Sound of Music & Splash!

On Saturday we left the Kartause at 6:45am with the University students for Salzburg (about 2 hours away).

First stop was Mass at Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church).  

After Mass we headed out in several groups for tours around Salzburg.  Here is Brian and Ellie at the fountain Maria dances around in the Sound of Music.

Here I am at the archway where Maria and the kids play and run through. 

Here is the building where the Von Trapps perform at the end of the movie. 

Here is the gazebo where they sang "I am 16 going on 17."

Ellie was excited that the castle in Salzburg still looks like a castle!

She was more excited about dancing on stage in front of 200 college students during lunch (she's definitely her father's daughter)!

Brian Francis loved discovering his toes. 

He got a picture with the castle in the background too! (And a pacifier shoved in his mouth...he'd prefer his toes).

It was around 90 degrees and we spent the afternoon at the perfect spot. We went to Hellbrunn "Trick Fountains." Beautiful palace and grounds with magnificent (and tricky!) fountains throughout the property. (This is also where the Sound of Musuc gazebo is located now.)

We had dinner and drinks at the Augustiner Bräu (Augustine Beer-hall).

Then one last picture with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background. (And check out the woman's traditional Austrian dress in the background, which is common to see around Salzburg).

Brian Francis I & II passed out on the bus ride home. Successful Saturday trip!

Sunday we spent in Gaming. After Mass and naps, we went to the pool. Then got delicious kebabs in town. On our walk home with some students we ran into a large gathering of students at the little bridge across the river that runs through Gaming. Students often jump into river, which is frigid because the water is fresh mountain runoff.  Brian jumped in a couple of weeks ago and jumped in again tonight but from the left side instead. So now it was my turn!! One of the students helped steady me on the tree stump and then as I looked up at Ellie, students, and a few older people with a camera watching me, I knew there was no going back. In I went. It is cold!!! But it was exciting and I'm glad to know that during the next however many years we're here I can say I already jumped in.  Here's me on the bridge after the plunge. 

Another great Austrian weekend!