09-05-2011 - Salzburg-Vienna

We drove up a scenic mountain climb to Hitler's notorious 'Eagles Nest" driving deep into the Natioal Park, through some farmhouses and picturesque vilages to the ruins of Obersalzburg. We were lucky to have fantastic sunny weather, as well as the nest was only opened to public 2 days ago. Apparantly he saw this spot in 1920's, and absolutely fell in love with it, he mentioned, he would love to have this nest built for his 50th birthday where he could write his book "Mein Cumph' sorry about the spelling! It is situated near the highest mountain of Germany, it took them 13 months to build the road, but there was 400m where a road was not possible so they build this lift that goes straight up, and its completely placed with polish brass. It was completed 1938. In 1950's the english bombed and flattened the entire hitler compound, except the eagles nest, controvocy about it, but it was told that it was left as a reminder, of what never to let happen again. To think this is the place where he plotted all of his evil plans. Hard to beleive that someone so evil actually appreciated and amired such a beautiful place in the world.
The entire hight is 6070feet high up, overlooking Austria valleys, also famously known for the sound of music. There were splendid views looking accross the snow capped peaks through the arches up the 'Hohen Goll' . Mousolini donated a big marble arch fireplace. The top of the mountain was still covered with snow. We were so fortunate, they opened the nest only 2 days ago for tourist, and we had perfect weather. Our guide told us, over 3000 visitors a DAY! I cannot beleive I stood in front of the fireplace Mousolini gifted to Hitler!
We made our way to Salzburg, where the 'Sound of Music' was filmed. Stunning clear mountain fast flowing rivers, one could almost imagine the salmon jumping out into a bears mouth! We walk through the Mirabell Gerdans where they sang Do-re-me in the sound of music. We walked past Motzart's birthplace, his statue. Carole and I had a deliceous ice coffee and apple strudle, of course we had to try the apple strudle, afterall its where it originated from..yummy, but not good for the tummy..... This afternoon we drove along the Danube Valley, passing Melk Abbey, on our way to stately Vienna. We were all so tired as it was a long day on the bus, got to the Hilton Vienna hotel at 8pm, thank goodness we have 2 days here, I did a bit of washing in the basin, had a hot bath and fell sound asleep, I so needed that!