SALZBURG 3rd - 7th Oct

Had a great run to Salzburg; 2 train changes but no difficulties. The hotel was only a short taxi trip from the station and we were ‘home and hosed’ by 4.30 pm. 

Time to explore and find some food to eat. We’re housed in the Old Town area of Salzburg, full of narrow cobbled streets and interesting shops and cafes.

We’re just starting to see some of the shops preparing for Christmas. (Guess it’s happening there as well since it gets earlier every year). We came across a ‘Salzburg Christmas Shop’ – open all year. The Austrians use decorated eggs in their decorations and culture. This shop was full of blown and painted eggs.

Visited the ‘Residenz’ of the ancient church rulers of the state. The opulence of the day is clear to see and it beggars belief to imagine how the peasantry lived by comparison.

The ceiling frescos are unbelievable.

This evening we went for a dinner and concert in Europe’s oldest restaurant, the Peter Stiftskeller dating back to AD803. We were entertained by a quintet accompanying a tenor and a soprano. (Lousy photo as we were not allowed to use flash)

The food was served at each interval, with the menu dating back to Mozart’s day. The main course was served at the table in the traditional manner i.e. plated and presented under metal domes. (sorry, no photo) As for the dessert presentation........ I caved in here and took a photo!

The image of Mozart on the left and the treble cleft on the right!

Today we made a visit to the Salzburg Castle. Set high on a hill it gives tremendous panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding area. Of course, once again there is ample evidence of decadence and opulence.

Today is our last day in Salzburg and tomorrow we set out for Prague. This is yet another city steeped in history and splendour, a city we are both looking forward to. Will post again in the next few days.