Salzburg, Vienna, and Thanksgiving, Oh My!

While being lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with familiar faces in Austria (Julie and some of her friends I had met in Budapest about 6 or 7 weeks ago) it still wasn't the same without being with my family in the end. But to show how close of a call it was... the dinner I was able to go to with Julie, setup by her study abroad program directors, was arguably more elaborate and elegant than any dinner I've been privy to before. Being in a huge dining hall with an enormous Christmas tree, chandeliers, a small orchestral performance along with alternating opera performances (not sure if that accurately describes it, but I am making haste presently with this post) performed in Italian and German, plus some Mozart - since this is Mozart headquarters! - a wonderfully satisfying three course meal, and some new and interesting company, it was quite the holiday celebration. It was also free, which didn't hurt matters any.
It was such an elegant affair that I actually had to go to a store in the city and purchase a nice shirt and sweater so that I would be allowed in. Apparently "well traveled" clothes that are all wrinkly aren't appropriate for such occasions; who knew?!

Salzburg itself is a quaint little city though. And with a day trip to Vienna on Friday I got to see some of the differences and similarities within the country and the capitol as well. Without time for pictorial additions at present, I can easily say that this is one of the cleaner countries I've been in thus far in general and also holds some wonderful views. I also was lucky enough to walk part of the Sound Of Music trail! ; )

My completely unplanned trip to Austria was quite nice overall, especially considering the whole plan of me visiting and organization of said plans, occurred over little more than 2 hours via Facebook, on the same day I actually arrived! Getting to see my good friend Julie for the second time in Europe was wonderful though, and I'm so glad I made it! The Thanksgiving dinner was incredible and far surpassed anything I was expecting. Her friends were all friendly, hilarious, and awesome, for the second time! And I experienced everything from the aforementioned, to karaoke, rooftop cafes, tours of the Vienna parliament, and plenty of Austrian beer!

My plans for the next few days have changed already, as I missed my train to Venice by actually sleeping in this morning, for a solid 9 hours, something which has been a rarity over the past 2-3 weeks, and have altered my course yet again. Next destination: Bern, Switzerland!