Today started off with an awful shock. I FORGOT TO SET THE F*%*ING ALARM!!!
I had to be at the office in 35 minutes and I had mot packed the night before because I thought, I’ll get up early and pack, do a little email, eat breakfast, and stroll to work. Besides I was airing out the smoke in my clothes from the night before.
I landed on the floor at full speed. I managed to get packed, shower (shaved without tearing off my face), and have breakfast. All of that and I was only 15 minutes late with check-out included. I was happy! :-D
The work day went well and I managed to share a lot of knowledge and see people really understanding everything.
Countryside between Vienna and Salzburg
It left a warm place in my heart. I also handled the normal firefighting after a software change and new fiscal year starts. All in all it was very productive. We intended to leave for the train station at 16:00. At 16:15 were in the car heading out of the garage. No worries though, we made it in plenty of time. I got my ticket and headed to the train. Man was it full. I found seat and set work again. I remember why I love to travel on trains so much. I had plenty of room, a power outlet for my computer, and a nice big tray table. I managed to get through a lot of email and wrote a large portion of a manual I am working on. It was wonderful to be able to look out the window and think while seeing the enchanting Austrian countryside. I had the camera close at hand and snapped photos occasionally. I tried to get a picture at each station we stopped at.
When we arrived in Salzburg I stepped off the train and saw the snow covered mountains in the distance.
Countryside between Vienna and Salzburg
It was just gorgeous. I immediately pulled out Tom (My TomTom). He is a wonderful traveling companion. HE gives good directions, he doesn’t complain much (except when you ignore his directions), and he can be shoved in a sack when you don’t need him. We made it to the hotel quickly and without issue. Brain really did a fantastic job with this hotel. It is the NH Salzburg City. The room is comfortable and very clean and nice. But the NH is nice chain.
After dropping things off in the room, a quick change of clothes ( I think I was beginning to smell from sweating on the train), I was off. It was lovely evening. Spring is here and there is just a light chill in the air. I managed to take a picture of myself after about four tries. I kept moving too soon with timer.
I headed down Linzer Gasse toward the Old Town.
Calling at Amsetten
As I approached the Staatsbrucke to cross the river, I got my first glimpse of Old Town. It was breath taking. The light of the Altes Rathus, Dom, and Hohensalzburg glowed in the night giving them a surreal feel against the black sky.
I wondered into the Old Town to find food. I was going on 21:30 and I need nourishment. I found Zipher Bierhaus next to the Kollegienkirche. The build was built as a house in 1300. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister 'Nannerl' lived here at some point as well as other famous Austrian figures. The first two things I asked for on the menu we finished because they ran out of the roast pork. Since that was done I decided to have "Kalbsrahmbeuschl". It is calf lung and heart finely chopped in a savory cream sauce with a bread dumpling.
Calling at St Valentin
It is a very interesting dish. I had it once before when we were in Vienna for Brian’s birthday. To be honest I never thought I would eat it again, but let’s live a little crazy. For desert I have an Apfelstrudel and black tea (yum).
With a full belly and having finished my book (Out Stealing Horses), I headed back to the hotel. I gave Brian a call to catch up on our days and then finished this off. I am looking forward to an early morning and the chance to explore Salzburg in the light of day. I have a mid-day train to Innsbruck. Nothing like fitting a week’s worth of travel into a weekend.