Innsbruck, Austria

Ascending to the top of Nordkette in only 20 minutes by funicular railway is like no other place in the world. More on it tomorrow.

First up, a tour of Innsbruck, the capital center of European politics and culture since 1429. Our guide and Austrian Ambassador is a spry and passionate character with an adorable ascent who's lived here since her birth in the 1930's. Along the way she bumps into dozens of faces that immediately know her, including her own grandchildren skiing on the mountains. She does a wonderful job of rushing us from place to place, never losing sight of the time and details of the area.

Oh, sugar - I have to run... there's more to see and do and there's no time to blog right now. Check back later tomorrow!