Innsbruck, Austria

with Budapest, Hungary extension
February 28-March 8/12, 2003

Feedback from the travelers on this trip attests to the fun we had.  The trip had been well-arranged by our travel agents, Alpine Group Trips, and all went smoothly.  Well, unless you count the fact that five persons had to stay in an alternative hotel the first night (due to hotel over-booking).  But, then, the alternative hotel was 5-star and the displaced people didn't want to move to our hotel at all!  But they did and they seemed to adjust to the 4-star accommodations relatively well.

On this trip, we welcomed 10 new friends from New Jersey, five from Tampa, FL, and two from Miami FL.   The Jersey folks had warned me that they were a partying group and they lived up to this reputation!  Any event became quite lively and animated when they arrived and spread their friendly fun around the room.  Among our young friends from Florida was a newly engaged couple: Congratulations Jennifer and Bryce.  Each of these folks were all a great addition to the club and we're hoping to see more of them in the future.  And what a good little traveler we have in Jack Stipe -all of 2 years old.  He stole all of our hearts with his winning smile.

We arrived at Innsbruck to find some World Cup events taking place on the mountain. For a reason we haven't figured out yet, the cross-country skiers were doing laps in the town square-on skies, on trucked-in snow.  What a sight! Since I wasn't able to make it to the mountain skiing, I have only second-hand reports to offer.   Folks I heard from found all of the skiing good and especially enjoyed the glacier above Innsbruck.  And, as always, I am happy to report NO serious injuries.  Thank you all for being careful and wise skiers.

Of course we had many non-skiers as well who enjoyed day trips.  There was Crazy Ludwig's Castle and the lo-o-ong walk up the ste-e-ep hill.  Unless, of course, you were brilliant (as Chris and I were) and took the horse-drawn wagon!  Then to Oberammagau for Christmas ornaments, cuckoo clocks, and such.  There was the trip to Venice, Italy, on "Fat Tuesday."  What a celebration!  One of our lovelies (her initials are Pam A.; his initials are B. R. Oke) celebrated with the purchase of a Venetian glass chandelier. Those of us who remained in Innsbruck for "Fat Tuesday" celebrated with the locals at their parade.  The floats were so funny that you didn't need to understand the language to laugh at them.  Yours truly celebrated with a Swarovski crystal chandelier.  My husband has the same initials B. R. Oke.  One day included a trip to Northern Italy to see the Glacier Man museum; quite a moving and educational experience.  Some folks visited Salzburg, Austria; the Swarovski Crystal Factory, Innsbruck; Vitipeno, Italy; and St Moritz, Switzerland.  A special thanks to Rick S. for arranging our Sunday tour of Budapest.  Not only was it interesting, but we got some good tips for things to do in the city on Monday and for places to eat.   I must admit that, at first,  I couldn't understand why all of the husbands wanted to get their wives to bed early (I could only guess!).  That is, until I stayed up one night for late night TV.  OO-LA-LA!  No censorship in Austria and even less in Hungary!  (I guess I stayed up two nights!)

At our farewell dinner in Innsbruck, we had a drawing for a $250 gift certificate.  This was in place of the ski give-away because we had so many non-skiers on the trip.  But it was won by a skier -Sam Agostini.  Congratulations, Sam.  Additionally, we gave away several smaller gifts: Esther Barrow-Innsbruck headband; Bill Martin-Innsbruck pin; Carrie Schmoke-Innsbruck hat; Jennifer Young-Mozart Chocolate Liquor; and Sharon Pool-Innsbruck tote bag.  Finally, Sharon Roche and Spider Cox were each given a pencil with a Swarovski crystal on the top for paying early and in full on their first payment.

Through the absent-mindedness of the Americans and the honesty of the Austrians, we lost and found two cameras!  One was left with luggage during the hotel transfer and one was lost someplace between Hotel Innsbruck and the Munich Airport for the trip home.  The first was picked up at the hotel desk the same evening.  The second (a movie camera), was found after many phone calls.  It had been turned in to the office of our bus company by the bus driver!  They mailed it to Rob (red-faced) A. and camera and owner are now re-united.  We want to see the film soon, Rob.

I regret to report that five people had to cancel within the last week prior to the trip.  All were due to sickness or sickness within their immediate families.  We want Sharon Newman, Karen and Scott McHugh, and Ron and Kay Kearns to know that we truly missed them.  Thank goodness for insurance; most monies should be refunded soon. However, we extend our deepest sympathies to Sharon N., whose father passed away soon after we left.  It seems that Scott's dad is doing better and we send wishes for good health and recovery to Ron K.

The food in Europe was wonderful, the sight-seeing was great, and the company was awesome.  Further, the folks on this trip tolerated all disruptions as minor, with a "not to worry" attitude.  For that, and for trusting us for your arrangements, Rick and I thank you.  We had a good time, as well!

Think Snow!
Submitted by Z Breidenbaugh