Maudie,
Yes, we loved Haus Wartneburg. It is no more than a 15 minute walk through the old city tunnel. It's a couple of hundred years old, but had all the conveiences we needed (including a good shower and free wireless Internet). The restaurant food was good (and we appreciated not having to worry about finding a restaurant on a holiday!) and the people were extremely friendly and helpful. It cost 8.50 Euros for the cab from the station. We paid 98 Euros a night plus food. We would not hesitate to stay there again. We really liked it.

Sounds wonderful, thanks for replying and also posting so we could follow your holiday.

We would love to spend Christmas in another part of the world but are very hesitant in spending all that money if the weather turns out to be rotten. Cold I think we could cope with but its the rain that would spoil it. Oh decisions, decisions.

Maudie, if you'd like to read our blog (mine and
DH's) send me an email and I'll give you the blog address.

You cannot predict the weather. Our's was perfect. Last year, I understand there was no snow and the year before several FEET of snow. Haven't heard that rain is much of an issue in Austria at Christmas but someone else probably knows a lot more about that. Certainly we hope to come back at Christmas someday!

Good morning everyone! We just returned home late last night. Of course our connecting flight from Chicago to Dayton was late, and Chicago was even colder than Austria last night. Burrr...

It was so wonderful meeting you in Salzburg. Everyone was just wonderful and it's so interesting hearing how each family travels or lives in Europe. We loved sharing experiences with all of you.

We stayed at a B&B just down the road outside of Salzburg for 52E a night. The owner was just wonderful and provided us a large breakfast each morning. Our room was large and very clean, a bit dated furnishings, but that's no problem. The only drawback was the holiday bus schedule. First we had a Sunday, then Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, were all holidays. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day following Christmas are holidays, so the bus runs 1 time per hour until 9 a.m. then every 30 minutes instead of every 15 minutes. We did fine with the schedule, but needed to get us a bit earlier in the a.m. to meet the schedule. Also line 21 is a private bus line so just stopped on Christmas Eve very early. The taxies run 24 hrs a day though and are about 8.50E from the old town to the B&B on Moosestrasse.

Salzburg is the best place for Christmas. Each experience was so special there. The areas you can reach by bus are also wonderful, and an eash 45 min. bus ride away. I'll post a report on all of this later.

Vienna was fantastic for New Years. We had never been before so had alot of choices on what to see. We tried to see so much, and on New Years Eve it snowed!! There was some rain mixed in at times, but mostly snow, some huge clumps of snow flakes. We had an excellent 6 course dinner for 55E each, then rang in the new year at the big square at the Rathaus, where earlier we joined others in free waltz lessons. We are very bad at this, but had a ball trying. At midnight we waltzed on the square with a very well behaved group. Got sprayed with champange a bit, but no silly string as in Seville a few years ago!

We also went to the opera house 3 nights, 2 operas, and the Nutcraker Ballet. That is a wonderful way to spend the evening and you can buy reasonable tickets online on their website about 1 month before the performance.

A real highlight in Salzburg and Vienna are the cafes. We even had hot chocolate and cake up at the Gloriette at the Palace.

Thanks again Candy for arranging a GTG for all of us. We loved meeting you!

Hello all! We are finally settling back in after a relaxing New Year's week in the Alsace region of France. We had snow the entire time and the kids loved it! Thanks so much for the get together. It was great to see smiling American faces and have an easy English conversation! We had a magical Christmas and made amazing memories! Thanks for the time together!
We are gearing to move to Normandy in a couple months. Here's to a smooth transition!

Oh, Images2, you asked for info on camping listings. . . the magazine we get has a web site. www.campeole.com Bon voyages!

Images2, are you planning a camping trip across the sea? We've been talking with some friends about renting campers and doing that in a couple of years. I'd be interested in hearing about those adventures!

Hi Candy,

I think maybe pgnewby was thinking of you instead of us concerning the camping conversation. I do remember you bringing it up! We haven't camped in France but sure love their gites!

Hello everybody, just came accross this forum. I'll be travelling to Salzburg tomorrow on my own, staying until the 26th. I was looking for things to do on Saturday as it looks like most places will be closed. If it alright,I might join the get together at Tomaselli. Otherwise any other suggestions would be welcome. Thank you and have a great time!!

you're a couple years late! Hope you enjoy your stay! Salzburg is so beautiful during the holidays.