Traveling in Salzburg – some not related to my post about Mauthausen things from today.
☀️ When Europe Is Closed and You’re Running on Granola
Remember how I said Europe is closed today? It’s May Day, which is a way bigger deal in Europe than in the US. We couldn’t find anything open for breakfast or provisions, so had to break out my two emergency granola bars, which we split between the four of us like some kind of survival rationing situation.
Sidebar: I cannot get enough of this drink when I’m in Europe – sparkling apple juice. This should happen (in non-Martinelli form) at home.
Ate a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch at the Mauthausen bistro. Not entirely sure it was ham, but I needed to stave off the hangries, so I ate all of it.
Related to the whole everything is closed situation — I forgot to pack sunscreen, so got sunburned today. Am now wearing my Euro scarf as both fashion and sunscreen.
🍺 Dinner at a Local Biergarten with a Family Name Twist
Went to a wonderful biergarten for dinner. The waiter told me the chef was super excited when he saw our reservation, because his last name is Georgi, too. Had delicious käsespätzle, unfiltered bier and some schnaps.
Took a lovely walk after dinner. If you are traveling in Salzburg, taking in the beautiful views from across the river is a must. Found the Steiff stuffed animal shop. My dad used to bring me Steiff animals from his trips to Germany. It was closed, of course, so will have to return tomorrow.
Currently back at the apartment watching Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. So far, we have heard opera, Better Midler, and Hava Nagila. The audience participation is phenomenal. Have never seen this spectacle before. Can’t decide if this is hilarious or cringey or awesome.
Prost!
Travel date: May 1, 2024 (part 2)
André Rieu does a good job of bringing pop and light classical music to the public. The musicianship of the orchestra is quite good and he himself is a genuinely nice guy who speaks at least five languages fluently. So I personally wouldn’t call it cringey. Definitely a step up from Lawrence Welk IMO. Enjoying your travelogues!
I know several people who love him. Having never seen his show before – we were super amused by all the people in the audience who had clearly enjoyed a bier too many!!
Oh, I believe Andre Rieu to be a ‘nice guy’ but being an opera, symphony, chamber music etc lover I find your word ‘cringey’ totally valid – sorry Rick! And I look at the usual ‘dress code’ on the stage . . , and run, run, run 🙂 !!!