Hallstatt, Austria

I completely fail as a diarist. I hoped to record the daily events in Europe but when you're on vacation, the days are packed with activities and the last thing you want to do is stay up late blogging when you're completely knackered. I will try to make up for it though. A few notable moments that I failed to previously mention.

1. We got to the airport later than we should and the line wasn't moving because this lady was having all sorts of trouble. We were waiting in the only check in line for our flight, becoming increasingly nervous, and sure enough the allowable check in time elapsed (I've been having all sorts of airport bad luck lately). The lady at the check in counter called the gate and allowed us to check in anyway (oh how kind). Then she asked where our visas are and we told her we don't need visas since Czech Republic is in the EU (right??-> internally). She says her computer is telling her Malaysians need visas. To cut a long story short, since the plane was departing soon and she was under pressure, she let us on the flight and said the Czechs will deal with it on the other side. Phew! Glad we didn't have to cancel the WHOLE trip and go back home.

2. My sandal broke in half in Salzburg. Sad but true. The gorgeous black one I love. I bought 3 new pairs of sandals/flip flops for the trip but I didn't pack them to avoid looking like a diva plus space was scarce. Instead, I brought a pair of boots which was ridiculous since it was sunny and hot everywhere we went. I refused to buy a new pair of flats despite Afif's pleas so I wore his flip flop for the rest of the trip and he wore his shoes.

Day 5
I checked the weather before we left and knew to expect rain in Austria but I was still surprised when it actually rained. Which is such a shame because we traveled further up the mountains so the rain caused heavy mist to descend, clouding the otherwise magnificent views.

We checked into a lovely bed and breakfast in neighboring Obertraun run by a friendly British couple. We had a great time in, resting and reading from their bookshelf while it rained lightly outside. We had a balcony and these were the views from the room, lovely wisps of low clouds and the sound of gentle rain patter.

Day 6
A very long travel day lay ahead of us, 17 hours of train ride that increased to 22 hours since we left our bag in a locker in Salzburg train station so we had to backtrack. But first, we explored Hallstatt.

Hallstatt is an amazingly scenic little town (pop ~1000) at the foot of towering mountains by a large lake that mirrors the colorful wooden cabins. The rain created a misty, almost mythical look with clouds floating on the surface of the lake.

 The church above is a bone chapel. Since Hallstatt is so small and they lack space, everyone gets a grand total of 12 years underground in the cemetery then they're dug up to make space for the newly dead. They paint the name on the skull and an ivy for males and a rose for females.

The town is absolutely lovely- quaint, calming and beautiful. It definitely is one of the most jaw dropping, scenic landscapes anywhere in the world. Such an invigorating and refreshing trip. I made a mental note to return and fully enjoy Hallstatt in better weather.

Next up was a train south across Austria through Slovenia to Zagreb and an overnight train to Split. We bought books to read on the train but the views were so distracting - snow capped mountain ranges and deep valleys with country homes sparsely scattered. We got a private room with a sink for the overnight train since the lady in Zagreb didn't understand 'cochette'.

 It was surprisingly comfortable and we slept like babies all night.