Rekindling Friendship in the Alps: Varsha’s Austrian Thrillophilia Tale
The chilly breeze of Vienna kissed my face as I stepped outside the airport, dragging my luggage behind me. The excitement bubbling in my chest felt surreal as after years apart, my two best friends and I were finally reuniting.
Sanya flew in from Mumbai, while Aarushi made the trip all the way from London. When we spotted each other, there was no stopping the squeals and tight hugs.
“It’s been forever!” Sanya exclaimed, practically tackling me. Aarushi chimed in, “Alright, ladies, save some of that energy for our trip!” That marked the beginning of our unforgettable trip- three inseparable souls, exploring Austria’s beauty and laughing louder than we had in years.
Exploring the Enchanting Salzburg
Salzburg, with its vibrant energy and fascinating history, was the perfect start to our Austrian adventure. The cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress perched above the city left us in awe.
“It feels like we’ve walked into a movie set,” Aarushi said, clicking pictures non-stop. We wandered through Mozart’s birthplace, with Sanya humming a classical tune in between giggles, pretending to be cultured.
The highlight, though, was the local market where we interacted with the friendliest vendors. “Try this,” one elderly man said, handing us small samples of cheese. The tangy, creamy flavors melted in our mouths. We bought handmade trinkets, soaps, and scarves, laughing as we bargained like pros.
Lunch was a hearty affair- Wiener Schnitzel paired with crisp Austrian wine. Aarushi, always the foodie, declared, “I’m going to learn how to make this!” Sanya rolled her eyes, “Sure you will.”
Hiking in the Majestic Alps
Next, we decided to tackle a hiking trail in the Alps, something Aarushi had insisted on. Armed with snacks, water bottles, and an overconfident attitude, we set off. The trail was breathtaking, with sprawling green meadows, distant snow-capped peaks, and crisp mountain air.
It didn’t take long for chaos to ensue. “Why didn’t anyone warn me about the uphill part?” Sanya groaned, dramatically collapsing onto a rock. Aarushi teased, “Maybe if you stopped talking and started walking, we’d be halfway there!” We laughed so hard that our sides hurt.
Halfway through, we met a local hiker who taught us about the wildflowers dotting the trail. “These are Edelweiss—very special here,” he said with a warm smile. Inspired, we started a mini photo shoot, much to Sanya’s annoyance, who muttered, “Forget photos, I need oxygen.”
But once we reached the top, the view made everything worth it. We sat there, munching on snacks and sharing stories of our personal lives, the kind of soul-healing moment only nature can provide.
Thrilling Boat Ride at Seegrotte Lake
Our next adventure took us to the Seegrotte Lake, an underground lake tucked inside a cave. All of us had seen multiple pictures of the lake on the internet, however, none of us were prepared for how stunning it actually would be.
“Are we in a fantasy novel?” Aarushi whispered as we stepped onto the boat. The glowing lights of the cave danced on the shimmering blue waters, creating a magical atmosphere.
As the boat glided silently through the lake, Sanya couldn’t help but try rocking it slightly. “Stop that!” I yelped, clutching the side of the boat while Aarushi glared. But it was all in good fun. The guide shared fascinating stories about the lake’s history, and we listened with all ears.
At one point, Aarushi leaned over and said, “If I accidentally drop my phone here, promise you’ll save it.” Sanya snorted, “I’d save the phone and leave you behind.” By the time we were done, the experience had left us awestruck and a little damp from all the splashes.
Dancing the Night Away in Vienna
Vienna’s nightlife was a whirlwind of colours, lights, and laughter. We dressed up in our chicest outfits and hit the city’s iconic clubs. “Let’s make a pact to dance until our feet hurt,” Sanya said, dragging us to the dance floor. And yes, we danced like there’s no tomorrow, letting go of all our worries.
The music, a blend of techno and pop, kept us moving. Aarushi, the graceful dancer of the group, put us all to shame, while Sanya’s attempts at imitating her moves had us clutching our stomachs in laughter. We even tried some local cocktails—Sanya loved hers, but I could only take a sip before swapping with Aarushi. “You’re hopeless,” she teased.
Afterward, we strolled through the beautifully lit streets, grabbing some late-night kebabs from a street vendor. “Best midnight snack ever,” I said, as we sat on a bench, savouring every bite.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Returning to our hotel room that night, we were greeted by chaos—clothes strewn everywhere from our earlier mad rush to get ready. “This looks like a crime scene,” Sanya joked, flopping onto the bed.
And then Aarushi added, “Guys, we need to pack, don’t we?” The mood turned somber as we realized this was our last night together.
As we packed, we reminisced about the trip—our favorite moments, the silly fights, and how it felt like no time had passed despite years apart. While packing, I found a note Aarushi had slipped into my bag earlier. It read, “Can’t wait for Reunion 2.0. Love you, idiots.” I choked back tears, showing it to Sanya, who hugged us both tightly.
The next morning, we said our goodbyes at the airport, promising not to let years pass before our next trip. As the plane took off, I looked out at Austria’s fading landscape, already missing my friends and the incredible memories we’d made.
Read More: Thrillophilia Austria Reviews