Hello from Salzburg 2

So we are getting ready to leave Salzburg right now and take the train to Munich. Salzburg has been a very realxing portion of the trip, which is just what we needed right now. It is a fairly small city nestled between some large hills. The old city is mainly beautiful, baroqe-style buildings. It really sells itself on Mozart and the Sound of Music. At some points in the city, it is possible to pick out recogniable parts from the movie. I have hummed ´´How do you solve a problem like Maria?´´ more than once! There are actually 4 hour long tours that show all the pertinant sound of music places, but they are a little pricey. Perhaps if they also provided clothes made of out curtains, it would be a better deal.
We got on in Sunday evening and walked around the city and along the river Salzach. It is gorgeous with the river, hills and the Alps in the distance.
On Monday, we went to the old city and then hiked up to the fortress, which had some nice views but the tour cost too much and so we turned around and went back to the old city. In the center, in a pretty touristy area, there is a large chess board (about 15 ft by 15 ft) and the pieces weighed about 5 pounds each. Dave was able to play a pretty serious chess game (1.5 hour long), but sadly he did not win. However, at the end of the game, the crowd applauded! After that, we went for another nice hike in the hills above the city. There are many remains of fortifications and a lovely monastery up there. Also, fabulous views of the the beggining of the Alps, which just rise up out of nothing. Foothills are just non-existant!
Today we hiked in the hills on the opposite side of the river. Again, beautiful views and overall a very relaxing two days.
Now onto Munich....