Innsbruck (Austria)

So at the onset of the trip, we were not planning on going to Austria.  We were planning on going to Switzerland to ski.  But, after talking to a number of sources, we found out that it would be very expensive to ski in Switzerland, while the skiing in Austria is much more affordable and just as nice.  So we settled on a small ski town in West Austria called Innsbruck.  We just knew that we wanted to ski the alps.  It was pretty much just like breckenridge.  Quaint town at the base of the mountains.

The skiing:  I have to say, I was disappointed.  Maybe I've been spoiled by colorado skiing, who knows.  Anyway, the resort we were at only had one lift and two runs open for skiing due to the lack of snow.  The two runs they did have open were pretty nice.  But it got old after I had skiied each of them a few times. Also, the lift was a giant gondola where you had to remove and carry your skiis, which was a pain to do after every run. To make matters worse, a storm rolled in after lunch which resulted in them closing the one lift.  It was good skiing while it lasted, and I can officially say I've skiied in the alps!

Nothing too crazy with the nightlife.  We pretty much took it easy after skiing.  I did have some pretty righteous apple strudel, though.

I forgot to mention that I messed up really badly and got super lucky.  On the bus ride home from the mountains, I forgot my ski boots on the bus.  I realized this as were checking out gear back into the rental store.  I'm just sitting there thinking I'm going to have to fork over three or four hundred dollars to pay for these boots.  After about thirty minutes, the bus driver comes walking in with my boots.  I wanted to hug the man, but I restrained and shook his hand.  I guess I ought to pass it on now with a series of good deeds.

We took a night train to Rome, which was quite an interesting experience.  The cabin we were in had six bunks without any space to sit.  There was an old german couple in the car as well.  So basically we laid in our bunks quietly for ten hours and tried to sleep.

Anyway, were in Rome now and I'm super happy to be in warmer weather with some sun.

-RO