The LSAMP group has also explored by "strassenbahn" and on foot the city of Innsbruck. On Sunday afternoon we visited Bergisel. In 1809 Bergisel was the sight of four famous battles under the command of the Austrian freedom fighter, Andreas Hofer. There is a monument erected here in his honor.
Bergisel is also the site of the famous ski jumping arena for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games. We took an electric tram up the mountain to the top of the tower, where there can be found spectacular views of Innsbruck and the surrounding regions. We then hiked down the steep steps and paths to the end of the jump ramp, where there are plaques at the base of the Olympic torches inscribed with the names of all those athletes who medaled in 1964 and 1976 in all events. 
We ended the day with an evening walk through the Innsbruck University Botanic Garden. The 5 acre garden, across the Inn River from the International Student House, contains more than 5000 species, including some fabulous cacti, and it is open to the public free of charge every day. 
Following in the footsteps of a native austrian, Dr. Rupp took us to an authentic austrian restaurant called The Gausthaus. Here I ordered the typical cheese schnitzel with turkey tastfully accompanied with roasted potatoes (mouthwatering!). I had an interesting and refreshing drink which consisted of apple juice and mineral water as well. The picture only expresses a small fraction of the complete and utter satisfaction schnitzel did for my stomach.
From Cyberprof, as described in the comment about great eating places under "Arrived", is a photo of "gebackene pilze". These are breaded and fried mushrooms (seasonal varieties) with tartar sauce for dipping. These were quite popular with the group. Mmmmm! 
Yesterday afternoon/evening, we all attended the end-of-year party at the Biocenter. There was a barbeque featuring various sausages, as well as turkey and fish, accompanied by potato salad and vegetables. Then, there were "olympics" featuring various activities with pipette tips, a "laboratory attire" fashion show, and cabaret/karaoke. Everyone had a great time, meeting students, post docs and faculty, and dancing in the rain.
On our "schwammerl suchen" adventure Melinda and I spotted our own local favorite right out of alpine grounds. It was our first time tasting this raw mushroom and it was utterly delicious. =)
There has been a great deal of rain here in Austria. The Danube is running quite high, and there has been flooding of many towns along the river. Although it has been cool, the weather is warming up for the next week or so. The temperature will be between 75-85 (24-29C) during the day, and between 60-65F (14-19C) at night here in Vienna. There will be thunder showers expected as well. The weather forecast for Innsbruck is cooler for the next several days, through Monday: 14-21C during the day, 8-11C at night, mostly cloudy, with rain/thunderstorms. So, expect the temperature to fluctuate, getting warmer as we move into July. Plan to layer clothes, and bring clothes to keep dry, as there will be frequent rain. Because there has been a great deal of rain, and it is warming up, also expect mosquitoes. 
July 7, 2009 brought much rain to the region. It was also cooler than the previous few days, with very low clouds and fog. This brought the possibility also of snow at higher elevations, and indeed, we awoke the following morning to find a dusting of snow on the local mountains.
You may wish to explore the Austrian rail system as you plan your excursions. The railways are dense across the country, and provide relative inexpensive means of transport, particulatly with a pass.
