I had nothing really planned for today as I had seen all of the markets and poked around the old part of the city quite a bit. I really wasn't psyched up to go to museums or palaces this time as my plans had all included Christmas markets. So, I slept super late and spent time re-packing stuff.
I decided to go back to the mall because I wanted new PJs. The ones I brought were super cheap ones I got at Wallyworld with the plan of tossing them after my last night here. But, they were part of the reason I had trouble sleeping...cheap, unbreathable polyester thaat made my legs sweat. I had seen pajamas at Primark, so decided to head back. Found a pair of reasonably priced cotton PJs and declared victory.
There was also a large grocery store in the mall, so I decided to check it out. My favorite coffee was BOGO, so I couldn't resist. Also got some packets of vanilla sugar and marzipan, baking staples here, but not at home. Oh and a ginormous bag of Malteasers plus a sandwich for dinner.
I headed back to the hotel to drop off my loot, ate my sandwich, and headed to the Old Town Christmas Market, which is where the East Tyrolean Devils, Krampus and Perchten, would be making their run later on in the evening.
The square was packed with people waiting to catch a glimpse of Krampus.
First you heard their loud bells, not lovely jingle bells like reindeer, but a large loud cacophony of something like an overlarge cowbell. Then they came...shaggy looking devils. I think they leave off the large horns for safety reasons? The crowds were really close and dense...
And these guys moved fast. I really didn't get many clear photos as it was dark and they were speedy. Lots of blurrs.
I did get a bit of video though...
After the crowd followed them down to near the children's stage for some sort of performance, I gave up. I couldn't see a thing ad all could here was clanking and a bit of screaming. So I headed down an alley and found a strudel cafe. It was a welcome break.
I then took a last walk around the Old Town Market, which was now mostly deserted. Parents took their kids home for a night filled with nightmares, I guess. I then headed toward the market down the street on Maria Theresen Strasse. I finally got to go into the little shop of Christmas ornaments in the middle of the market, where I dropped some Euro. Once outside, I heard a familar noise toward the other side of the shop. I walked over and found...Krampus!
These were more what I was expecting with horns and glowing eyes. A couple had whips, but not switches, which I suppose are easier to carry.
But I got some pretty good photos of these guys and put some change into the box that ole Red Eyes there was hauling about.
They then headed off down the street, at one point chasing one of the kids for a bit. It was funny.
I'm back to the room, all ready to catch my trains tomorrow (I have to connect in Salzburg). I have my fingers crossed.
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