No sleeping as usual, just so we can catch the early morning flight preceded by the super early Terravision coach to Stansted airport. And surprisingly, customs and security as well as check-in services are a breeze, no doubt a rarity in British airports.
The flight was a non-event, I slept through the 2 hour ride to wake up very refreshed and hear the announcement of -1 degree Celcius (degC) in Salzburg. Ouch! Bright daylight and 9am in the morning but temperature seems to suggest late night London climate. Customs in Salzburg are simple, and we could retrieve our luggage quickly as well. The airport is 20 minutes from city centre, and cost only 1.80e. More amazingly, given that we only have 50e notes fresh from the money changer in London, the bus driver actually allow us to break a 50e note for a ride total of 7.20e. London drivers just tell you to get off the bus and find some change to buy a ticket at the machine in the bus stop.
It was on the bus that we had the first taste of Austrian friendliness and hospitality. We weren’t sure of where to stop, and Kiat’s German isn’t exactly up to mark. However, we managed to ask an Austrian lady who told us she’s getting off at the city centre and offered to help guide us down. Though we never really get off at the city centre but the train station, we were amazed that Austrians are quite well versed in English, or at least the younger ones.
Reaching the hostel isn’t tough, neither is checking in. It’s the weather and cold that worries us more, for it seems to be continental Europe tradition to be immersed in negative degC temperatures compared to us who came from the tropics. Ear muffs, gloves, 4 layers of clothing barely brought comfort.
Lunch was at a restaurant in a 4 star hotel, recommended by the hostel receptionist. And prices are pretty much 10 pounds a meal! The first taste of sauerkraut and dumplings are unforgettable but those are nothing compared to the roast pork that I had. The most tender piece I ever had in my entire life, not to mention the slick taste of it dissolving soon after I chewed on it. A simply amazing experience!
Life beyond lunch was to explore the old town. More importantly, we were curious about the Christmas market. Gluhwein, pastries, handicrafts, frankfurters and sausages… it’s quite magical to be exact. Then there’s the Christmas tree sales where you literally see a miniature Christmas tree forest on the old town square. Beside it was a makeshift ice-skating arena, coupled by a snack bar selling Gluhwein and providing everyone with wood fire. The atmosphere cannot be described by just words alone; you just gotta be there warming your hands in the wood fire and enjoying the snow-white view from the fortress to the churches and the Christmas market.
The climb up to the fortress is just pure fun. Not that ascending up-slopes are fun, but the path is lined by un-melted snow which we put to good use: snow fights. Me, Kiat and Jordan bashed one another with snow while Jan watched on. Talk about being unsporty, she gave the excuse that she had a coat that does not repel snow and dampness. Not like mine is waterproof or snowproof or whatever it is supposed to be. Along the way, the scenery gave way to snowy hills and treetops with a spectacular view of the city below us. I had a premonition that it’s gonna be better when we come back to Salzburg in 9 days’ time, but just keep it between you and me.
Dinner wasn’t any fun, just the thrill of finding 1e burgers in McDonalds and finishing 3 of them at one go. Nightfall is early in Salzburg like any other European country in winter, and it became so cold none of us were interested in walking around anymore. Perhaps, that’s the sacrifice for low season’s availability and prices.
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