Into The Semmering

Trip Start Aug 16, 2008
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Trip End Aug 27, 2008


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Friday, August 22, 2008

Our trip into the mountains was spectacular!!! The Autobahn wasn't all that impressive and I found it interesting that I used to think we traveled so fast on it, but I drive like that when I head out to the lake! I guess the difference is that, here, it's legal!!! LOL Once we got onto the regular roads, I was like a dog.... hanging my head out the window and snapping pictures... I did not, however, stick my tongue out, drool or bark at other cars!

We went up into the mountain range known as The Semmering, which is south-west from Guntramsdorf. This is one of the places that hosts World Cup racing and this year they're hosting at the end of December. I would love to come back at Christmas and go skiing! The pictures I got of the one slope make it look so innocent and harmless, but my Aunt told me it's considered a Black Diamond run and she wouldn't ski it! The little villages and alpine cottages (homes) scattered here and there are like little elves playing hide-and-seek!. With some, you only catch a glimpse... some hang off the sides of the mountains while others are nestled amidst the pines... and each turn in the road revealed another surprise!

I've never lived in the mountains and I can't remember the last time I was even near real mountains, so my point of reference is pretty limited, but WOW!!!! Those roads we drove on were so narrow, it was insane! There really is barely enough room for one car, never mind two... passing each other! Truly, only idiots would drive like Mario Andretti up there!

We stopped at two Gasthauses... At the Beginning
At the Beginning
 one for lunch and one for beer! At one, they were delivering beer and Hannes joked around about it being an ambulance.... I thought that was pretty funny! I also had my first Schnitzel of the trip.... followed by another that night for supper! They are sooooo yummy!!! The best part is that someone else makes them!!! :-)

Getting a cup of coffee with cream was an impossibility, though! Who knew that something as simple as that would be difficult? It's like trying to get vinegar for your fries... not a guaranteed thing at all!

We topped off the day by going to local 'community club' for an Irish night! Barb's friends met us there and we had a blast... followed up by more wine and song at Cookie and Peter's place. Super nice people and a very enjoyable evening.

Ahhhhh... here's the highlight of my day... I can now drive here! Got my driving papers which now means that I can tour the countryside... and get lost.... just like I do at home!!! This should be a blast and I'm thinking that if the other people on the road knew I was a novice, they'd be sure to stay out of my way! Hannes has a GPS in the car (that speaks English) and all I hope is that it's pre-programmed for shoe stores!!! LOL

So, now I have to go and pick up my Oma.... she's been waiting for a few hours (we had to go shopping first) and she will be madder than you-know-what! She and I are driving out to Neuseidl Am See... well I'm driving and I'm sure she'll be yelling and having heart attacks beside me. When it comes to giving directions, there is only one tone... screaming! A tad distracting, but I guess I'll get used to it!

Later, Everyone!!!
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