16th May 2016 (cloudy, cold with rain late in the afternoon) 0 km

Woke at 8.05am with nothing planned for the day. We’d been invited to stay again as the weather was supposed to pack it in today, yet outside it looked a relatively nice day, although the chill was still in the air. Whilst Julia showered, I got on with the blog until Ju had finished and began to download some photos after which we enjoyed a skype call with Georgina. She looked fantastic and healthy, although the rash she had when we were there, has made her hands peel. All good at home, which is good news, then off downstairs for breakfast.

Have to say we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, not just because they’ve looked after us so well, but the conversation flows easily and we have such a good laugh. It was the same this morning and breakfast rolled on for ages, before we adjourned to the lounge to view some more adventures from their various bike trips, India, Syria, Argentina again and Myanmar.  It was well into the afternoon before we finished and had a late lunch about 3pm before deciding to take a trip into Austria to see a castle in Kufstein.  

The town of Kufstein - photo taken from the castle

The town is just over the border in Austria, about 30kms away.  The weather that was supposed to have been bad today, was still holding, but the closer we drove to the border, the worse it got. Big black clouds dominated the sky and it began to rain on the drive there. 

Julia, Elvira and Pete walking up and into the castle

This castle is the focal point of the town. Once again we were seeing a massive fortress with inner and outer walls. The fun aspect of today’s visit was that a medieval festival had taken over the castle itself and there were people everywhere roaming around in various costumes of the day. 

Julia, Pete and Elvira

Some were working at tent stalls set up throughout the entire outside parts of the castle but within the outer walls. There were those selling leather goods, metal buckle makers, bows, arrows and quivers, all from the day. Sheepskin sellers, woodwork tents, where people could have a go at making something, like a stool, but using old methods, not nails as we know them, but from wood. Food vendors, lace makers and others just sitting around enacting a scene as it might have been in the day. We strolled through taking in different ramparts and nooks and crannies.  A tunnel, which took you underneath the castle was amazing and dated back to the 15^th century and was used as an alternative way out if necessary. 

Saw a huge 60 metre well, which supplied the inhabitants with drinking water, to sustain them, inside if they were under attack. To bring the water to the surface, they had a huge wooden wheel (like a hamster wheel) which the men would walk in to bring it up. Saw the different weapons exhibited throughout the ages and then wandered to watch a medieval sword fight, involving about five or six knights.  

An entertaining and funny sword fight was performed

What a great setting for the sword fight and I can see why these festivals are so popular

Put on by a touring group from the Czech Rep. it was extremely well done and not only looked authentic, but added humour into the action also. At the far end of the structure, they have placed a huge modern tent, covering the ramparts. You would wonder how this would fit in, but it does and allows concerts to be held here, generating further income, for a structure that must cost a lot to maintain. 

Views from the castle

Today, more entertainers were centre stage, whilst the audience sat drinking or eating on wooden benches and being included in the show. It was well worth the visit and those medieval groups tour all over Europe performing at the various festivals or castles. If they have what the organisers are looking for, they get on the list. Excellent end to the afternoon. 

By the time we left, it was after 6.30pm and the rain was heavy. Drove back home for a delicious fish dinner. Four full red snapper, served with rice and courgettes. The evening was then spent telling various tales of everyone’s travels, before retiring at 11pm.