Episode 8
Written by: Shariq Ali
Valueversity
The soft morning light and the pleasant spring breeze of Vienna—We woke up at six in the morning, had breakfast in our room, and, with our backpacks secured, boarded the train to Karlsplatz. By 7:45 AM, we had reached our designated meeting point—right in front of the Vienna Tourist Information Office. To one side of us stood the Albertina Museum.
Like us, other tourists were gradually gathering there. After a short while, a well-dressed, plump woman with a bright smile on her face approached us. She wore a company badge on her chest. Coming closer, she introduced herself as Tasha. Her demeanor, mannerisms, and cheerful conversation reflected a deep sense of humor and warmth. We, along with everyone else, were instantly charmed by her.
A little later, she inquired about each traveler’s destination and divided us into two groups:
- The first group consisted of those heading to Salzburg—music enthusiasts eager to visit the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart, or rather, to make a pilgrimage to his home. Salzburg is also world-famous for being the filming location of The Sound of Music.
- The second group—including us—was more interested in history and natural landscapes, with the intent to visit the historic town of Hallstatt.
Tasha first guided the Salzburg-bound group to their respective coach and then took charge of leading us. We all walked in a queue behind her, much like schoolchildren following their teacher. After a short one-minute walk, we reached the entrance of a magnificent yellow luxury coach and boarded in an orderly manner.
A Journey in Comfort
The coach was exceptionally comfortable, equipped with modern amenities resembling those of an airplane—personal entertainment screens, round-the-clock tea and coffee facilities, and onboard toilets. For a long journey of 300 kilometers, such a coach would certainly make the experience enjoyable.
At first glance, the driver appeared to be a reserved, middle-aged man. However, as the journey progressed, it became clear that his quietness was not due to shyness, but rather a lack of English proficiency. This became evident when he interacted quite informally with Tasha throughout the trip.
The Journey Begins
Once everyone was seated, Tasha provided safety instructions, details about the journey, and available facilities in a pleasant and professional manner. She warmly welcomed us:
“Welcome, everyone, to this beautiful journey! We will begin by passing through the heart of Vienna. Soon, you will witness Austria’s breathtaking countryside, complete with lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and traditional villages. Our first short stop will be at a service station in the charming town of Melk, where you can enjoy fresh coffee or local delicacies. From there, we will continue our journey along the lakeshores, eventually reaching Hallstatt—renowned for its fairy-tale beauty.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hallstatt is a place rich in both natural splendor and ancient history. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this unforgettable journey!”
An International Atmosphere
After this introduction, Tasha initiated a fun activity—each traveler had to introduce themselves and their country. It felt as if we were attending a United Nations gathering. There were people from England, France, Taiwan, and various other countries—all sharing the same journey.
This lively conversation enriched the atmosphere, making it even more engaging and vibrant. I have always been fascinated by such diverse cultural exchanges, where people from different backgrounds, languages, and traditions come together.
And now, we were all heading toward a single destination—
“Hallstatt—Where Nature and History Meet.”
Hallstatt: The Dreamlike Lake Town
Hallstatt is one of Austria’s most picturesque towns, famous for its breathtaking lake, ancient salt mines, and snow-covered mountains. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting village is considered among the most beautiful places in the world, where every view looks like a masterpiece painted by an artist…
(To be continued…)