Day 13: Venice - Hopfgarten
Saying bye to Venice, we headed into Austria
(the one without kangaroos). Half of the bus has got the dreaded
Contiki Cough, and it seems like five of us are dying. Lucky
me, I started loading up on multivitamins a few weeks prior
to the trip, and so no cough for me. Both of my feet are feeling
okay too, things are starting to shape up for me :) The mountains
and countryside are so beautiful! Imagine Yosemite, but for
hours and hours on end, with rivers and mountains, trees and
snow, just breathtaking. Next stop: white water rafting!
Ewww booties! Fungus! I'm going to have to cut off my toes after
this. We had to put on a full getup before we were even allowed
on the rafts; boots, wetsuit, lifejacket, spray jacket, and
a helmet. I looked so dorky, but so did everyone else (except
for Stace of course), so it's ok. Once we got in the water though,
I was glad to have on all of the protective clothing cause the
water was freezing! Heh, I guess I should have been expecting
it with all the snow-capped peaks all around, but then again,
we did just escape the steamy and stinky armpit of Europe (Italy).
The entire experience was so much fun, jumping in and out of
the water, standing on the raft (good
job Christie), the spinning, and Steve our guide
(wasn't he the best?) everything Italy wasn't, Austria
was. Stace and Judy fell out, or were "pushed" as
Stacey claims, but it was all fun and games. The entire rafting
ride lasted 50 minutes, but the memories will last a lifetime,
I hope I get to do it again soon. Landing, or docking? the raft,
we had some hot dogs and limonade, way too much mustard and
ketchup, but good nonetheless. Weiner in french bread, got to
try it at home some time. Just spent time soaking in all the
scenery. Next stop: Hopfgarten.
Getting in, we did laundry at 10 euro a bag, I suggest everyone
do laundry whenever there's a service stop (Rome and Hopfgarten),
gives you one less thing to worry about. We also had some apple
sourz schnapps shots, and a lamb dinner, which were both interesting
and delicious, I think I've found my alcohol of choice =) After
dinner, me and Stace had a really nice walk past the lumber
yard, and halfway to town, didn't want to get lost (or
arouse suspicion), so we headed back after 15 minutes.
Austria is so beautiful! I know I keep saying that about everything,
but Austria's definitely been my favorite so far. I love the
river going through our back yard, I want one when I get home.
Rooming with Danny, Andy and Matt, I keep yelling in my sleep,
not good =( The best thing about Austria though, NO BUGS!
Day 13 Photos
