Austria

In addition to visiting Germany, Heike and I joined our friends Stefan and Sabine for a trip to Austria. This was my first visit there, and I hope it won't be the last. Austria is in the heart of the Alps, and is just astonishingly beautiful. This was a short stay, but we had a fine time in Salzburg.
As the name implies, Salzburg was founded on... Salt. Historically salt has been an important commodity, and salt was mined here. Even the river that runs through the city is named for salt. Salzburg was also the birthplace of Mozart, and the city fathers employ this fact prominently to draw tourists as you might expect. I stopped by Wolfie's place, but he wasn't home.
Our main objective of the visit was Festung Hohensalzburg. Ich mag geschichte (I like history). This fortress/castle/palace was built during the 11th century on a mountaintop overlooking the town. It is simultaneously formidable and beautiful. One can imagine the powerful people of history looking out over the spectacular views of the town and countryside and perhaps it didn't look that much different.
We also strolled about the gardens and park of the archbishop's residence, but didn't have time to tour the residence itself.
There was also a classic car rally going on in the city while we were there. We didn't watch much of it, but it sure drew an impressive crowd. Interestingly, during the entire rally, a PA system was blaring 1950s-60s American classic rock music. Not sure how that related to all the Ferraris, Mercedes, Porches, and MGs whizzing about, but there is was.
I hope to return to Austria in the not-too-distant future. So much to see.