That evening, I performed Mozart’s clarinet concerto. Traveling through lakes and snowy mountains, all in the hope of catching a glimpse of your presence. Snowflakes swirled around me, creating a delicate new look for you. Salzburg, I implore you to stay for me. I comprehend the hundred years of harsh weather you have endured. Salzburg, please remain for me, allowing me to be intoxicated by your essence before the day dawns. (Written on the 100th day after leaving Salzburg)
{Listening to Mozart, Tears for the Clarinet} A cloudy day in Salzburg is accompanied by Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major—deep, tender, and romantically murmuring. After a lively train journey, I arrived in Salzburg. Before encountering it, my impression was vague, recalling it as Mozart’s hometown or perhaps just a transit stop on a multi-country European tour. Upon first sight, emerald green rooftops extended to the horizon. Gloomy, densely packed clouds filtered excess brilliance. Climbing the mountain road to the fortress, I gasped for breath, witnessing the scenery change with each turn. The old town unfolded like a classical beauty, slowly unveiling itself before me. On a stone platform halfway up the mountain, couples embraced, sitting on stone pedestals, talking about love, against the backdrop of an emerald-like ancient city. Romance permeated the atmosphere, fermenting in the saturated ambiance of the overcast day.
I left quiet moments for the people here, seeking my own touch of green. Along the original Salzburg, it looks like this! Today, it wears a velvet green dress, holding a long pipe in its mouth, exhaling a puff of smoke straight into your heart. I have visited many old towns in Europe, but I must say that its beauty is captivating. The path along the city walls leads to a platform with an overview of the city.
I climbed the stairs to the fortress, where portraits of bishops from various eras adorned the exhibition halls. It was the painstaking efforts of these bishops that gradually built Salzburg from a mere outline to a solid fortress. Thanks to this fortress, the city has never been conquered. Looking out from each window, beautiful scenery unfolds. Every cannon at each opening tells us that this is not a castle for princes and princesses but a military base. Finally, at the vantage point, you can see the myriad lights under the foothills of the Alps. In winter, it’s covered in white snow, and in summer, it’s lush greenery. The breathtaking scenery makes you understand that protecting the country is the key to preserving the beauty of a woman.
On the other side of the platform is the most beloved color of Salzburg. I adore the river that meanders through the city, like a green gemstone necklace hanging around the old town’s neck. On this overcast day, Salzburg looks like this—how about on a sunny day? I couldn’t help but become curious.
{Love-Locked Bridge, a Bridge Full of Love} After bidding farewell to the fortress, the sky suddenly cleared, and the blue sky and white clouds hung on the horizon. We strolled through the streets, watching motorcyclists pass by nonchalantly. People leisurely enjoyed beer in Mozart’s residence courtyard. The river, resembling a necklace, adorned with numerous bridges, with the most famous one being the Love-Locked Bridge. Like all famous bridges in Europe, this old bridge is adorned with love locks on the iron fence. As it was May 20th, I also hung my little lock with “I love you” on it. Crossing the Love-Locked Bridge leads to the Old Town Square, where artists, accordion players, and painters create a vibrant atmosphere. A large golden ball stands in the square, with Galileo standing on top. This style of architectural sculpture is quite modern, and I don’t understand why Galileo is standing in Salzburg’s square. My most vivid memory of him is his free fall experiment on the Leaning Tower of Pisa, discovering the principle of pendulum motion. Italy and Austria are indeed two distant countries. Leaving aside the question about Galileo, the square is filled with painters creating artwork for tourists, and accordion players indulging in their music. The artistic atmosphere in the old town is incredibly rich.