The second half of day two really worked out nicely. I caught the bus (free public transportation and entrance to all museums and almost all attractions with my Salzburg card) and headed towards Hellbrunn just outside town. Hellbrunn was the imperial palace of Markus Stikkus. A man who had a crazy sense of humor and loved to soak his guests. There are built in trick fountains that squirt at you from seats at the table in the amphitheater, statues, sidewalk paths. It was a fun day when I was here last. Lucky my trip research gave me a heads up and I was able to avoid most of my soaking. In the winter most of the fountains are shut down and blocked away. Only the amphitheater and pond area were open. There are extensive cultivated park grounds here, and outdoor concert area, sprawling gardens, the sound of music gazebo, a kids toy museum and the Salzburg zoo. At this time of year it also hosts a Christmas market in the castle courtyards. It is so nice here. Families everywhere enjoying being out in the festive scenery, it is snowing hard and everyone is out drinking Gluhwein (mulled wine)and eating brats and just enjoying the scene. It is almost the picture I always had in my head for one of my favourite carols, Silver Bells (and soon it will be Christmas eve). Did some more shopping. Christmas seems to be a kinder gentler season here. People are hand picking carefully crafted gifts and are enjoying just being out in each others company. Christmas is more about the company and companionship of people known and unknown gathering to celebrate. It is such a blessing to be part of it all and while I miss the company of those I love this trip seems to be restorative and healing and filling me with joy.
Tonight I did make it to the Stadtkrug for dinner. I found it online and it is highly recommended for its schnitzel. I was going for that but loved the sound of the duck on the menu instead. Excellent friendly service and I ended up booking Christmas Eve dinner there. It is in a beautiful old hotel just down the road from mine on the Linzergasse a pedestrian shopping area in the 'new' side of town here. In my pictures it is lit up with blue and white snowflakes.
Here is the Christmas Eve menu for the other foodies: Freshly baked pastries with pumpkin herb curd, Homemade terrine of organic goose with port wine jelly and spicy quince chutney, Chestnut-apple cream soup and fried ginger dumplings, a choice of either baby turbot fillet with truffle cream served with saffron risotto and steam chicory or medallions of small deer with fig sauce served with shallot dumplings and almond broccoli, gingerbread souffle with cinnamon sabayon and poppy parfait and a variety of Christmas cookies. With the accompanying wine. Hmmm can't wait.
Well Cheers everyone. It is just after 10pm here now and I am headed to bed soon. Tomorrow I will try to reach the fortress and residence palace and am doing the Sound of Music tour by the company in the film (Maria gets on their bus in the film). I took it last time as well and it was great. Not only the film sights but a visit to other outlying towns such as St. Gilgen and Mondsee. Thanks for checking in!
