the hills are alive!

i've left vienna early this morning and made my way to salzburg in the west, bordering germany. yes, salzburg - home to SoundOfMusic and mozart chocolates (and of course the man himeself.

and i was particularly awed by the austrian country. it'S really so pretty, i think i could just sit on a picnic mat and stare into the distance for the entire day. there were rolling green hills peppered with colourful blotches of villages far apart, set against the snow capped mountains under a blue blue sky with dramatic clouds. and this is just wad i see chugging down the railway line in 2nd class. i really can't wait to go stay in the austrian country!

anyway, salzburg is pretty fine n dandy too! we r very impressed by our hotel (which isn't cheap at all!). it's located in the heart of the old town in between two cobbled streets full of a mix of international brands and local delights, and counts LV and boss as it's neighbours. being part of the old town, it's exterior betrays an impression not unlike the rest of the district - quaint, charming, a tad run down, mellow with age. but wow n behold, the interior's given a chic modern overhaul, with sleek and strong coloured furniture and designs. über cool! see here.

and we've had our first hearty traditional austrian meal for lunch. n boy was the food (and wine n beer) good n filling! omg. the schnitzel and the sausages are simply heavenly, and the grilled meats was just just right, so full of flavour and so juicy, yet so simply done! we really had a very very good meal, and were extremely satisfied.

our day was spent soaking in the SOM sights (really charming n sing-along inducing ^^), and visiting mozart's house (and learning all abt him). and wandering round the old town, with all it's very interesting shops; a row of shops specializes in painted eggs not unlike easter eggs and look absolutely exquisite. pity most shops are closed on sundays. but fortunately, we're staying for the night and will be around to window shop (n maybe even shop for real) tmrw morning, b4 we go to the village in the mountains by the lake.

dinner was at another chic fingerfood place that promises the 'finest fingerfood'. well, the items r all really very interesting, in terms of the concept, the menu, the creative dishes and the cone/tall glass presentation. the ambience was also rather good, with a dark modern finish. pity the service sucks.

ugh. i think we're spending too much money, and i really ought to rein in a bit :S

but o well, we're all very happy, and that's wad counts! ;)