Day 8 25 July

I write this blog on the train from Salzburg to Budapest.  It was too late to record Day 8 when we got home.  We Ispent the morning walking and exploring the area close to our hotel.  Found a place to set up Skype.  Found out that our phones were now German phones and our plan was suitable while in Germany!  Not to worry though we can use up the prepaid and take it from there.  We will have further questions for vodofone going forward.  Not sure what it would cost to text nz.  Our language is quite a barrier when it comes to doing a deal.

After a pasta lunch enjoying the sunshine and leisurely pace, we went back to the hotel to pack.

Our evening experience was quite something.  We visited the fortress a massive castle/fort, took a cable car to the top - very high and amazing view of Salzburg.  It was here in this fortress that the Salzburg festival is held every year and where that scene was filmed in the Sound of Music.  We had a beautiful dinner, candles, Austrian hospitality in this impressive and biggest fortress in Europe.

At 8.30 we found our way to the very top - many many steps up to the concert chamber.  The stringed orchestra was something to listen to.  Will bring home the programme and some photos too.  A great night to remember Austria.  The presence of the love of  the arts is very evident in this city.  On a beautiful warm night it was almost magical in this huge fort, built by a number of archbishops centuries ago.  Go on line and look up Festungsbahn, I think that is right.  I have not the leaflet with me.

All going well.  Am in contact with Denmark about changed flight arrangements.  Very well looked after there.  Our struggles with language, currencies, and luggage are small in comparison with what we are achieving.  All good fun.  Closing off day 8.