So much Salz

I succeeded in packing my day to the brim today.

View from a fortress tower

Alex and I got breakfast together at the buffet downstairs, and set out at around 9am- so right on schedule. We walked across the bridge to old town, and the fog had let up enough today to allow for some nice mountain views! The first thing we did was take the funicular up the cliff to visit the Salzburg Fortress. The views from up there were amazing!!!! Definitely worth it. We did a little audio-guided tour through the fortress and that was neat too.

Up on the roof at the Salzburg Fortress

We took the funicular back down, walked a little ways and then took the Monsburg lift up through the rocks to the Modern Art Museum. There were 3 floors to the exhibit. One called "open spaces, hidden places" that was mostly photography. Another that was really sparse and I can't even remember what it was, and a third that was "portraits" and had some really cool creative takes on the subject, like a woven tapestry portrait and a portrait made of thumbprints.

After our short visit to the museum, Alex and I headed back down to the street and went to see Mozart's birthplace together. It was a nice little museum- well organized and with good descriptions of what you were seeing, as well as authentic artifacts from the Mozart family. My fave was an original manuscript of "Dies Irae" from the Requiem. I was all- I've done that piece!! And just imagine standing in the room where freaking Mozart was born. Unreal!

Mozart's Birthhouse

We grabbed a quick coffee and then Alex had to leave to catch a train to Munich. I then headed to the Panorama Museum, where they had a special "The Real Von-Trapp" exhibit, as well as one that showed all the different adaptations of the story, in writing, in film, on broadway, and in all different languages. My favourite part was a little audio station where you could listen to "Favourite Things" in 12 different languages. Japanese was the coolest. After visiting the museum, I think I'd like to read the real Maria's autobiography, who was, btw, a second soprano. Holla.

Right next door was the Salzburg Museum, where I learned about the history of the city, looked at some paintings of mountains, and was introduced to Austria's first feminist.

Then I broke up my museum stretch with some shopping. Still no luck on new shoes, and my current ones are quite literally falling apart. My only hope is London, or that they last the next 6 days without crumbling off my feet.

My final destination was Mozart's residence, where along with wandering the rooms, you got an audio guide and listened to Mozart throughout. That was really nice.

I had dinner at the Heart of Joy cafe again. I know the food is good, and the prices are decent, so why not.

Gluwein with my new friend Kate!

At 6:00 I met up with Kate, and a new roomie, Jan, and we hit up the newly opened Christmas markets!!!! First we visited the smaller one at Mirabellplatz, and then made an evening of it at Salzburger Christkindlmarkt- the largest market in Austria. 100 stalls! We enjoyed a cup of gluwein (mine flavoured with apple and cinnamon- yum!) and then wandered through the stalls selling ornaments, spices, food, and enjoying the trees and beautiful sparkling lights. It was the perfect way to wrap up my time in this lovely city!!

Christmas Market!!