At home in Kufstein
I have just been for my second walk of the day. Too much good food and not enough exercise and already I feel far too fat! Austrians all seem so slim.
Here in Kienberg Strasse, Walter and Lisbeth's house is one of the few newer houses, built in 1973.
Walter's mother lives downstairs in her own apartment with her little pug dog.
It is a lovely leafy cul de sac and either side of Number 25 are the most amazing houses.
One is beautifully kept and occupied, with a huge garden.. Walter spent the first few years of his life there. It even has a tower of its own.
On the other side is a very romantic, deserted house, which has become run down. It used to belong to Walter's cousin I think, but is now owned by a daughter who lives in Italy and only visits a few weeks each year. What a waste, as it looks fascinating. I look onto it from the balcony outside my bedroom. I would love to see inside.
Across the road is a playground, a big attraction for Lena of course. But she has gone home this afternoon and peace has descended.
It has been a gorgeous afternoon again and there has been a constant stream of walkers and cyclists passing by.. The street runs up to the base of the mountains, on the edge of town. The forest comes down to the street and the backs of the houses. The inventor of the sewing machine was born in Kufstein and died in poverty in Paris. He is remembered by a monument in the street.
There is a maze of hiking and cycling trails throughout the forest and up into the heights. Fortunately for me there is a gentle, “undulating” path running along the edge of the forest, skirting the mountain. There are some beautiful views over the town and the Inn valley. I imagine from higher up they would be spectacular.
At the end of the street are three guest houses, all bedecked with window boxes. The terrace where we ate on Friday, is a cheerful sight with bright red umbrellas and pots of flowers.It seems a popular meeting place for the local older men each afternoon, who gather for a beer.
Austrians seem a very healthy lot, keen on the outdoors and family life. Walter tells me the recession hasn't made much of a difference to life here. It all seems very prosperous and calm.
I was telling him how much of a contrast I saw last time, when I left Austria by train and travelled into Italy over the Brenner pass. It was striking how much tattier and less prosperous Italy appeared. It must be even more noticeable now. He says Switzerland will seem even cleaner and tidier than Austria, when I go that way on Wednesday.
Tomorrow Lisbeth has to look after the pug and Walter has taken two days off work, so he is taking me to Salzburg for the day.
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