I think it’s important that we put any myths or expectations of a White Christmas to bed from the outset of this ‘Christmas’ blog: it is not snowing. The weather is glorious – sunny, clear blue skies, 10 – 12 degrees. Disappointed? Well, not really. Whilst spectacular, a White Christmas means cold weather, reduced outside time and 15 minutes of getting jackets/beanies/gloves/scarves/boots on before we can leave the house. Having said that, a light dusting of snow would be nice.

Friday evening we shopped at Aldi (called Hofer in Austria) – it was a decent sized shop and as Hamish and I were packing the groceries, Rod was struggling with bank cards that were just plain refusing to play nice. He went to use his credit card, only to be told ‘nein credit card’. I just kept packing. I had not brought my wallet, so was of no assistance. Eventually Rod paid in cash, with about 40 euro cents to spare.

 

We spent Saturday exploring the neighbourhood, paying for a broken Christmas decoration, washing, Skyping and working out the public transport system. The bus is less than 5 minutes walk from our front door and is proving to be very, very handy. Rod walked into the city centre, which took him approximately 20 minutes, feeling a little overwhelmed by the volume of shoppers and the number of narrow laneways in which to spend your money.

Sunday we caught the bus into the city and visited the famous Salzburg Christmas Markets. It was absolutely packed with many boisterous, amorous Italians who had been enjoying too much of the local Gluhwein. We fought our way to get a sausage for lunch (well, Rod did all the hard work and Hamish and I reaped the rewards) and then found some dessert which was a delicious jumble of apple, pancakes, ginger bread and custard. After donating more money to some street artists, we made the short journey home.

Monday was a day of planning. There is such a thing here called the Salzburg Card, which entitles the holder to free entry to just about all museums/attractions as well as free public transportation. Rod went to the information centre to purchase three 72 hour tickets, whilst Hamish and I discovered the riverside. Rod and I swapped Hamish duties whilst I completed my Christmas shopping. Later, Rod and Hamish dropped me off at the Hofer, so I could buy the last minute groceries for Christmas. This is no small task and requires a great deal of planning as nearly everything shuts down from Thursday afternoon until Monday morning. Found what I think is a turkey breast, so we will cook up a roast on Friday with apple strudel for our dessert. It is traditional to celebrate Christmas here on Christmas Eve, but we are breaking with tradition in favour of Santa bringing the gifts and over indulging on the 25^th.

 

Wishing you all a safe and merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.