Halloween and Austria

The holidays arrive and as usually we get sick. This time it was me - fever, aches, lingering cough (still!). I didn't even have the energy to write my annual Halloween post about the trick or treaters past their prime (2007 - here and 2006 - here). The kids had a great time and were so in love with their costumes, they wore all weekend. I can just imagine the neighbor's thoughts as they saw Baloo the bear from The Jungle Book and Wonder Women running through the yard on Sunday.

Although I have told my body there is not time for illness between now and January 1, 2009, it is ignoring me. So instead of Halloween photos, how about some pictures of Innsbruck and the surrounding area. Even after seeing Northern Italy and Milan, Austria is still my favorite country. I think I'll make a cup of tea, wrap up in a blanket with my tissues and reminisce about the mountain (obviously the cold medicine has taken over).

These photos were taken after a ride on the Hungerburgbahn funicular from the city of Innsbruck. After reaching the Hungerburgbahn station, you can take the Nordkettenbahn funicular up 2,269 metres to the peak of Hafelekar Mountain. By using the funiculars, you can leave city center and be high in the mountains in under thirty minutes. While Mom and I also did a guided hike in the mountains outside of Innsbruck, I think my mother enjoyed the funicular ride more than three hours of hiking