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Welcome Back Beetle.

Edelweiss is one of my favourite tunes from the Sound Of Music, so calming, so breathtakingly simple and a delight to the ears.

Has anyone heard of St. Germain, the liquer made with elderflower? It's sweet and would the elderflower used be one and the same as edelweiss? Or is it distinctly separate?

I'm thinking it may be one and the same but would love to know for sure.

Had to put up with many songs going through my head while in Salzburg... 'Climb Every Mountain', 'Do, Re, Mi', 'The Sound Of Music', 'My Favorite Things', etc. ... & every city in the mountainous Alps. Totally a sight to behold & it's no wonder the movie was filmed in the region. (Although, the true story is different than what is presented)

Oh wow! I'd be singing out loud for certain!

Did you happen to visit the home of the Von Trapp family?

Any goats roaming around?

And yes, I imagine that the real story lies somewhere between the movie version and the elusive truth.

Didn't visit the Von Trapp home... & I wouldn't even attempt singing - it would sound more like yodeling or a oompah band.

Goats were plentiful on the farms we saw while passing through the landscape on the train.

Yodeling is an art from in itself. I'd probably be singing "The Lonely Goatherd" song -- from the puppet show. (In case you haven't guessed, I'm a big fan of goats and have 5 of my own. I may even change my posting picture to a goat, actually.)

Perhaps one day I might go see it with my own eyes.

Do you think that Salzburg and the surroundings have changed much since the filming of the movie in 1965?

Often this is the case, the charm dissapears and then one can be dissapointed.

The Salzberg locals aren't that keen to the movie - more of an American thing. Although, there are many tour companies that offer a visit to many of the places used in the filming. Was tempting but not on the 'bucket list' of things to do or see, and probably won't be on the 'must do list' if ever back there.

Gotcha Beetle -- a glamorized version of a difficult time.

Just heading into the hills (the tops) via funicular or gondola brought more of an amazement to the shock & awe of the locale. Then a tasty meal washed down with a locally brewed beer in a gasthaus made for a great trip. A hot beverage (coffe/cappacino) at the mountain top restaurant left idle time to soak in the view.

Anna, the elder flower has been used for centuries for many things. It is considered as magical and also associated with death or to protect the buried from evil spirits.

Edelweiss is known as the Queen of Alpine flowers and is a protected plant (forbidden to pick) in the Alpines.

Have you ever tasted the liqueur? (St. Germains) What does it taste like? Is it similar to elderberry wine?

Beetle, did the Von Trapp family (the real ones) come to America? I read a little about them many years ago, but do not remember their whole story.