2014 in Austria (Innsbruck and Salzburg)

By August 20, 2014, I had already spent 3 days in Italy. The next leg would finally go to the German-speaking parts of Europe. I looked forward to this, as I am a fan of Germanic cultures. Before heading into Austria, the bus drove over the Alps through a unique part of Europe: Alto Adige or Südtirol (South Tyrolia)! The crossing of the border into Austria then resulted in the visit of my 10th unique country and also my:

• 4th European country
• 1st German-speaking country

Visit

It always interests me to see places that lie near the border between two very different countries. Alto Adige, or Südtirol, still in Italy, was a treat to pass through!

My first experience in a German-speaking country also had to be Austria: one should never get that first impression from Berlin (which has become less German and more "global" in recent years). The Alps and Tyrolia (this region of Austria) set a standard somehow.

I saw "a very green thing" at a Swarovski factory by the way:

Innsbruck

The charm (“Gemütlichkeit”) of downtown Innsbruck was unforgettable:

Yet, if you were told this following picture were in America (with the apparent “car dependence” and non-descript buildings), would you like it as much?

Home of the Winter Olympics twice (in 1964 and again so soon in 1976), Innsbruck had a vibrant ski-faring culture!

Salzburg

The same evening, I went to Salzburg, about half a country away from Innsbruck:

Salzburg is the birthplace of the classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city also contains Mirabell Palace (below, right), setting of the super-long classic film, The Sound of Music:

Salzburg also has the Festung Hohensalzburg (High Salzburg Fortress):

The old city of Salzburg looks quaint, complete with a Chinese restaurant!

As well, Salzburg has a cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) and some very nicely-dressed horses.