Salzburg, Austria Christkindlmarkt

Well, we had to go to Salzburg. It's always beautiful, and special, and the Christmas markets were sure to make it more so. We all drove over from Munich and arrived mid-afternoon, and went right to the market by the Mirabel Garden. Josh needed a break after the ride so we went to the playground nearby and all had a great time. It has a great design with a spring-assisted teeter totter, swings and a set of squares that, when you jump on them, makes a different tone for each one. We all tried it. On to the city center and soon found charming decorations in the old city, in small enclosures and large squares alike. Choirs sang in front of the Cathedral, and as dusk fell the lights added a bright glow. Did I mention they serve Gluhwein there? And sausages? Later we passed by an ice rink where kids were learning to skate with the aid of animal forms. Hungry, we headed for one of the best beer halls in town, in St. Augustines Church. Passing by the statues of Christ and washing our mugs in the baptismal font, we enjoyed the Augustiner-Brau and schnitzel. Look it up in Rick Steve's guide.

We finally walked back across the bridge, admiring the night view of the Salzburg fortress.