Me, Monica, Steph, Jon and Tom started our Austrian adventure in Salzburg, Austria. A little town in the Alps, where the Sound of Music was filmed. We got in late and had to get up early but exploring the near dead town at 10 pm was the perfect way to end a long day of work and travel.
Paul Shevlin aka Shevy but affectionally known to us as Santa, the owner of Haus Christian and an all around amazing guy, picked us up in Salzburg and drove us the short distance to Kirchberg, Austria. He was the sweetest man and definitely defined what you would think an Aussie would be; easy going, friendly, and sweet. He ordered us to eat breakfast straight away and worry about paying later.
As far as action adventure sports go, you all should know by now that I'm definitily not that girl. I enjoy being outdoors but given the choice, I'd probably rather be indoors curled up with a book. Who knows why I decided that snowboarding would be a fun way to spend a holiday. Perhaps I was drawn by the prospect of learning to snowboard...in the Alps!
After layering, gearing up, and piling into the van, I made my way to the Horn with the hostel staff. Billy, oh poor Billy, was the chosen "instructor" for my new found outdoor pursuit. He was funny and patient and only had to throw a few snowballs at my head to get me down the mountain. I wouldn't call my first snowboarding experience a huge success. I have zero balance and almost no upper arm strength so getting down the mountain the first time was an exhausting undertaking, but I made it, with only minor bruising and two full on face plants in the snow.
And the snow!!! It was my first time with real snow, piles and piles of it to fall over in, make snow angels in and throw snowballs at people with. I had a blast just being surrounded by nature. Oh, so I guess here is where I should add in the part about the Alps. So yeah, we were in the Alps...!!! Surrounded on all sides by the beauty of the mountains. I've never seen landmasses so huge, just looming in the distance. Majestic would be the only word to describe it. Here's a shot of Paramount (think Paramount studios and their logo).
Beyond the snow and the boarding and the mountains, the highlight of my trip was the hostel and the group of people who wake up everyday to keep the place going. We met so many good friends, quality people whom I'll never forget. There was Billy the cook and my partime snowboard instructor, Droid the barman, Trav the snowboard guide, Linc and Lim the drivers, and Andrea and Juliene the cleaners. Nearly all Aussies with easy going personalitites and a genuine interest in having a good time, whether on or off the slopes. We had a blast hanging out in the hostel, going out to Aussie places in the city, having a few drinks and playing silly drinking games!
It ended all together to quickly and after having gotten a taste of the mountain town life I really can't wait to go back, spend some time with new friends and hit the slopes again!
