Forgive me. I’m not sure how I will convey the loveliness of Austria as I’m punch-drunk on the gloriousness of Italy right now. Two creamy gelato cups each day, crispy-based pizzas making their way without a moment hesitation into my mouth most days and when we’re not eating we’re soaking up incredible vista after incredible vista or shopping til we’re dropping. It’s magic and I left it too long to blog about Austria but I’m going to give it a good crack anyway, coz it’s worthy of it!
We left Switzerland dragging our heels, because it really was so majestic. Alas, our friends arriving in Budapest and our rapidly emptying wallets forced us to depart and Austria was next. Sean was keen on Austria because there was mountains, he seems to have a thing for big humps. Make of that what you will and I’ll move on. Ahem.
Our first stop in Austria was Innsbruck and we hit jackpot with a 5-star campground. Holler! It had a big lake, waterslides, fancy bar and lovely restaurant. We didn’t even mind (too much) that it was a little below freezing at night causing me to whimper upon entering the tent each night.
We started our Innsbruck day in the main town which was bustling despite being Sunday. We parked up at the coffee shop in the piazza that looks up at the Golden Roof which was very pretty. We may or may not have chosen that coffee shop because of its cappuccino and sacher torte (Austrian specialty) combo deal. Ok, you got us. We totally chose it for the sacher torte deal. It was worth it, a little slice of chocolatey heaven was this cake.
After this we wandered around and peered inside a big cathedral and Sean got all gothic and went down into the tombs while I floated up top thinking nice thoughts.
We then got to do my pick of the day and went to the Swarovski Factory which is very cool. Built centuries ago, it is very cool, built into a grassy knoll with a fountain spouting out of it. Inside it is a glittery maze of cool stuff. We had a ball walking from room to room with the special effects and clever things made out of crystals. I had grand notions of finding many good presents there like I did in 2001 but unfortunately the prices were far more than I remembered and nothing really grabbed us. Bummer.
We then found all the Olympic spots we could which was good fun, the ski jump was awesome. Innsbruck would have been a fantastic spot for the winter Olympics.
That night we went for a jog through fields and a forest, seeing as our campground was up in the hills which was magic. After feeling a little parched, it was soon after time for a drink and we hit up the local bar where an amorous barman awaited us. As his only customers he lavished attention upon us which led to some very contrived conversation after the usual chit chat options ran out and very strong drinks.
I took a big gulp of my mojito and my eyes crossed and brain fizzed.
“You like it?” our enthusiastic barman says while nodding, encouraging a positive response.
“Oh it’s good, yah, just a bit strong,” I say, mimicking his nod.
“Strong! That is good,” he says, with a wink at Sean. We stumbled to dinner that night and had far more hilarious conversation than normal, so perhaps “strong” was good indeed.
The next stop was Salzburg after a fairly hefty drive (read: we arrived tense and in need of good coffee). It was such a cool city, you get to it via a massive tunnel that goes straight through a massive rock. We spent the afternoon climbing up to the most amazing castle which overlooked the entire city and featured loads of historic artifacts. Sean rated it his favourite castle and I concurred, it was pretty damn good.
From there we drove on to a brilliant town called Filzmoos which made us love Austria even more. There were loads of little hotels and alas, no campgrounds in this quaint location and I felt excitement bubbling! We drove up and down the street while I mentally took note of my favourite hotels while Sean scanned for little signs with pictures of tents on them. It was not to be for poor Sean and we picked a gorgeous hotel called Happy Filzmoos, a family-run joint which was second to none.
My favourite hotel of the entire trip, we had a gorgeous room, a massive comfy bed and a huge balcony overlooking the hotel pool (although the temp was a little chilly to use it). The husband and wife team ran the hotel restaurant too and both nights we were there we chose to eat in as it was so good. We lived like a king and queen for just two nights and I was blissed out.
The day we spent in Filzmoos we rented bikes for 5 euros each (bargain!) and had a massive adventure, riding up the local mountains as far as we could and taking off-road routes as much as possible. We spent four hours roaming and chatting to fellow travelers (mostly hikers, a few bikers) before calling it quits and spending the afternoon wandering the town, finding the town donkey (they actually had a donkey and its baby in a big pen! It was very cute), washing and blow-drying hair (even Sean, he needs more work these days for his ever-increasing mop), blogging and emailing. I loved it and we both felt like this was one of those perfect days.
After our heavenly time in Filzmoos we headed to our last stop, Vienna, where we were reminded of that beastly phenomenon, rain. We half-heartedly roamed the town for a couple hours before retiring to our campsite where the weather god showed mercy and allowed us to put up our tent with a brief dry patch. A quiet night here as Sean had caught a really bad cold and felt awful. We went to a restaurant nearby and had an excellent Italian meal before heading to bed and getting excited about seeing our friends in a couple of days!
So, poor Vienna was largely skipped over and I’m sure it was a great city but our hearts had already taken off to Hungary. The rest of Austria was absolutely brilliant though, we loved it and counted it as a favourite country.
Sooo… I’ve managed to tick off another blog! Sorry friends and family, I know they are trickling into your lives so very slowly these days but hopefully it’s just increasing the frenzy you’ve gotten yourselves into that we are home in just over two weeks! Start chilling the champagne (or rather fire up the coffee machines, more appropriate for us little caffeine addicts), we’ve missed y’all so much and can’t wait to hear all your stories and show you the blooper photos that didn’t quite make the blog. More bum shots. Kidding, Sean kept his pants on after Lake Tahoe, I promise. At least when the camera was around.
Arriverdeci and ciao – must dash and hunt down another gelato. Isn’t it always gelato hour in Italy?
Next up, triathlon adventures and goulash in Budapest!!
Lisa and Sean xoxo
Europe certainly sounds varied and as if there are new surprises around every corner.
We’re currently at Phuket airport waiting for our flight to Bangkok and it’s pouring with rain and very grey. I felt so sorry for the people disembarking here for a sunny beach holiday. We’re off to New York which is ‘fine’ at present – can’t wait to walk in Central Park and check out the museums, art galleries, cupcake shops, Whole Foods and the theatres. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Europe before you head to Dubai to see the lovely Leila (and Ste) I’m sure he’s gorgeous too.
Love and hugs
Mum and Paul
Hi Guys,
No photos this blog.I look forward to lots next time. I know exactly how you felt when you stayed at the hotel for 2 nights. After camping for weeks on end it is the best feeling ever. Did you jump up and down for JOY on the bed, because you were so filled with happiness. I am sure you did. How wonderful is it to just walk a couple of feet to have a pee in the middle of the night instead of getting freezing & walking in the dark. Glad to read you went for a run, walk & bike ride, maybe you won’t be Nanna pace when you get back. Look forward to hearing all the news from the Worlds in your next blog. Love from me
Yayyyy!! Pictures now!!!! I am sure it was that cake and then escargot’s that made Sean look unwell:) Getting sooo excited to have you home. But don’t stop blogging yet, looking forward to seeing and hearing all about Dubai.
Love and hugs
Mum (LIZ)
Hi Lisa & Sean
I’ve been watching with interest your travel experiences, been to many of the locations myself. The thing is that they don’t appear to have aged over the years, unlike myself!!!
Anyway, your Mum & Paul are with me here in Bangkok, so your Mum suggested I make a comment, even though I understand that you have returned home after your adventures!
Cheers to you both.
Trevor MacDonald