Gayle's Parting Pics!

So, you already know that I left our camera in America...our Christmas vacation was divided in two parts, the first half was with Jason's family in Indiana and the second half was with my family in Nevada. So my mom was sweet enough to send me some pictures she took with her camera! These are all taken right before we were heading to the airport to go back to London. Here, Chad's dog is doing something stupid and apparently very funny!!

Jason was sweet enough to take this "partial" family shot...only thing missing is my other brother Mark!

And look! A picture of Jason and I! How I love when we get pictures of the two of us together!!

I love Mexican food!

Because my family is so sweet, they were willing to submit to my constant cravings for Mexican food. As you can imagine, being roughly 6,000 miles away, Mexican culture and food hasn't really caught on here. Sure, there are 1000's of yummy ethnic restaurants throughout London...what's missing? Mexican. I can say, however, that we are lucky enough to live near two Mexican restaurants...some would argue the only two in London actually! And they are good..but nothing beats Mexican food back home! Even better is my brother Chad and Jason smiling for the camera!

A multi-generational shot! My mom, grandma and me!

So you've heard all about it...now here's the pictures! (Bad Gastein, Austria)

Straight off the airplane, we headed to our next mode of transportation -- a train! As I am standing outside the train station, we realised we just missed one train by five minutes, so we had a couple of hours to wait around for the next one!

Isn't this a lovely way to relax and wait for a couple of hours? Our first introduction to Austrian food and beer! Jason had beef goulash, whilst I had cheese pizza! (I am clearly not the daring one!)

Here's Jason standing outside the lovely cafe we had lunch in!

Austrian Trains (Bad Gastein, Austria)

The train ride from Salzburg to Bad Gastein takes about an hour and a half. It was by far one of the loveliest trains we have ever been on! Jason and I are sitting in our own compartment.

As you can see, we are carrying a lot of luggage! (Hey, we needed all our ski gear!) After all, we are expecting to see the snow soon!

Here is Jason standing on the platform in Bad Gastein! We are so thrilled to see the snow!

And finally...snow! (Bad Gastein, Austria)

Here is a picture of our hotel! Even though we had no idea, it was in the perfect location! Steps away from the gondola and right in the centre of the town!

And finally! Skiing!

Everyone has to eat! (Bad Gastein, Austria)

In Austria, the lunch spots are run by families and not the resorts! They all have large balconies with sun chairs on them! And of course, Austrian menus...lunch was a bit of a mystery, but overall, we ate very well!

And now, its time to reveal some truths. Say what you want about global warming, its happening in Austria. The snow is only high up...in fact everything I was reading about Lake Tahoe at the time and their snow woes, was happening here. Very little snow at the lower elevations, and the resorts are having a very slow season to say the least.

The lack of snow is more evident in this picture. Jason is actually standing in the fog line, but you can see the valley floor behind him, and guess what? Its totally brown. Hardly any snow in sight! (Doesn't Jason look happy anyway?)

After that yummy lunch! (Bad Gastein, Austria)

Time to head back out to the slopes!

Jason is ready to go!

And when the skiing ends? (Salzburg, Austria)

Look familiar? We are back at the train station, ready to head out for our next adventure! Salzburg! Home of Mozart and the Sacher Torte!

The Salzach river cuts through the heart of the city. We were totally surprised by Salzburg. Its known here in England for having gorgeous Christmas markets, but I must confess, its incredibly wonderful all year round.

Here, Jason is facing the opposite direction on the river from the picture of me. Our hotel was conveniently located on one side of the river, and all we had to do was a cross a bridge into the historic part of the city!

Two of Salzburg's main attractions. A Fortress on the hill and the Dom (on the right with the copper dome)...a gorgeous cathedral that Mozart used to perform in from time to time! Interesting to note, the Fortress is so well fortified that it has never been taken by force. Pretty incredible considering how many wars Austria has been involved. The Fortress was, however, surrendered to Napoleon!

A View From the Top (Salzburg, Austria)

We took a tram car to the top of the hill and entered the fortress. It was a bit of a fairy tale at the top! Sunny blue skies...standing on top of a castle...the most gorgeous views in all of Salzburg!

This is the view towards the river that cuts through the heart of Salzburg. In the area where the fortress is, the river divides the old city from the new. That large cathedral in foreground of the picture? That's the Dom, the largest cathedral in Salzburg.

What a gorgeous day!

More views from the top! (Salzburg, Austria)

Again, there's no real point here...except, a beautiful city, a gorgeous "spring" day and well, we are feeling a bit on top of the world.

Something for Jason! (Salzburg, Austria)

Jason took this picture with his very artsy camera eye. He likes the contrasts between all the church spires. Even though we are using the silly disposable camera, he is quite proud of this picture! I happen to like it a lot as well!

In the __________ Square... (Salzburg, Austria)

A note on blogging and picture taking in general: Try to keep to track of where you are taking the pictures, especially if you want to blog them. Take this picture for instance. I love it. Think Jason looks smashing. Its even good quality for being taken with a disposable camera. I do not, however, have a clue where it was taken, or why it was taken. So...dear readers. Enjoy the photo. Don't ask questions. :)