Day number 2 in Austria was full of surprises. Good ones, don’t worry!
We had been playing around with the idea of taking the train fro Vienna to Salzburg and getting our Sound of Music on for the day. But when we looked at tickets, it seemed kind of expensive. So we asked at the front desk of our hotel about finding a car rental company in the area. Their response was fantastic: the hotel had a car that hotel guests could take out for the day free of charge. Gas included. The only requirement was that we have the car back by 10pm! And the car was SUPER cute (even if we were a driving advertisement for the hotel – which was actually fine because it was an awesome hotel; we were happy to promote it!)
We opted out of breakfast in Vienna in favor of getting on the road – we wanted to get going and figured we could find something en route. Surprise #2 was the rest stop along the autobahn. Let’s just say Austria’s rest stop food is far, far, far superior to the Shoneys, Golden Corrals, and Cracker Barrels of U.S. highways. We walked into the restaurant to find a massive spread, with everything from a strudel station to a meat carving station to freshly squeezed orange juice. AMAZING. Plus there were indoor palm trees.
A few hours later we made it to Salzburg – it was rainy and cold, but still very lovely.
Cold and hungry after the long drive, we consulted our Lonely Planet guidebook and tracked down an adorable old pub (which is probably not called a pub in German, but that’s the idea). Goulash and pork and dumplings was on the menu and we ran with it, along with mugs of Salzburg-brewed beer. Hit the spot on a rainy day!
Fueled up, we took to the streets of Salzburg. In yet another surprise, we found a set-up for a marathon that was to happen the next day! Thinking about a run through beautiful Salzburg definitely provided food for thought for next year!
As our time was running short, we decided to do a self-guided tour of a couple of Sound of Music sites. Up first, Nonnberg Abbey. (Where God closed a door.)
After a walk around and a number of photo ops, we hopped back in our cute little car and miraculously found the mansion used as the exterior of the Von Trapp house (where He opened a window).
By that point, we had had about enough of the cold and rain, so it was back in the car and back to Vienna, where we opted for Chinese food for dinner. After food and some bonding time at the hotel, we headed to bed. Sadly that was about it for our quick trip – the next morning we met up for breakfast, then one by one we took ourselves to the airport and returned to our respective homes.
FABULOUS time, though! We all agreed that we have pretty cool jobs that allow us to do stuff like this on a whim. We’re lucky folks, that’s for sure!
Toto...We're Not In NYC Anymore 
Cool jobs, indeed! And, the closing of doors and opening of windows is certainly a consideration. BUT, knowing when and at what point to jump out that window is built upon, previous experience, knowledge, and the many hours of study, preparation, interviews, assessments… You have all done well. Enjoy!
. . . definitely calls for one of those Sound of Music sing along events . . . looked like great fun!
And the car, well what can I say – Austrian hotels just know the way to roll.