Day 9: Salzburg

From Linz, we departed in the morning for Salzburg. By taking the Austrian Autobahn, we quickly passed Ansfelden (now an exit on the A1 Autobahn) and the church tower adjacent to Bruckner's birthplace was clearly visible.

Upon arriving in Salzburg, the tour group was led through the Mirabel Palace Gardens, past Mozart's apartments (reconstructed in the 1990s) and to Mozart's birthplace. Much of the time in Salzburg was left for independent sightseeing and shopping.

Given how much Mozart disliked Salzburg, it is amazing how the town's economy is now so firmly linked to the sale of Mozart items. In addition to the thousands of displays of Mozart Kugerl, and postcards, there were even spottings of Mozart dolls on bungee cords and (I kid you not) Mozart dressed rubber duckies!

For me, it was an opportunity to meet with Hans-Conrad Fischer, the producer of the film, "The Life of Anton Bruckner." We had an enjoyable lunch in a restaurant associated with the historic Hotel Sacher. Having sampled a Sacher Torte in Vienna, my wife and I quickly opted for someting much more creamy and chocolatey.

We returned to Linz for the evening.