by the prospect of driving on (what, I firmly believed to be) the WRONG SIDE OF THE CAR and the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! I have previously written about these personal, overly-dramatic driving dilemmas in another recent post entitled, John Lennon: Fear and Love. Today, sad to say, was definitely no different….especially for my poor dearly-beloved as he suffered yet more of my vocal distress.

Thankfully, the beauty of the region just kept drawing us in and moving us forward.

On arrival in the pretty little township of Zell Am Zee, we found ourselves rather ill prepared for the day’s sightseeing, which we had hoped, would take us all the way into the old-town area or “Altstadt”, and quite naturally past the lake of Zell Am See itself. We had an old map, but it offered little detail in relation to the roads within the township….… we had access to the BMWs Sat Nav but we were still complete novices when it came to using it….. we had no Google connections on our mobile phones and amazingly……we had absolutely no of idea where we were going!

The plan had been to visit the Zell Am See Information Centre soon after arrival. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t find it – the centre certainly wasn’t where we had imagined it would be.

Resourcefully, we quickly decided to ask some of the friendly locals (who miraculously spoke a little bit of broken English). With thanks to these lovely “oh so kindly and oh so helpful Austrians” we were soon heading off again, now following them in the direction they knew we needed to go.

However, even despite their best endeavours, they never actually succeeded in getting us to our final destination. Don’t ask why …..we just simply managed to turn off prematurely yet again!!!

Finding ourselves with somewhat depleted spirits, we decided to take some time to console ourselves and order an early lunch. Our grumbling stomachs were already telling us that breakfast had been a rather long time ago.

Outside Sasha's in Zell Am See.

Outside Sascha’s in Zell Am See.

Sasha's - one of our wonderfully convivial hosts - possibly Sasha himself but I'm not sure.

Sascha’s – one of our wonderfully convivial hosts – possibly Sascha himself but I’m not sure.

Would you believe, we were now conveniently parked outside a very captivatingly trendy little café called “Sascha’s”, on what I think may well have been the Eastern side of the little township!

I can only say that both of our Guardian Angels must now have started overseeing the day’s events!!

Sasha's - oh so yummy food

Sascha’s – oh so yummy food

Sasha's- the snow-white fur covered alfresco dining area

Sascha’s- the snow-white fur covered alfresco dining area

Sasha’s little café was just glorious with its comforting, snow-white, fur-covered alfresco dining areas; its warm, inviting interiors and its gracious and oh-so- accommodating owners. It was most convivial, modern, relaxed and somewhat up-market with fresh cream leather lounges, purple-neon lighting, and a menu of deliciously varied offerings. What more could one ask for on this somewhat chilly and disorienting spring morning? And yes…..  our glamorously dressed hosts proved to be exceedingly charming too and soooo obliging. We left this lovely little eatery with a renewed vigour…. a recharged spirit that would soon spur us on to find both the scenic lakes-district and the historical old-town or “Altstadt”!

We found it at last! The Altstadt in Zell Am See.

We found it at last! The Altstadt in Zell Am See.

Walking beside the lake in Zell Am See

Walking beside the lake in Zell Am See

More of the Alstadt in Zell Am See

More of the Alstadt in Zell Am See

Shopping in the Altstadt at Zell Am See

Shopping in the Altstadt at Zell Am See

St Hippolyte's Church Zell Am See

St Hippolyte’s Church Zell Am See

Magnificent entry to st Hippolyte's Church

Magnificent entry to st Hippolyte’s Church

A Day in Salzburg – “Salt Castle”

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in Austria, Salzburg, Uncategorized

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Mozart Chocolate Shop in Salzburg

Mozart Chocolate Shop in Salzburg

Salzburg (which can be translated as “Salt Castle”) is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city to visit in Austria. We found it was brim full of things to see and do; so many in fact, that we couldn’t possibly have done them all in just the one day we had set aside for our visit. There were beautiful gardens in spring bloom, castles, palaces, cathedrals and bus tours.

Spring colour

Spring colour

Being Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg continues to hold a very special notoriety in operatic history. Perched majestically on the Salzach River it was evidently originally named after the salt barges that used to carry salt along the river and its tributaries back in the 8th century.

Home beside the Salzach River

Home beside the Salzach River

It is also well known as the city where the Sound of Music was filmed back in the 1960’s. There are even sightseeing tours that pay tribute to the film makers and explore the beautiful landscapes where the movie was originally filmed.

On the lake

On the lake

While there, my better half and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Old Town Area along with Mozart’s childhood home. We also enjoyed a city bus tour and visited some of the gardens.

Interesting Bloom - not sure of its name

Interesting Bloom – not sure of its name

I must say we were very, very tempted by the incredible looking Mozart chocolate shop but (on this particular day at least) we managed to exercise some significant willpower and refrain from giving in to the chocolate temptation!

Mozart's birth place

Mozart’s birth place

City: Salzburg

Population: 146 thousand

Area: 66 square kilometres

Our top 8 things to see and do in Salzburg:

Mozart’s Birthplace

Salzburg Old Town Area

Hellbrunn Castle

Red Bull Hangar

Mirrabell Palace and Gardens

Salzburg Cathedral

Hohensalzburg

Sound of Music and city Bus Tours

Bad Gastein – R & R in the Hohe Tauern National Park

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Bad Gastein, Holidays, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized

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Bad Gastein on a Magical Foggy Morning

Bad Gastein on a Magical Foggy Morning

Austria is simply amazing.

Bad Gastein, which falls within the Salzburg Provence in Austria, is one of those remarkable little gems that you only ever uncover very occasionally – usually just once in every so often, and mostly when you’re not really looking for anything in particular. This was just such a special place – a small town …a village, where my dearly beloved and I could rest, relax and restore our inner vitality after some early travel sickness had taken a heavy toll.

Beautiful Belle Epoque Architecture

Beautiful Belle Epoque Architecture

Bad Gastein prides itself on its beautiful Belle Époque Buildings, morning mists (that clear to blue skies by early afternoon), snow-covered mountains and church bells that ring at different times during the day. It is truly magical. There are both summer and winter activities available within the majestic national park that surrounds – Hohe Tauern National Park.

Church bells ring

Church bells ring

It wasn’t long after our arrival that I realized I would love to be able to visit this charming little township far more regularly. For now, I knew I just wanted to envelope myself in its history and warmth…..somehow I felt a strange connection with it all.

It was “a captivating village….a land of R & R, a place where fairy tales may not have been written but where they could have easily come to life.” During our short, five day stay, I actually thought that Walt Disney or, maybe even one of the Grimm Brothers themselves, might materialize through the early morning mists, and linger awhile, in order to chat and perhaps even pen another charming little folktale.”

I’ve been told that Bad Gastein first became fashionable as a holiday resort in the Austrian Alps during the 19th Century.

The Township on the lower hills

The Township on the lower hills

Back then, absolutely everybody (well everybody who was somebody at that time) would visit for their annual holidays. Kings, Queens, Lords and Nobles all graced this pretty little picturesque landscape. Royals came, not only to relax and enjoy the incredible beauty of the province but also, to renew themselves; reconnect with close family, restore inner life, and promote/foster their own physical health and well-being.

Enormous Waterfall Bad Gastein

Enormous Waterfall Bad Gastein

The township and surrounding area is well known for its enormous waterfall and thermal springs. Madame Curie and Heindrich Mache are said to have discovered that the natural thermal waters around Bad Gastein were very rich in radon. Gas from these springs is evidently trapped in the Heilstollen (literally ‘healing tunnel’) within the rocks under the Tauern Mountains. People still travel long distances to undergo health treatments at he Gasteiner Heilostollen.

Throughout recent history, many have enjoyed relaxing and rejuvenating (R & R) holidays in the township, at the spas and in the beautiful surrounding mountains and valleys.

I truly hope that we’ll be lucky enough to visit again one day.

Sadly, however, Australia is such a long way from Austria. I know they say there are definitely ‘no Kangaroos’ in Austria!! But “WOW” there is beauty to be admired everywhere – just like at home – both places would have to be very much a part of “Gods own Country!”

God's own Country

God’s own Country

In spite of the distances, I do really hope to go back one day. (Not sure if my better half is listening at the moment!) “Can you hear me?” I said, “I’d like to go back!!!”

At the very least, I’ll always remember the peaceful beauty of charming little Bad Gastein.

Bad Gastein Township

Bad Gastein Township

Village: Bad Gastein

Population: About 5 thousand

Area: 170.6 square kilometers

Our Top 10 things to do and see in Bad Gastein:

Historical Walking Tour,   Spa,   Gasteiner Museum,   Waterfall,  Gasteiner Heilstollen,   Casino,   Hiking,  Skiing,   Cycling,   Canyoning and Rafting.

Bad Gastein Casino

Bad Gastein Casino

Great Day Trips from Bad Gastein in a hire car:

Salzburg

Hohenwerfen Castle and Falconry Display

Werfen Ice Caves

Zell Am See

Greatest Regrets:

That we didn’t stay longer and that we didn’t get to the ice caves at Werfen

 

John Lennon – Fear and Love

09 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in Austria, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized

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The breathtaking beauty of the snow-capped Alps, with their wide green valleys below, was totally captivating, drawing us in like bees to a honey pot.

The Magical Alps near Werfen

The Magical Alps near Werfen

We were on our way from Bavaria to Austria. With such magnificent scenery surrounding us it was hard to believe, that on this particular day, the hills were alive ……… not with music but with my own fear and pandemonium!

The Gastein Valley

John Lennon was totally right when he said, “There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid we pull back from life. When we are in love we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement and acceptance.

On this particular day, surrounded by all of this beauty, I was undergoing my own inner- battles.

The Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps

I was so totally passionate and “in love’ with the absolutely mesmerizing landscapes that were unveiling before my eyes and yet, at the same time, so absolutely terrorized by my better half’s driving, as he was learning to travel on the right hand side of the road.

Should we open up to all that life had to offer on that day or should we indeed pull back and remove ourselves from this terrifying experience altogether? My thoughts spiralled around inside my head. “Should we stop? Isn’t this all too much? Maybe we should give it a miss! Maybe we could just return to Munich and catch up on some of the wonderful sightseeing back there that we’ve missed due to our previous few days of illness.”

But somehow the beauty of these remarkable Alps just kept drawing us in. My love for this amazingly stunning scenery was actually the main thing that kept me going despite my massive fears. At the back of my mind I just kept trying to tell myself.…”It’s only just like riding a bike. You know, you’ll get used to travelling on the wrong side of the road. Give it a chance. Just don’t think about it. For goodness sakes, close your eyes!”

Despite my rampaging inner dialogue, and despite my beloved’s growing chagrin, I was still extremely prone to breaking down and exhibiting full-blown tantrum-like behaviours with utterances such as:   “Ahhhhhh! For goodness sake move over towards the middle of the road will you! We nearly hit that signpost just back there! What are you trying to do anyway –kill us or something?”

I’m sure that all of these uncontrolled outbursts must have taken a toll. Certainly, it took away, from what could, and should have been, a totally enjoyable new experience test driving our sleek new black “Beamer” (BMW) which we had just rented for the 5 day journey through Austria.

Beautiful Black Beamer (BMW)

Beautiful Black Beamer (BMW)

At the very least I know my own fears and undignified behaviour were taking their toll on my husband. He started to echo his own little mantra:

“Concentrate,

Concentrate…

Keep to the Right. Look to the Left.

Keep to the right. Look to the Left.

Concentrate!”

Driving into the Austrian Alps

Driving into the Austrian Alps

Mercifully we did survive after all. Despite my high anxiety levels associated with driving on the “WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD” Austria and the Alps are still among my absolute favourite places in the world. In spite of the irrational fears, it was the amazingly beautiful scenery that had encouraged me to “open up to all that life had to offer with passion, excitement and acceptance.”

Time flies when you’re globe trotting and river cruising.

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Posted by in Amsterdam to Budapest, Holidays, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Travelling in Europe

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We’re back to reality after a glorious holiday where we’ve been totally pampered and spoilt and now, I feel strangely sad about it all. I feel as though time must have sped up during that short exciting time while we were in Europe. Everyday normality and daily routine have faithfully returned and all that’s left are the rich and colourful memories.

Do you ever feel like this too when you return from a wonderful holiday?

1-Michelle Davies- Painted Ceiling on Melk Abbey Tour

It was brought home to me yet again, after our recent four-and-a-half week sojourn through Europe.

Having never been lucky enough to visit the northern countries before, the pre-trip waiting period had seemed rather dismal and eternal. You know the feeling and the extremely repetitive kitchen-table conversations…”You know we leave in just six months”; “It will go quickly”; “It’s now only five months and twenty days until we fly out”; and “We’ll be leaving in just five more months and ten days and four hours” and so the count down goes on and on.

In the lead up to our departure, the week days actually seemed somehow longer. The weekends also felt less interesting than they had previously and all because we were in what I call “the waiting period“: that eternal period of time when you’re just hanging around and  longing to embark on what you believe is going to be, the trip of a life time.

Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary were all on our bucket list for, what would be, our very first sightseeing adventures through Europe. Three glorious weeks of doing our own thing and two action packed weeks of being totally spoiled by the wonderful Viking Crew on their fifteen day river cruise that would take us all the way from Amsterdam to Budapest across five countries and down three rivers.

And now what?

Well you see…We’re back!

Michelle Davies-Stuhmcke -Gold Coast Skyline

It’s all behind us now and “Yes”…we’re firmly back in Terra Australis, Queensland already, with all of our grand memories and increased knowledge of Europe’s wonderful geography, modern history and cultural delights. We’re back with our 3000 odd photos and our trunk full of souvenirs.

We’re back already on the Gold Coast to be precise and really, isn’t our own country, Australia, supposed to be “God’s Own Country” with its modern high-rise cities, its pristine beaches, its folkloric outback wilderness regions and it’s absolutely glittering coastal resorts?

If, indeed,  this is “God’s Own Country” we’re living in, then why is it that I long for the excitement of planning yet another journey to exotic far off lands. And…. how did it all happen so quickly? Four and a half weeks was supposed to be a long time, or so I thought. But truly it just flew past so very fast. Time, I think, must surely speed up as soon as you board a plane. I’m convinced of it. Time just seems to fly when you’re being spoiled and having so much fun! Why won’t the good times just slow down a little?

If I sort through some of the memories, highlights and photos perhaps I can at least relive some of it for a while. This is my first blog and it’s written to share with you (if you’re interested) the fun times and the highlights of our recent European Sojourn.