8/7/09

Re: Update from Munich

I am in Salzburg, Austria, today.  Everyone recommended the Sound of Music tour but I didn't think I could stomach it.  I looked at photos in the hostel and figured I would get more out of a day of exploring the town and surroundings.  By sheer luck I ended up on a bus that was going to a town on the outskirts that sits right up next to the Alps.  There's a tram that goes to a peak (5,000 feet from nearly sea level) in 8 minutes.  Thinking that would be cool, I took the tram and expected to take some pictures at the top, get a drink and a snack, then head back to town for some more sights.  I LOVE the town.  At the peak I did just that, and then realized people were coming from trails that were relatively hidden.  Long story short, I hiked for over 5 hours, linked up with a family from Oregon that was also stunned to have found such a gem that wasn't advertised (perhaps on purpose), and we found an ice cave where there was a guide but it was definitely not a tourist destination.  I cannot wait to show you pictures.  It was 4 degrees celsius inside the cave, and it's the kind of place that would definitely be shut down by the U.S. for all sorts of safety violations.  I am sunburned and exhausted, but I've never had such a surprisingly amazing adventure (except perhaps the cave tour in P.R.).  I am considering canyoning tomorrow, and if that does not pan out I will head to either Vienna or Hungary, which was recommended by several teachers I met today from Australia.
 
Although I liked it, I am so glad to be out of Munich.
 
Hope you're all doing well!
 
Casey

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CDA: complete!

CDA: complete!
15:42, sporting my finisher hat