My Christmas Holidays - Part 2

Before I start, I'm very excited to have my 1st subscriber. Good one Andy! Although I know Mum has been looking, she may have given up checking by now since I have been so inconsistent. If anyone else is reading, let me know.

SALZBURG

We caught a train to Salzburg and had our own little compartment, much like those in the Hogwarts Express. It was very cool! Something else which was cool, was going through Rosenheim, the town I lived in for 3 weeks when I did an exchange program for German at school. Tell you what wasn't cool, the lack of snow! When I was there in 1999 (whoa!) it was snowing loads and was way colder. Oh well, the whole of Europe seemed to be having a mild winter. 

The Christmas markets were closed and pretty much finished for the season when we arrived so that was a little disappointing. But it was Christmas Eve so we tried to keep the spirits high, despite the lack of Christmas dinner plans. Christmas Eve is THE night in Europe. We just wandered and came across the Best Western which had space available for us for their banquet. I loved it! My favourite dish I think was the chestnut soup. The man at the hotel also recommended we go to the church up the road for the Christmas service after dinner. It was ok for a bit but, standing, in the cold, not understanding got the better of us. I tell you what really cheesed me off though! This woman walked up with her own little chair and plonked it in front of me. Fine. But then she stood up the whole time with her head like right in front of my face. Not fine. I think I may have been starting to get a bit on the cranky side as I was away from home for the first time at Christmas. I did get to Skype the Byrnes' on their Christmas morning though so that was nice. 

Christmas morning we woke up and had a sleigh ride booked. We looked out the window to no snow and were worried about how it would be possible. Anyway, we didn't realise they'd be taking us right up into the Alps. I did get a little cranky though because the confirmation said 2hrs so I was expecting to be back in time to Skype the big family do back home. But we were told we wouldn't be returning until 5:30pm. I must admit it was a mixed feelings day. It was great and I am so lucky to have the chance to do something so cool, but I was pretty sad too. The hotel were showing The Sound of Music in the communal area and you couldn't get a seat! A great starter for the next day.   

Boxing Day was awesome. We did the Sound of Music Tour. Basically, brilliant if you love the movie. Also, when we got back we had cake at the Sacher Hotel and the Christmas markets were open! YAY! Found a load of cool things and had a great evening.    

Well, that ends the Austrian leg.

"I have confidence" - The Sound of Music Tour