The Seal that (almost) sealed my fate

You’re probably all wondering what I’m actually doing with myself in Austria, aside from admiring the countryside and eating Mozartkugeln. Well, I’ll start from the beginning, which will take a few blog entries, so bear with me. 

I got up early on Wednesday, September 23, for 3 reasons:

Surfing

Goodbyes

Last-minute packing

Surfing: It started out well; I was the only one out and the water wasn’t quite as cold as it had been ALL summer. About 15 minutes in, however, while waiting for a wave, a harbor seal (the white ones with black spots) popped up about 10 feet away (it felt closer) and did what they always do, stared me down. It felt like a staring contest. See, the problem with harbor seals is, they are entirely unpredictable. Sometimes look, then swim away, sometimes they jump on your board, sometimes they chase you. So I froze, he froze, but then a wave came and I had to dive under; when I popped up, he was gone. Alone and not knowing which direction my new friend had gone in, I went for safe and paddled in like my life depended on it. I got to shore, turned around and said, selfishly, “are you happy now?” and plopped down on the sand looking for him. Of course, he was gone. He hadn’t wanted anything, was just curious. We often forget that big, living, breathing, sea animals are swimming below us in the murky dark green deep. So concerned with OUR territory and getting OUR waves, we forget we are in THEIR territory. The harbor seal that day was a good reminder of the nature that we should love, respect and consider, every time we paddle out.

Goodbyes: Afterwards I cruised over to D's, who greeted me with homemade granola from his fave bakery as a goodbye gift. Then met H. and W. at Starbucks around the corner for a farewell cup o’ Joe. I know I also said goodbye to someone else very important that morning, who I think stopped by my house, but for the life of me I cannot remember who it was. Forgive me; if you read this, you know who you are.

Packing: speaks for itself.

 

 

"It looks like Disneyland!"

Welcome to Disneyland- I mean, Salzburg. People are happy here, and it's no wonder. With an impressive fortress, beautiful-but-not-overbearing cathedrals, a CLEAN, blue-green river winding down the center, and sugar-coated mountains on all sides, the only description I keep blurting out when asked how it is here is, "It looks like Disneyland!" Disney may have designed his castle after Neuschwanstein, but the city of Salzburg is a living, breathing example of "The Happiest Place on Earth." By the way, if you haven't noticed all the Mozart-labeled chocolate, cake, teas, alcohol, perfume(!), restaurants, cafes, streets, tours, or houses (birth- and living-), this happens to be buddy's hometown, and you'd do well to pay some respect- better yet, spend a few euro on some Mozartkugeln; you won't regret it. Thanks to him Salzburg has become a thriving center for performing arts, and there are constant concerts, plays and exhibitions of all sorts at decent prices. You can walk and/or bike everywhere, but if you're feeling lazy (or it's freezing), phenomenal public transportation ensures that you never have to step inside a car. Everyone speaks English, and sometimes 2 or 3 more languages. But the best part: a 15 minute bus ride to the Untersberg Lift and I'm up and riding. I can snowboard after work or on my days off! I could go on and on. Maybe one month means I'm still in the honeymoon phase, and this uncanny rose-colored bubble surrounding everyone and everything in Salzburg is gonna pop in my face, but I am pretty sure this place just really is that awesome. My new motto: Don't question, just accept- and savor.

Salzburg- Winter

house on my street

view of altstadt from lehener bruecke- Salzach, Festung, Dom

 Salzburg- Fall

River, castle, cathedrals...postcard status!

View of Muelln from Lehener Bruecke