SOUND OF MUSIC SALZBURG

Twenty years ago, I spent almost six months in Austria. I kept to my budget, but I always regretted never getting to Salzburg, which really wasn't very far away. So after watching The Sound of Music every Christmas in my Grandma's little (second) tv viewing room, and missing out on the sights last time, I vowed to see a few highlights with my daughter.

Now the Van Trapp's have a touring group and a big complex in Stowe, Vermont. That's not so far away, so I may have to go visit that next!

Mirabel garden Pegasus fountain, with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, scene of Do-Rae-Me

Mirabel garden shade

Apparently these statues were fashioned after real live people. I call this one Doc.

Red roof of the Benedictine Nonnberg Convent where Maria was a novice 

Right bank (North side) of Salz River with the Salzerkammergut mountains in the distance

St. Peter's Cemetery, where in the movie they hide from the Nazi's after singing Edleweis in the nearby theatre

All the gates are locked today - hard to hide in these days, and not a real part of the story, if my sources are correct (I am only on chapter 4 of The Story of the Van Trapp Family!)

Hellbrun garden gazebo (I am 16 going on 17!)

EISENWELT/WERFEN, ÖSTERREICH

The Austrian (female) cave explorer that found this cave. Leopoldine was a teacher.

Ich liebe sich, Sie schönsten Alpen!

Largest ice cave in the world

Berchtesgaden Alps

Almost there!

Warm enough to eat ice cream!

Salzach River

Vertiginous views from the footpath

11th century Hohenwerfen Castle

Salzach river from the bridge to train station

RESTAURANT HUMBOLDT STUBN IN SALZBURG

How did those caves get made? Things to ponder while waiting for food.
Reminds me of St. John's!

Walking home after a great meal and sunset

On the terrace with views on a bluff and a fountain.

Käsespätzle with fried onions. Surprisingly popular with my ten year old, who can smell an onion a mile away.

We didn't have time to eat Wienerschnitzel in Vienna (we tried but were too late for lunch on the one opportunity we had), so we had it in Salzburg! It was hard to share the roasted potatoes, but the berry jam was wonderful!

VIENNA'S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

This was the most memorable part of my past visit to Vienna and a big thrill to be  back here, this time with a view, and a lot more time! Here is a picture from the Privy Garden.

Water break walking from the fountain

World's coolest zoo monkey house!

With a breeze, this fountain was a welcome relief on a hot day.

The palm house 

For years, I wanted to visit a similar Greenhouse in London, but had never heard of this one. It was a real treat to visit.

MEDIEVAL AGE ARTWORK

Gold means understanding, respect and generosity.
Lion represents courage
The 3 pronged shape represents a first born.

A peasant safe in the outer bailey just behind the Portcollis and beside her simple cruck house made of waffle (woven wood) and daub. 

CHIANTI'S ON IDYLWYLD IN SASKATOON

My ideal starter to an italian meal (away from italy): warm bread with oil and balsamic vinegar!

Gnocchi con funghi. Delizioso!

TACO TIME

Sweet cinnamony crustos and a bean burrito (special order: super burrito, hold the sour cream) with the medium sauce 

THE DELTA BESSBOROUGH, SASKATOON'S CHATEAU STYLE RAIL HOTEL

I love the railroad hotels across Canada. I have a loosely guarded secret that I wish to visit every one, and for the most part they are owned by Fairmont Hotels. This is a CN hotel owned by Delta, so despite not being a Fairmont, I made an exception, wanting to stay in the most impressive hotel I know of on Saskatoon's South Saskatchewan river. When I was invited to supervise an exam across town, I happily walked the 5 km to stay at this special place.

View from Spadina of the Chateau Style hotel leading into the lobby

Beautiful outdoor grate

Tyndall limestone, from Manitoba

A delicious sleep

Named after the 14th Governor General of Canada, Vere Ponsonby, the 9th Earl of Bessborough

Damask on the the floor

The perfect office chair

The solution to the storage problem with a pedestal sink.

Foyer with hooks and a great lamp with moulding on the doors.

View from my room facing the river. Worth the upgrade!

I would love to see this garden later in the summer.

Floor plan.