I had to wake up at 0340 for a 0400 pickup, in time for an 0600 flight from Nene Tereza airport in Tirana, to Munich. But my subconscious kicked in too effectively and woke me at 0230.
Upon arrival in Munich at 0750I had a short wait before taking the train to Salzburg across the border in Austria. I had planned this some time ago. The train from Munich Airport into the city centre was EUR10 (each way) but it was only EUR18 to Salzburg (via Munich city centre, allowing for a stopover for nightstop at the hostel).
It was all nicely prebooked but the weather was not cooperating. It was grey and drizzly all the way from Munich to Salzburg. And when I reached Salzburg’s old city, it poured.
After 90 minutes walking in the drizzle and stopping under various archways to avoid the downpour, it was feeling like a very long day – especially in consideration of the early wakeup.
The weather fined up while I had lunch by the river and when I took the return train back to Munich. It was wet in between.
So I can’t say that I had the best day in Salzburg. I came and I saw it superficially. It would be nice to have gone to a couple of concerts. But the reality is that it is such a touristy place I don’t think many people get to feel the real Salzburg, if there is such a thing. And to be honest, I don’t think it is any nicer than many European cities; even Munich is very nice.
Having said that, things weren’t that expensive. Or maybe it’s because New Zealand pricing has become so ridiculous in recent years. A salad and a large fruity slice cost EUR2.50 each … seems cheaper than New Zealand even if you apply the bad old exchange rate of 2x.
I returned to Munich by train for a short night’s stay at Wombat’s Hostel again.
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- I think these are the Alps … surely Salzburg is down there. Perhaps if I parachute down it will save me backtracking by train.
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- Wet wet Salzburg.
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- Wet wet Salzburg.
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- Even the horses wear Goretex to keep dry.
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- Wet horses.
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- These three stringed instruments and an accordion produce a very rich and full quartet. Who needs an orchestra?
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- Salzburg’s Cathedral “Dom”.
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- Inside of Salzburg’s Cathedral “Dom”.
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- Inside of Salzburg’s Cathedral “Dom”.
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- Looking up at Salzburg Fortress, Festing Hohensalzburg.
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- A slightly brighter Salzburg later in the day.
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- Busker is nearly levitating.
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- Mozart … Salzburg’s most famous son.
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- Mozart … Salzburg’s most famous son.
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- I wish I could justify staying at a real hotel when I’m travelling alone.
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- Mozart lived here from 1773 to 1780.
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- The green of the Austrian countryside is unmatched by anything else.
