Travel date: May 2, 2024

Europe is open again today, so on a fairly urgent hunt for toilet paper.

Note: Ken and Doug left the apartment this morning looking like this.

Walked to the other side of the Danube to go to the Salzberger Schrannenmarkt – the Thursday Market. We were hoping for Austrian handicrafts, but we got vegetables. Really want to bring a radi home with me, but I’m sure the produce-sniffing dogs at Dulles would out me.

Have switched from my cute sneakers to my Hokas. My feet can only take so much cute.

Walked through the Mirabell Gardens: think Sound of Music. Did not wear drapery. Ken has limited patience for gardens, so we walked quickly. We were unknowingly walking in the bike lane, which is, apparently, verboten here. We know this because we were almost run over by an aggressive mob of Austrian cyclists.

Outstanding shopping karma today. Haydee and I bought some great jewelry. Went into an antique store that gave me serious anxiety – way too much scheiße in there. I bought an antique butter mold, but everyone said my poker face was terrible and I overpaid. So I have been fired from all future commercial negotiations.

Tried a new beverage – Almsdudler, which is supposed to be the national drink of Austria. Tastes like a lemony, herbal ginger ale. OK, but Austrian beer is better.

Every time we walk by one of the many stores here that sell traditional dress, I’m so tempted. But I just don’t think a dirndl would translate to grocery shopping in Warrenton.

Went back to the Steiff animal store, but it was 100 degrees inside, and the proprietor was an asshat, so we bought nothing.

Tried the famous dessert, Salzburger Nockerl. Visually impressive, but honestly, tasted like air. We all agreed, one and done.

Now back at the apartment watching Amadeus. Because, Mozart.

Prost!