Exploring the culture of Austria [Backpacking over 60]

This is the seventh instalment of Libby’s journey backpacking through Europe with her husband… To read her previous post, click here

Hello Austria

The first thing we saw was a road closed sign (we think). There was a detour in place and we were sent through some very pretty little alpine villages. There were ski lifts everywhere and they were all working and they appeared to be very well used even through the height of their summer. We didn’t stop as we wanted to reach Vienna in daylight, so we did just that and were met by our friend so he could guide us through the maze of streets to where they lived. What a beautiful old building but when in side it was really modern. They had a rooftop unit which meant they had their own rooftop garden and a very healthy veggie garden as well.

It was great to catch up with them and their children: one child had a very strong American accent due to the International school they attended. We were eventually tired and an early night was in order.

Good morning, Vienna!

First things first, my brother went off to a doctor and my husband and I had a day off, so to speak.

It was so good being able to wash our clothes and ourselves with the luxury of taking our time. As we were tucked up inside, another storm swept through, maybe it was meant to be – I think we needed this day off. My brother was home and it appeared to be nothing serious, nothing that a course of antibiotics wouldn’t cure.

Dinner time and we walked down to a restaurant on a canal that was a tributary of the Danube. We had a very enjoyable evening watching some of the videos and looking at some of the pictures my brother had already taken.

Today we are off to explore; it’s always fun when you can’t speak the language and you have no idea where you are – the spice of life. Everywhere you looked there were old buildings, statues and fountains, and a multitude of people cleaning and maintaining them. It must be a thankless job as all the buildings appeared to have soot on them. I’m not sure whether it was because we were not necessarily in a touristy area or if is just these old buildings. In comparison to Germany, these buildings looked dirty, and it was also more expensive.

As it was starting to look very bleak outside we decided to make our way home. We got lost a few times (what’s new?). When we got home we were whisked off to a massive shopping centre, it was enormous! We didn’t have anything like this in Perth at the time.

Tomorrow we are on the road again.

When we woke we again headed down to the shops to get a few things we would need on the road. When we got back it had been arranged that we were going to a world renowned Bavarian schnitzel restaurant in Vienna before we left.

Wow, I can see why it is held in such high esteem. The schnitzels were the size of a large plate, hence they are served on one plate and all else is served on a second plate. Men’s heaven; too much food for men. I shared with the children. Homeward bound to pick up the car, our friends decide to lead us out of town as it is a bit tricky. We were so pleased they had directed us, as all the roads were blocked off for a massive rally of some sort. We eventually hit an auto barn and headed towards Italy. Many more days of getting lost ahead of us.

Have you travelled to Austria? If not, what other cultures have you explored? Tell us below!