Travel Tuesday

Innsbruck, Austria

Part Two

While on a day trip to the Swarovski Crystal Factory in Austria, we spent some time in this lovely park. It was part of the grounds and common areas of the factory and was a pleasant and much needed break from touring the museums.

Pretty cool maze, huh?!

Lana really enjoyed the opportunity to run and play, instead of having to sit quietly in the stroller while on the tours!

Monday Memories

This image was taken in 1998 when BJ was on deployment at sea on the USNS COMFORT, a medical ship.

Travel Tuesday

Innsbruck, Austria

The Old City

{Part One}

Altstadt, German for The Old City, is full of activity and a very historical environment. It had a nice vibe and the locals were amiable. On a culinary note, apple strudels were to be found everywhere! I also ate some sort of goulash pastry that was for the most part good. The boys ate pizza, but they did have a bite of mine to say they had tasted the specialty of the area!

The Old Town is built within walls near the Ambras Castle. It has neat covered passages on the Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse that opens to beautiful buildings (hotels and shopping), houses with decorated loggias, and restaurants.

The shopping arcades are still used today in the same manner back in history and protect the vendors from the weather.

Today’s tourist, but in the 15th century Emperor Maximilian I and other Habsburg kings held court in this area of Innsbruck. Historical sites can be found everywhere, including the Golden Roof.

The focal point of the town is the Golden Roof which is a three-story balcony that marks the heart of Innsbruck. Emperor Maximilian I had the royal box built so he could sit in luxury and enjoy tournaments in the square below him.

You can see what a tourist attraction The Old Town of Innsbruck, Austria is.

The insignias and beaten iron on the homes and buildings were just amazing. And, even more interesting, was the Gasthof Weisses Kreuz, a house of the 15th century where Mozart lived. Which by the way, candy shops were filled with Mozart chocolates and goodies!! Delicious.

It rains quite a bit in the area this time of year; instead it was a beautiful day to explore Austria!

The boys.. I wonder why they are so happy under the sign?

Quaint side streets to explore with little bistro’s to enjoy! Also, a nice get-a-way from the hustle and bustle of The Old City.

The Old City watch tower.

While with a tour guide, she mentioned that this was the oldest guesthouse in the world. If I remember correctly, she mentioned it was built in the 14th century.

This monument was just outside the guesthouse.

My Best Shot Monday

In this image Jayce is standing behind a crystal wall while touring the Swarovski Crystal Factory in Innsbruck, Austria.