After sleeping for 13 hours (had a little help from a sleeping pill), we were up and ready to start the day. By the time we showered and were ready for the day, it was almost 11am…so it was time for brunch. Right across the street from the hotel was a small cafe called Icezeit, specializing in crepes, coffee and gelato. We decided to give it a try and had some great coffee, along with crepes (Paige and I) and an omelet (Ken).  

We had considered taking a city tour, but since we got moving so late, we decided to do a walking tour using our Rick Steves book. He always includes good step-by-step guides, with fun commentary that are extremely easy to use (I liken it to Salzburg Walking Tour for Dummies). We started in Mozartplatz, which is where the main Advent (Christmas) market is located. The stalls were not as busy as the night before, but still had some activity.  

Using the book, we wandered through Old Town Salzburg, through the squares and into a couple of churches. In St Peters cemetery, the tombs were where the VonTrapps hid from the Nazi's in the last part of the Sound of Music. While it was really filmed in the movie studio, the set was modeled after the St Peter's tombs and it does look just like the movie.  

 The weather was cooperating, as it was cold (around 30ish) but no rain or snow. We stopped in a few shops, not only to check out what they were selling…but also to get warmed up! After enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and beautiful scenery, we decided it was time for some coffee, hot chocolate and apple strudel. That really warmed us up, but we needed to head back to the hotel to recharge the camera (and us).  

After some downtime, we headed back out to get more pictures, do some shopping at the market stalls and a bit more sightseeing. By the time we returned to the Advent market area, it was dark and the crowds had returned. It is great to see so many people out enjoying the season! The market stalls were selling some really yummy looking food, so Paige convinced us to give a fried dough with sauerkraut a try. It doesn't sound so great, but it was very tasty!

In the Rick Steves book, he recommends Stein Terrasse, http://steinterrasse.at/en/ a bar overlooking the city with great views. We decided to give it a try, and as advised, the views of old town, the fortress on the hill and the river were amazing. Then, it was time for our Mozart Dinner.

Salzburg, is the birthplace and home of Mozart. And, as such…much is made of his short life (he died at age 35), with his birthplace and his work home all made into museums. All of the reviews of the museums were not complimentary, but the dinner got good reviews. So, the dinner was our choice to celebrate Mozart. We arrived at St Peter Stifskeller, a very cool looking restaurant next to St Peter's church and was seated in this beautiful, ornate room with a huge Christmas tree. 

The evening started with an appetizer of cold smoked salmon and some weird trout mousse. While the salmon was good, the mousse was not so great…just odd. Then the performers came on and performed some selections from Mozart's Don Giovanni. The musicians were wonderful, and the vocalists were excellent, especially the female. Then, the soup course, which after came Mozarts Le Figaro, then main course, which followed by a selection of Mozart's well known compositions. All in all a wonderful evening of food and music.  

Next up….the Alps!