Slow Day

Today was kind of a break day. We didn't do all that much. Everyone slept in (even me) pretty late, so we didn't really get out until about 11:00 or so. First thing we did after hitting New Town (area on the opposite side of the Salz River) was to find lunch. I hit a stand first for an Apfel Brezel, or apple pretzel, which is like a giant pretzel filled with baked apple. No, that's not right; it was more like a giant apple strudel or apple pastry shaped into a pretzel. It was delicious.

We wandered around New Town's shopping district for a little bit until everyone was hungry (not everyone got a pretzel, and I was still hungry anyways). I don't know what it's called, but we found this little Italian restaurant. Served mainly pizza. Holy smokes. They have the best pizza I've ever tasted. I kid you not. I'm going back there first chance I get (after I find it again). I also got a Coca-Cola in there.

You guys won't believe this, but European Coke is actually different from American Coke. It doesn't have as much carbonation, so it is much smoother tasting. They also use real cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup, so it isn't nearly as sweet as American Coke. And it doesn't bother my stomach like American Coke does (because of the carbonation, not the sugar). I had one at lunch today and another at dinner yesterday, and I have to confess something: I'm already addicted. Once I get my novel published, sell the movie rights, and have millions of dollars, I'm getting this stuff imported by the bottle.

Okay, anyway, after lunch, the guys and girls split up. Girls went window shopping while the guys explored the city. The five of us wound up heading way outside the commercial district, deep into the residential areas. Then we headed East, into the business district (I think), before finding the railroad tracks and then (eventually) making our way to the river. But we were never lost! (we just weren't always sure where exactly we were).

Before we got back to Haus Wartenburg, Mrs. Berlin (yes, that is her real name) called us to let us know about a street fair up the block from the Haus.

It was kind of interesting, with mostly food stalls (which didn't interest me much since I was still full from the pizza), and a few shopping stalls too (which didn't interest me since I'd blown most of my daily budget on the pretzel and pizza). One thing that was pretty cool - this is for you, Timbo - was that the Salzburg Youth Unicycle Club (yes, you did read that correctly) was putting on a demo.





Pretty cool, I guess.

So, after that, pretty much everyone besides me decided that they needed a nap. Everyone didn't get up again until about 7:00, when we went out for dinner. We went back to the Steigl Brewery, since there's also a pretty decent restaurant there. I had minced veal cutlet in some sort of sauce and potato salad.

Amanda, you asked how the food was. Let me tell you, it is absolutely incredible. I've been here for five days now, and I have not yet touched anything that I didn't think was delicious. Heck with importing Eruo Coke; I might just move out here after I graduate!

So, now, everyone else is out at a nightclub. I passed. Dancing's never really appealed to me, and I don't really drink (tried my first beer at Stiegl yesterday and hated it). That, and we didn't know the club (it was recommended by someone on staff here at Haus Wartenberg), it wasn't within walking distance, and we don't really know that area of the city or the language very well. Yeah, I'm paranoid, I know. Sue me.

So while they're all out clubbing (or whatever the expression is), I've gotten a few requests to post pictures of yesterday's adventures. The ones from the zoo aren't very good, but I'll see what I can dig up.









Like I said yesterday, I didn't take many pics of Stiegl since there really wasn't much worth seeing, but I've got one or two I think are okay.



This is the outside of the brewery.



This is a replica of the distilling tanks (not sure what the exact technical term is.)



And this is the largest "Beer Castle" in the world. Something like 350 bottles altogether, representing each of the different brands of beer brewed in Austria.

I'mot sure what our plans are for tomorrow. Some of us might be heading over to Linz, a nearby city. Most of us are probably going to sleep in again, since they aren't planning on getting back until midnight at the absolute earliest. And then again, classes start Monday (ugh), so we might just want to relax and not do anything. But if we do do something, I'll be sure to let y'all know about it.

Peace,

-Raptor