Innsbruck

Thursday Innsbruck

Up early for a bit of nonexistent e-mail, breakfast, packing and a bus back to the train station. And even plusher first-class intercity train took us non-stop to Innsbruck.  Couldn't be nicer.  Innsbruck is a big contrast to Salzburg.  Really a modern bustling city.  Young people everywhere.  Inner city boutique shops, bustling night life, sports stadiums and teams, exercise trails down the river.  Everything except a public transport map which we guess doesn't exist.  Walked to the hostel and checked in.  Nice but basic with shared facilities in the hall.  Went to Bergeisal, then walked up a steep hill to the Olympic ski jump, which was the sight of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.  Took pictures from the top, then had some lunch in a cafe in the tower.  Pretty spectacular views.  You can almost touch the hills.  Ashley said that it looked like we were inside a painted bubble.  Had a Chinese meal for tea next door.  Walked around the Christmas night market to let tea go down.  There were people everywhere.

Friday Innsbruck

A day spent exploring the old town of Innsbruck.  Saw Dom St Jacob, the palace and lots of shops while I tried to find a Christmas present for Mandy.  Ashley wandered independently.  Christmas markets started opening at lunchtime and street started filling.  Lots of tour groups are around.  Reconnected with Ash at lunchtime.  Checked if Mandy was on Skype or had e-mailed without luck again.  Then back into town for lunch and more wandering.  Lots of street theatre and puppet decorations on balconies.  Chinese for tea again and then a walk through the night markets and ice skating with Ashley.