"Embracing Roots and Wanderlust: A Solo Journey Through Austria" Part 1

Oct 3

Are you ready to embark on a journey with me as I share my unforgettable Austrian vacation experience with you? Buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, and adventure as I start my adventure by taking you first through my 21-hour journey from Edmonton to Altstadt (Old town) Salzburg.

The journey began with 2 flights totaling 12 hours and 25 minutes that took me from Edmonton to Vienna, with a 5-hour layover in Toronto. I was fortunate enough to be pampered in the comfort of premium economy on board Air Canada, where I had ample legroom, delicious meals, and excellent service. I made sure to take advantage of this luxury and even slept like a baby, recharging my energy for the adventures that awaited me in Austria.

Upon arriving in Vienna in the morning on day 2 of my journey, I was filled with excitement and nerves. I anxiously waited for my Airalo eSIM to turn on so I could let family know I’ve made it safely, after what seemed like eternity (it really was like only 5 minutes 😂) it turned on and I messaged the hubby. Now to grab some water, a snack and head to the train station within the Vienna airport. Who knew that there were so many options when it came to sparkling water 🤷‍♀️ I stood there just staring and kept thinking…how am I gonna do this holiday. I finally approached a couple of police officers that were grabbing some drinks, I asked what is my best option for sparkling water, the soft, medium or hard because we don’t have those options in Canada 😂 and could one of them just choose for me, one of them grabbed a bottle and said you will like this one which I did and it became my go to water for my trip (I do wonder what the soft and hard one would have been like though). Finally able to head to the train station where I had some time before my final leg of my journey to Salzburg I sat and talked with a woman who just came back from Israel visiting friends, I was glad to have met her as she ended up helping me catch the right trains. As it turned out Austria had some flooding just prior to my arrival which in turn affected the train system so nothing was running smoothly. Finally we boarded just to have to get off and transfer shortly after, carrying my luggage at a quick pace up the stairs at the terminal where I transferred had left me breathless yet determined. The train had to take alternative routes on old tracks to reach Salzburg.

Despite the initial setback and a full train, the train ride from the Vienna airport to Salzburg turned out to be a beautiful ride.The views were breathtaking, and I was surrounded by the lush greenery over the countryside with baroque style churches everywhere and the majestic mountains of Austria in the distance. I smiled to myself and thought…I did it! I am so thankful to the wonderful incredibly polite and friendly people that I encountered for making me feel not only welcome but safe as well.

How magical… the train plays music as it leaves the station

Will My Vacation Be Worth It?

After a total journey of over 21 hours from home to my beautiful hotel Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich in Salzburg, I couldn't help but question if my vacation would be worth it. However, as I settled into my cozy room and gazed out my window and I heard the beautiful church bells chime, I knew that all the challenges and obstacles I had faced along the way were nothing compared to the beauty and magic that Austria has yet to share with me. On my next part of my journey join me as I explore the historic streets of Altstadt Salzburg, indulge in delicious Austrian cuisine, and immerse myself in the rich culture and traditions of this beautiful city.