Sleep was sporadic, as it often is in these situations. It did not matter however. I alternately slept, and dozed, enjoying the movement of the train. Thankfully, none of my travelling companions snored, and I hoped that I did not either.
A glance of “Google Maps” in the morning placed us half way across Germany, at about 05:00 CEST. That being the case, I calculated that we were running somewhat late, and put my eye-mask back on.
This was confirmed by the fact that breakfast was not served at 06:00 CEST, but instead at 08:00 CEST. This did indeed indicate that the delay was some two hours, or so. Some back-of-a-mobile-‘phone calculations backed up this estimate, given the distance we still were from Salzburg.
I enjoyed the bread, “spread”, and jam served to me. I enjoyed the coffee too, if initially taken aback by the strength of same. I had little idea as to what the “spread” actually was but thought that an “ask no questions, tell no lies” policy was advisable in the situation.
Gazing out of the window as I consumed my breakfast, I noted that the scenery was starting to take on the appearance of a well known Swiss chocolate bar. Another resort to electronic mapping showed that yes, we were in the area defined as the “Alps”. It was quite beautiful in the developing morning sunshine.
We crossed the Austrian border, and arrived in Salzburg at 08:55 CEST, 80+ minutes after our scheduled arrival time. This was explained through the tannoy as “…due to engineering works in Germany.”. It did not matter to me, as I was in no hurry. The earliest I could check in to my apartment was 14:00 CEST.
This being the case, I deposited my heavier bags in a locker at the station. I was amused to note that this process was carried out on-line, using a series of “QR” codes. Locker 15 popped open when prompted, and I departed the station to see where I had arrived.
The locality around the station was somewhat functional, but a few steps took me into an area with quite recognisable architectural makeup. A right turn took me towards a rather attractive park. This became significantly recognisable when I realised that I had inadvertently stumbled upon a “Sound of Music” filming location without even trying. This was “Mirabellgarten”. The authenticity was confirmed by large numbers of people led by tour guides to re-enact the scenes from the movie. I found this most amusing, but wondered if locals would feel the same with this occurring on a constant basis.
Similar to the ethos of the movie, it was all very good-humoured. I took myself round the Pegasus Fountain, it being obvious where the camera had been situated on the balcony above. I also found the steps where Maria, and the children sequentially step-and-sing, alongside another fountain featured in the sequence.
The frame of a vine tunnel was also here. I believe that while this is not the original as featured in the 1965 adaption, it is in the same place.
I wandered the city for a while, taking in the beauty and cleanliness. I took a seat in the cafe on the edge of the gardens, and enjoyed a lemon soda, accompanied by a vanilla cream cake. It was very refreshing, and I felt happy.
As I sat and enjoyed a coffee, the skies began to darken significantly. I could hear an American sounding gentleman talking to a young girl at the next table saying that they should move before the extreme rain started. Looking at the weather forecast, I was inclined to agree. I paid up, made my way back to the station, and collected my bags. I took refuge in a station café and had an earl grey tea.
A break in the rain allowed to to travel the 270 metres to my apartment. Here, a series of codes allowed access. I found the premises clean, basic, and functional. It was certainly sufficient for my two-day stay in this city.
I took a well-needed shower, and completed some administrative tasks.
In the evening, I took a stroll to the Old Town on the other side of the River Salzach. Here I intended to eat food, and drink beer. I was not disappointed. My research has suggested that the beer garden at “STERNBRÄU” would fit the bill nicely. This was essentially an open are with a number of outlets serving food, and drinks. I opted for a “Stiegl Goldbräu”, which I enjoyed while completing my reading of “The House With Chicken Legs”. I then took myself into the “Stöckl” outlet and came out with “Ofenfrischer Schweinsbraten mit Sauerkraut in Semmelknödel”. That is “Slice of roast pork with sauerkraut and bread dumpling”. I had a “dünkelbier” or “dark beer” with it. This food/drink pairing is likely some kind of dreadful abomination to locals, but I very much enjoyed it. I envisioned that the hearty food, and beer culture of this country would likely fit well with my own ideals.
With the tiredness of the previous restless night catching up with me, I headed back to the apartment. I took some time to sit by the river, and tried to take it all in. This city is stunningly beautiful. I can completely understand why some of what is considered to be the best music ever written originated here.
I slept.
