Day 10 - Innsbruck / Salzburg [Austria]

I spent too much time at that internet cafe last night, and didn't get to board my train until 1030pm. 2 hrs later, I arrived in Innsbruck, Austria, tired and ready to sleep. Of course, since everything closes early in Europe, I wandered around for an hour or so until I stumbled upon a Hilton right near the old town. Even though the price was ridiculous (>100 euro), I got a room and hit the rack.

Innsbruck is a winter sports resort town. Apparently, it has some historical importance too, although I'm really struggling to keep up with all the Emperors, Electors, Archbishops, etc. Basically, the first German Emperor (or Holy Roman Emperor - don't ask me how that makes since) loved this place, and built a few things. They include a famous "Golden Roof" (verdict - lame) and his own tomb, which is pretty cool.

The room at the hilton was very posh, so I woke up feeling very refreshed. From my window, I could see the Victory Arch, which apparently celebrates some prince's wedding. I guess he partied too hard, because he died the next day. So the monument is happy and shiny on one side, and sad and gloomy on the other.

It rained during the night, but I was lucky again, and the skies cleared by about noon. First thing I did, was a little laundry, and grab some food while the laundry was spinning in the wash. (7 euro for a load! thats like 10$!) Since the clouds cleared, I got to see why this place was so popular, and why the hosted the winter olympics here, twice. They still have the ginormous ski jump up on the hill.

I did my normal routine - walked around, saw a bunch of old stuff, people watched, went into some churches (best art for sure), some buildings built by the Hapsburgs (I think they're pretty important), and the coolest, the tomb of that first emperor, Maximillian. He had 28 bronze sculptures commissioned that represented his significant ancestors, and some archtypal heroes of the day (like King Arthur) that he decided must have been his ancestors, since he was so awesome. In the middle of the room is his ornate sarcophogus, although I don't think his body is in there.

I didn't want to get to the next town too late, so I hit the train station, and boarded a two-hour train to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart.