Biking and Music, May 15

Today we woke to a beautiful summer day!  We had breakfast on the ground floor of our hotel, the Amadeus, which we learned is 600 years old and was, at one time, a bathhouse.  We ate in what used to be a stables.  Lots of lovely cups of cappuccino to start the day.

We walked over the Salzach river towards old town, and, somewhat on a whim, decided to rent bicycles.  We did not have on sunblock, but the woman who rented us the bikes let us use hers.  We rode about 18 kilometers upstream and back.  It was beautiful.  We were quickly out of the city and there were lots of wild onions in bloom and in full scent.  We saw a white wagtail, several goldeneyes and what we think were high-flying eagles.  The path was paved for half way and dirt for half way.  It was peaceful and relaxing and many others were out also enjoying the weather.
  
We went to lunch at Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant recommended in Trip Advisor.  The prix fixe menu was only €6.80 and we both had delicious meals, mine of spinach and Mark's of chicken.

In late afternoon we took the funicular up to the Hohensalzer Castle.  It is one of the oldest funiculars in the world, over 500 years old and powered by horses until the early 1900s.  We wandered all over the castle, one of the most complete medieval castles in Europe.  The views of the Alps with snow, as well as the plains and Salzburg itself were stunning.  The Salzach divides the country into the Alpine region and the plains.

We had dinner at the Panorama Restaurant which was included in our ticket. The views were panoramic!  The food was okay, but reasonable with a very nice Croat-Bosnian waiter, although the meal was incredibly slow as everyone was being timed for the 8:30 concert.

The concert was in a medieval great hall at the top of the castle.  It was magical to listen to Mozart in a place he also listened to his own music.  The musicians were clearly accomplished, led by a woman violinist with a male violinist, woman viola player, a male bass player and a male cellist.  For a Shubert piece, they were joins by a woman pianist.
When we got out, around 10:00, the city lights were beautiful and we walked home.

Another lovely day!