Austria!

Shoot! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I updated this!
Since then I have been to Madrid, more Swiss Alps (Leukerbad), and Austria
I will just talk about Austria for this post...
Austria was always first on my list for countries to visit while abroad, because I heard it was incredibly gorgeous and had alps!  My roommate and I left on Wednesday and came back late Saturday night.  We decided to take the train, because it is so much more convenient and nice not have to go through the airport.
The first town we visited was Innsbruck! Home of the Winter Olympics.  This might be one of my favorite cities that we have visited.  It had a small, quaint feel, but also there was a lot to do.  The first night we got there we went to the Christmas market and got some warm wine, but we didn't know what it was until after we bought it! German is so hard to understand!

The next day we went to the Alpine Zoo, which is apparently the highest zoo in the world. We saw some incredible birds, moose, mountain lions, and other fun animals! 

Then we went to the world famous ski jump, built by the woman architect Zaha Hadid.  From the pictures it doesn't look too interesting, but when you see it up close and personal it is absolutely incredible.  I don't know how people have the courage to jump that far/high! Very impressive.

That night we had some German mush for Thanksgiving dinner! It consisted of sausage, potatoes, onions, and a lot of spices.  One of the more unusual Thanksgiving meals I have had, but non the less I was thankful for it!  We wondered around town a bit more and then headed on a train to Salzburg for the next two days.  

We went on a Salt Mine tour! For not liking salt much, I actually loved the tour!  So interesting to see where they mine and we had the opportunity to go very far underground and even over into Germany!

Later in the afternoon we went on the Sound of Music Tour.  I was a bit tired from all the touring, so I might of fallen asleep a couple times... haha! But it was a great tour, seeing all the places in the movie and the different houses they filmed at.

My favorite part was towards the end where we went to the Lake and Mountain Region of Salzburg.  It was one of the most beautiful places! I can't wait to go back there in the future.

Austria is now officially my third favorite country! America first of course and Switzerland second.  I am so thankful to have the opportunity to travel and have these amazing experiences.  I am so lucky to have the most wonderful family in the world and constantly be surrounded by amazing and supportive friends.  I love ya'll (that's my new Texas accent I've been working on) more than you know!  
18 days until I am back in California! Can't wait for the holiday season and to give eveyone huge hugs!
XOXO
Shelayne