Salzburg really is a beautiful city. And, there is plenty to see.
But, it seems to have a “complex” of some kind in relationship to Vienna. Our tour guide on Tuesday morning, a lovely Viennese native who has lived in Salzburg for years, said:
Vienna styles itself as the center of Austria; after all, it is the national capital, and it has many inhabitants. But, the citizens of Salzburg secretly think that Vienna thinks too much of itself, and that in fact Salzburg is the better city.
Well, I’m not sure if they’re correct about that. The shops were certainly competing to see who could be the best vendor of “Mozart Balls,” the strange chocolates wrapped in likenesses of W. Amadeus himself. The funicular ride to the famous Festung Hohensalzburg (the town’s imposing fortress/castle) was clean and efficient and quick (although because it was efficient, it also took a while for it to start because they insisted on filling the car to its capacity of 40 riders before starting the one-minute journey!).
Still, there was something like a chip on Salzburg’s shoulder. I don’t quite know what it was, but there is an edge to the city, like it wants to be Vienna, perhaps, and knows it never can.
No matter: the food was good, the cathedral (with its five organs!) breathtakingly beautiful, and the company of choristers and friends has been delightful!
Tags: salzburg, Tour
Entries (RSS)
April 16th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Hi everybody! I’ve enjoyed reading all about your adventures so far. Sounds like you are having a great time. I’ve reviewed the pictures on the site and I can’t help but notice that in virtually all of them there are a minimum of three wine glasses and several bottles, either being emptied or carefully inspected. I just have one question… Have you sung anything yet??
Ok, my best to all of you- have a couple for me, and if you ever have time for a concert remember to watch the conductor!
Allan
April 17th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Well, Allan, in fact those wine glasses have been used to reconstruct “glass harmonicas.” We’ve needed several at each table just to get the harmonies right.
We will have more concert postings up soon! We have had tremendous adventures with our first two concerts with the organs in particular.