Shopping dream

Something a little different today. I'll leave the houses, churches and graves for a bit and tell you about the shops instead! And, oh boy, are these shops awesome! You can see in the pic above that the ceiling is curved and it's actually like that in most shops because they are all, right at the bottom of tall old buildings, and I'm guessing the curve must be stronger.

The Old City is amazing indeed! Lots of little streets or lane ways, really, and arched alley ways leading between them all. Some of the cobbled 'streets' are only wide enough for one car and two narrow walkways either side, and theres no curb - its all one level of cobble stones. And everywhere shops! Shops selling designer clothes or real fur coats; shops with upmarket dirndl and lederhosen, the national costume of Austria; tiny corner shops filled with shelves and shelves of local spirits or handmade chocolates; silversmiths, antiques, more chocolate, cowbells, tourist treasures and delicious breads and pastries! I just know I'll be a little rounder on my trip home!!

Every shop is so beautifully presented, there's nothing out of place anywhere and everyone seems to clean and primp their little space to the 'nth degree. Tourists are obviously a huge target but locals hang out here too in the late afternoon, shopping and chatting at the tiny bars dotted everywhere. Alcohol is sold in most shops. The chocolate shop, the corner store, everywhere, you can purchase a bottle of schnapps or a six pack of beer to take home or just a glass and then you can stand outside and drink it. There seems to be a very relaxed feel about alcohol in Austria.

As I was going to say right at the beginning, one of the shops that I explored was a Christmas shop which was primarily filled with baubles! Eggs, wooden cut outs and glass balls covered all the surfaces available and shone like a treasure trove of delights. I was completely awed by it all and can only imagine how a child might feel walking through this wonderland.

Can you imagine living or working in a building that was built in 803AD? Its mind boggling, isn't it? In this case though it's not actually the building that's so old, rather the inside which was carved into the rock on the cliff face and used by the monks of the nearby monastery. I dare say the front is quite an age too!

My nephew and I have whiplash now from craning our necks in an attempt not to miss a single sight!

I'm really not a city chick at all, but must say that Salzburg is a sight not to be missed if you ever get the opportunity to visit. More tomorrow!!!