Morgen

Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

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Crazy sleep patterns since arriving in Alpenland. I'm certainly getting plenty of rest, but by 5:00am I'm ready to meet the world. That's the beauty of staying in a hotel-like environment, along with daily maid service and fresh towels--the lobby is always open. And, well-lit for reading.

I brought all four of these books (@1000 pages each) in my carry-on. I know! That's what the Kindle app is all about. I just love holding a book, and didn't want all my reading "eggs" in the iPad Mini basket.

The clouds hung so low over the mountains yesterday and there was a feeling of rain all day, along with actual showers. Around lunchtime we were headed from Werfen to Zell am See, driving into masses of dark grey clouds when we realized that walking lakeside was not in the cards. Those clouds wouldn't be lifting soon and we'd best wait for a brighter day for enjoying that beautiful spot.

via: urbanghostsmedia.com

We'd spent the morning at the Hohenwerfen castle in Werfen--taking the lift up to the top, enjoying a display of falconry, touring the castle, and reveling in the breathtaking views. And, mostly keeping dry.


Today we're heading to Salzburg. Revisiting the streets familiar from two previous visits, planning on visiting a few sights, but mostly set on enjoying another day in beautiful Austria.

Mondsee, Austria

Basilica St. Michael, Mondsee, Austria 

LG and Marielle at Basilica St. Michael in 2009

We decided to first bypass Salzburg--north and a bit east to Mondsee. JA, LG and I had visited on our Sound of Music Tour in 2009 and I remembered the beautiful church which was the site of Maria and Captain von Trapp's wedding in the movie--Basilica St. Michael. A simply gorgeous church, and a beautiful historic center at Mondsee.

A lovely day in Mirabelle Gardens. Many tour groups are enjoying Salzburg today, but it's not as crowded as during past visits. We people watch in Residenz Platz near the Dom, eventually finding a cafe for Sacher Torte and Appelstrudel with warmed Creme Anglaise (vanilla sauce).

Schloss Helbrun 2009

The Sound of Music tour 2009.
Across from villa used for terrace scenes in TSOM

As we drive out of the city we pass the entrance to the Schloss Helbrun, where the gazebo from TSOM now resides.

We'd planned to enjoy some of the fresh asparagus offerings from the hotel's Paugner Stube, but it's unexpectedly closed this evening. So, we find a very walkable and charming pub--Platzl--for dinner.

CA enjoys the salmon fettuccine, while I order the mixed grill which includes steak, pork tenderloin, chicken, and a sausage! Also, mixed vegetables and, as usual, pomme frites. I make a valiant effort, but that's a LOT of meat.