Friday, October 10, 2014

Last Day--

What a beauty!!! We awoke to clear blue sky. Usually the mornings had been hazy especially at the mountain tops. Not today. Check out the mountain we went up on Saturday. You can even see the buildings at each stop.



Wednesday, October 7, 2014

Today took us to Miran, Italy. A very pretty town known for its spa. The Therme has 28 swimming pools with all sorts of water (salt, minerals, etc.) The old and new part of the town was divided by a beautiful little river. It was interesting to note a number of unexpected trees, including palm trees, We were told that because of it being surrounded by mountains it creates a very unique kind of weather and growing conditions.





 From there we went up the hill to a castle, now a winery. Another beautiful spot. After the tour and the tasting, we were kindly presented with a bottle of wine to bring home. Marcia and I were thrilled.

 


 Facing the long ride home was made easier with a trip through the Italian Alps (coming close to the border of Switzerland). It is just hard to figure what people in the little towns do and where they go for milk. At the highest point we stopped by a man-made lake. In the middle of the lake was this church steeple. Apparently, when they decided to build the lake, they had to move the town. They were able to move and rebuild the entire town-except for the church. You can see the result.


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Day 7:

Germany and castles. Neuschwanstein Castle was well worth the travel to get there. Wonderful weather. Usually there is snow on the ground, by now but today was sunny and near 80. We have been so lucky with the weather. Lunch on the way back down and then time to sit by the lake. A very nice day.








Tomorrow we head to Italy and through the Alps. Dinner together in the evening and Back to Plattsburgh on Thursday.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Day 6:

Salzburg--Our day in Salzburg was beautiful, in terms of weather. Sunny, warm. and clear. We started with a walking tour to see some of the places where Sound of Music was filmed. Interestingly enough, Julie Andrews was there LAST week. Oh well. See if you recognize this from the movie.




The old part of Salzburg was reached by crossing the Salz River (Salz means salt--named because of the salt mines in this area,) As on the great wall, the bridge is covered with locks. When a couple is getting married, they add a lock and through the key in the river.




We toured Mozart's birthplace, and entered the Cathedral while the two organists were rehearsing. Then we shopped...unfortunately we did not attend a harpsichord concert that occurred. Some of the group did and said it was wonderful--oh well.






Sunday, October 5, 2014

Day 5:

A trip to the Glacier today....a place where you can ski year round. The top of the mountain was full of skiiers and snowboarders. It was cold but not unbearable. Three gondolas to the top. The view was impaired because of clouds-but it was still amazing.  Could have gone on a cave tour into the glacier, but did not think I was dressed warm enough or had the appropriate shoes.

So we have had some down time. I went for a swim, and a walk and now waiting for an 8:15 dinner. Too late for me...tomorrow we head to Salzburg--Mozart's birthplace, and the Carl Orff Institute (maybe). The trip is now on the downward slope....the next day, we are off a castle. Left after that is the Italian Alps. Then home!!!


 At the top!!!

Midway
 From the bottom looking up.




Saturday, October 4, 2014

Forgot to add...for the first time, on my trip ...look what I found. (They told me to try
sprite and apple juice on the plane--it did not do the trick.)
Day 4:

 Music, the Universal language.


Today was Innsbruck. We had a three hour tour in the morning, taking us around different parts of the city. It was beautiful weather, so we then took the trip up the mountain. It took us up  starting with the funiculla and switching to two cable cars. The second stop on the mountain was lucky in that there were hanggliders taking off from that level. They were certainly braver that I would ever be.
 10.662 ft. above sea level (the side away from Innsbruck.


The top level brought another surprise--a VERY earthy kind of wedding. We just seem to hit a lot of unusual things.


Innsbrook
 Innsbrook side....

 The far side.


This evening we attended the premier of Hansel and Gretl. It was a fine production and lots of fun, even in German.



Tomorrow we head to the Glacier. ... somewhere.