our alsatian adventure:

Going back in time once again....

We took a week off at Easter to see the sights of Salzburg Austria - it is within a days drive (5 hours or so) and seemed like a fun place to see with the kids.

Aimee and I were in Salzburg once before - in the rain - for just a few hours. And I was very sick. This time though we had a week and a place to stay - and the most perfect weather I have ever seen.

We found a nice looking place on the Internet - turns out it was the third floor of a large house just outside Salzburg. Three bedrooms - plenty of space and the Altmullers. A lovely Austiran couple who rent the place out to families. Very kind people who enjoyed our energetic kids - as it turns out they have grandchildren in America and loved speaking English with our kids. We were well taken care of and given plenty of advice - our wood fired oven was filled every night and they even let us use their dining room and washed the dishes - it was great.

The house was in a small village about 30 minutes outside Salzburg.

View from the house...

Here is a shot of the Kachelofen - kept us warm. The Altmullers kept it full of wood at all times!

The village...

The owner of the house even walked us to the local farm to collect Easter eggs - it was a real working farm with livestock just off the kitchen...

Fiona enjoyed checking out the eggs more than the animals on the farm...

Then there was Salzburg - a great small city. A bit touristy - but still fun for all of us.

We were able to get up to the Fortress.

Also got a feel for the churches in town...

Hit some great audio tours...

That one was at Mozart's Residence... we also saw his birthplace. The highlight in the city might have been Hellbrunn Castle. It is an amazing castle - well the castle is OK - but the grounds are filled with gardens and grottos that contain trick water fountains. It is by guided tour only - so you don't get too wet. But Seth did find a way to get pretty well soaked...

Best to go on a hot day...

We also visited the Open Air Museum. Some nice local buildings preserved in a great museum. A fun walk for the kids... Really a great setting.

We enjoy this sort of museum and this was one of the best we have seen.

Then there was the food -

Sacher Torte was a favortie...

Every afternoon - an Einspanner - espresso with milk and whipped cream.

And of course strudel -

Since we were staying outside the city we were able to spend quite a bit of time in the lakes region just outside Salzburg. We visited a number of small villages - including Hallstatt a nice village with some amazing views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.

Then there was the Sound of Music tour! What an experience... If you have seen the movie - it is a must. So goofy - but so good - it even pokes fun at itself and the movie. It confirmed that we are NOT tour bus people - but we had a good time laughing and singing along. Seth even got up in front of the bus and sang for us. Typical Seth - it was great.

(note the curtain skirt)

I have put hundreds of other photos up on Flickr!

Well - I need to get this post in so I don't go a month without a post... I am up on the 3 year anniversary of the blog and it is getting slow! We have been so busy and sick and busy and other things....

Over a month ago we had a great visit from Aimee's sister and both of her children. It was wonderful. The kids loved seeing their cousins and Aunt - they played cards and had fun. The cousins had a good time - I hope - even though it was a bit of a quick trip. They were able to see most of Switzerland in just over a week.

We had them up in France at the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle...