Back in Europe again, how sweet it is! I thought I’d share some thoughts from the trip and my first day (half-day, really) here.

The weather is a bit more nippy than I planned and there is a lot of rain in the forecast. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the model calling for rain is the frequently erroneous American forecasting model. After crashing in the hotel room upon arrival I woke up to the sun streaming through my window and roused myself awake for I could go out while the sun was shining. The one day I was here in Salzburg before, it was very hazy and I’m really hoping for some blue-sky, white cloud days. It just makes the pictures so much better.

I can already tell you that I’ve done a terrible job packing – should have brought another bag for walking around every day but I’ll have to make do with the backpack which is very secure but somewhat inconvenient. I could have brought less clothing to, but I am an American woman after all so nobody should be surprised at that.

One thing I did right this year, as opposed to last year in Warsaw – I have all the equipment I need to transfer photos from my camera to my iPad, so unless I run out space on my iPad, expect to see more pictures on this blog this year, and also in Facebook.

I must report on my first ever First Class flight – I probably hyped it up too much in my own mind but it was still a nice reprieve from coach. Not sure I’ll look to upgrade my return – it’s rather pricey and it may depend on how much money I do or don’t spend while I’m here. The First Class lounge at Philadelphia (US Airways) was rather dull – nothing at all (naturally) like how it was portrayed in that Seinfeld episode where everyone is having a grand old time, betting on which flight will arrive next. I couldn’t even take advantage of my complimentary drink coupon since they didn’t have my one standby drink, Malibu and pineapple. I settled for ginger ale instead. As for the flight itself, it was SO nice to board first – I tried not to look smug as I walked past everyone in the Coach Class queue – after all, I’m sure I’ll be keeping them company many times again in the future. The seat was nice – could fully recline – but rather complicated – it took me more than half the flight to find a comfortable position and I still couldn’t sleep – ugh, really wish I could sleep on airplanes – it would be SO much easier. Great movie selections, including new and old – for instance, they had Working Girl – was so awesome seeing that again. And it was also very nice to get out the plane immediately – it always stinks being stuck in the back for EVER while everyone in front of you gets out. I’m grateful for a smooth trip – little turbulence, no missed connection, no missed luggage, driver waiting for me upon arrival in Salzburg. Only minor glitch was that the hotel at first told me I was only staying 1 night, but we got that straightened out rather quickly when they realized their error.

Spent the time out this evening at the lovely Mirabell Gardens, just about 4 blocks from my hotel. I may choose to end every day there, taking photographs and relaxing – much will depend on the weather of course.

I ate an authentic Austrian meal this evening, too, at the Pitter Keller, billed as Salzburg’s Altester Bierkeller, Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar. The food was excellent. If  I can remember how to post photos, I’ll post a pic along with a few from Mirabell Gardens

Wow, wrote more than expected. Off to bed soon, am tired!