Innsbruck Austria and a lil ish of Zurich Switzerland

Austria

Arrived by bus from Munich and was swift and easy. My hotel was outside the city, so I had to take taxis because the bus schedule turned out to be more complicated than I hoped. The hotel itself was awesome. Even though you had to pay for breakfast, the whole Mom and Pop owned feel was comforting, their staff welcoming and helpful. The view of the mountains from my bedroom, simply magical and breathtaking. I walked around old town with my suitcase taking pictures of the Golden Roof where I later saw a pole vaulting event. The hotel has old fashioned elevators take you take and open doors when you reach your floor with old fashioned keys and doors. 

When you ate breakfast you can see the Alps and the hills from the windows and it is spectacular. I walked around what is called Walther Park. I bought a delicious sandwich for late lunch at ebb coffee shop and juice to go. I people watched and then went back to my hotel despite their bar and restaurant being closed. Hot and cold showers have become a simple joy and special when traveling. It means everything and I instantly feel better and cleaner lol.

I woke up after sleeping in a little, met a nice man who drove me into town and helped me find schedules etc. I walked to the congress center and took my Innsbruck gondola ticket to the counter and headed to the causeway for lift. The Nordekette (Haflecker point and high mtn points) is the jewel of the alps -7,401 ft high up. I took a gondola to three different deck stages on the mountain to get to that height. It was amazing!!! I stopped halfway where they have a cafe and drank a beer overlooking the entire countryside and snowy mountains. 

I found out later my ticket allowed me access to the top point. I took the gondola up and could not believe my eyes. This was surreal and a dream it seemed. I got a little vertigo and pushed myself to climb to the very top. It was there when I met some guys from Germany who asked me to join them in the hike and trek down the entire mountain. They seemed chill, they shared oreos, sodas, laughs, stories, and carefree spirit. We stopped at each point and had a beer, walking through the side forests and the woods. I felt like a kid again but also terrified I would die or get injured. It was quite the feat, so glad I did not chicken out. It took us three to four hrs and I got hideously sunburnt on neck and face. 

Sweaty and feeling uncomfortable we all walked back to their hotel. One of them I seemed to flirt with a lot more, but I soon realized not all people and or men can be trusted. In summary,  let me just say he was bad news bears and immature, and deceitful. He being the leader of the pack, his friends were cool, but I soon figured out, if one does not like you or you do not give in to their wants, time to go. I took my bags and bid farewell. I got lost in the city, halfway on purpose and halfway delirium and shock. Almost got robbed, but ran very fast, hence broken wheel on luggage and rollin on tough surfaces, but yes no bueno.

 I returned to the hotel via taxi and admitted I had truly the best day of my life in what seemed like awhile. I became super bummed the guys turned out to be a bummer situation. I  will admit without any shame I was tired, so I cried and more or less about my travel and everything to comparing the guys and what happened. It is definitely for the better, social media ghosting, got blocked, and that was that. Too much drama. Least I can say the day memory was one I will not forget. They helped me climb and picked me up if I fell or needed a rest. 

The weather was beautiful and our scenery ideal. I got to see with binoculars, the old town from the mountain, Bergisel ski jump when Austria hosted the olympics, imperial palace and city tower. The lunch was at a place called Herzlich on the mountain top. St. Anna's column in old town statue with roses from first day with priests all around was cool to capture in a photo. I learned that Herman buhl was the first mountaineer 

to climb 2 eight thousanders aka the one who climbed that peak first. 

I also saw bikers making the climb, runners etc. I am told the hike down is actually harder....interesting. I fell in love with Austria as I did Ireland and would move there if I could. Hmm maybe Ill change my mind after my August trip or when I later visit Italy ;)...who knows?! I was told Salzburg Austria is nice too, maybe next time. By the way, in Europeans when asked which state they like most: fact, most said california, washington, and oregon. Austrians also I gather have a love hate relationship with 

Germans and vice versa.  

I have not uploaded the rest of Innsbruck from my camera because the hotel in Zurich, its computers do not house usb card readers and I did not bring my connecting cable, so to be continued. Phone pic uploads are easier and faster I have 

most up. Anyhow, four countries, to be honest, saw train ride from Innsbruck to Zurich, but no sightseeing here. I am wiped, repacking, writing, and soon sleeping for my travel back. Switzerland from what I saw while walking to hotel is pretty and the riviera was as well. My hotel accomodations were tiny but especially crazy for what i paid. Everything is expensive and the people are so it seems, naturally beautiful. I stole an apple from the reception desk and went back to my quarters. No disappointment as it is almost 8pm here. 

Maybe I will walk tomorrow if there is time before my flight. Worth seeing, but I am certain Innsbruck for another night would not have been a letdown ;). Two and a half months until London, Paris, and Barcelona, listen in if you would like and for now, yawns, I am winding down.