Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s well-preserved structures that complement its breath-taking mountain backdrop make this city a must for extensive sightseeing. Not only is it easy to find your way around, but you will never run out of places to discover.

My wife and I stumbled upon the Mirabell Gardens, the famous backdrop for the “Sound of Music.” Before we knew anything, we were purchasing tickets for the “Sound of Music” tour. We’re also no mountain climbers, but I dare say we got intimate with Untersberg Mountain.

We even had a wonderful time trying not to get wet at the “trick fountains” at the Hellbrunn Palace despite the fact that it was already raining down hard that morning and we were already soaked.

In all its glory, and this might sound ridiculous, the one thing that I really found quite irresistible about this city was the apfel strudel. Everywhere we went, I had this strong urge to devour this wonderful dessert. I must have consumed thousands of calories, but I have no regrets.

It's been almost a year since I saw Salzburg, but I still catch my mind wandering off to this inspiring city from time to time. I know if I just close my eyes long enough, I can once again bask in it.