Salzburg

Our train trip took a detour north through Germany to try and cut the cost of the ticket. It was stunning coutryside, through the snow capped mountains and pine forests. The trains ran like clockwork and we managed to catch every transfer depsite the connection times being minutes apart... gotta love the Germans! We arrived with the miserable weather in Salzburg, so found our home, had some tea and headed to bed with the bells tolling to the Sound of Music songs in our head.

Intentions of getting an early start were soon forgotten as we awoke to the pitter patter of rain on the roof. Luckily it started to clear so after a delicious Austrian breakfast, we headed into town. Memories came pouring back as we wandered in the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp family through the Schloss Mirabelle gardens over the pedestrian bridge and into the old city. Bells heralded the return of the rain, and we abandoned our boat tour due to rising water levels.

Determined to see the trick fountains at Schloss Hellbrun, we caught the bus the following morning and headed out of the city centre. It was just as much for the adults as it was for the kids, as we were squirted from behind, under, on top and round each bend... The weather held our just until we'd seen the water theatre and had a pic at the sound of music gazebo singing "15 going on 16". We got back to the train station with just enough time to retrieve our bags and jump onto the train. Friends greeted us on arrival in Munich and herded us down the pedestrian street from Karlsplatz to the beer garden for lunch. Horrified looks were shot in my direction as I ordered a glass of wine rather than beer, but we loved the Bavarian meatloaf and sauerkraut ordered for us by Edith and Wilfred. We had to check out the Oktoberfest beer garden tents before heading out to Landsberg - our home with Ingrid and Erich for the next few days.