I have so many photos that I won't be able to put them all in the blog, I'll have to put a link to an online album in a bit. The ticket I got was called the "Classic Pass Plus," the plus being getting in to see the Apple Strudel Show. That was so awesome, I'm giving it a separate blog entry.
I actually paid for two things I never got around to doing...viewing the Privy Garden and hiking up to the Gloriette. But I did get to see the Grand Tour of the Palace. This included rooms not on the regular tour (18th century rooms from the time of Maria Theresa...who I think was much more interesting than Franz Joseph and Elizabeth). Photos could not be taken of the interior, so I bought a CD of interior images. Netbook does not have a CD drive, so we'll see those when I get home.
In the meantime, here is the view I got when I walked in the front gates:
I'm not going to go all into the history and whatnot of the castle, just mentioning that it was the Summer retreat of the Hapsburgs. If you want to know more http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/international.html
I spent a lot of time wandering about the courtyard before going in to get my tickets. There are renovations/restorations going on (of course, no matter where I go, there is *some* work going on) but there was plenty of palace to see where there wasn't scaffolding and construction.
Quite a few of the fountains on the grounds had been drained for cleaning. This is one in the courtyard.
I took tons more photos...but let's save those for some other time (mostly when I have time to clean them up and post them properly).
After my time in the courtyard, I paid for and took my tour of the 40+ rooms that are open to the public. More importantly, I got to visit the gift shop! Don't worry, I didn't go nutso. I did get a snow globe for the world's largest collection...can someone in Austin check to see if we have one of the palace already? If we do, I'm keepin' it...LOL. In addition to the aforementioned CD of photos, I also got my Christmas tree ornament (I get one everywhere I travel) and a brocade change purse..just 'cuz.
The Apple Strudel Show happens every hour on the hour...and it was about 20 of...so I walked about the gardens a bit.
Notice how straight the line of trees is? They're specifically trimmed that way. More on that later.
Here is a fountain that WAS working. Again, there are more photos, but I don't have all night (it's actually almost 10 now).
I then rushed back and was the last one in for the Strudel show and I got lots of fun pics of that. Got a free sample too and that was yummy, even if it did have raisins in it.
Afterwards, more wandering around the gardens
This is the "Roman Ruin" also known as the "Ruin of Carthage" and is a totally fake ruin. Now, the trees along the walkways. They are ruthlessly forced into shape and have a completely flat face and top. It's kind of weird. Now, spring is not as far along here, not all of the trees have all of their leaves yet, so you can see exactly how strict the trimming is.
Can you imagine the amount of work involved? These are extensive gardens, if you check out the website, you will see.
This is the famous Poseidon Fountain, which was shut off shortly after I took this photo. There are pathways up behind it to the Gloriette. I did not feel like the hike...lol
Instead, I went to the maze and labyrinth. I went through this maze to get to a raised platform to see where I'd been. I then had the option of trying to get out through the maze, or taking the shortcut. I am a wimp.
Interestingly, everyone in Austria seems to still be dressing for winter. While it is cool, I got by with my denim jacket and cool sparkly scarf.
This photo is taken from the Palace...see the Poseidon Fountain there? That structure WAY back there is the Gloriette. Yeah, no hiking for Donna today. As you can see, they are still planting the gardens for the summer. Those black swirly designs will be filled with color once the plantings are done.
I bet this all is super spectacular once it's all grown in and blooming. Not too bad right now actually.
Anyway, legs are screaming at me and I was hungry, so I headed back. Things were winding down for the day anyway. Most attractions close down around 5 or 6 anyway. The Marionette theater I was so enthused about before I arrived is at the palace as well, so I may go back to see it.
I got back, dropped off my stuff and reviewed my pics for a bit. I then went online to find a place to eat and, again, the Nachtsmarkt to the rescue. Found me an organic restaurant called Tewa http://www.tewa672.com/. Good food and very reasonably priced. I was insane and sat outside so I could watch the world walk by on the Nachtsmarkt. I did wear my heavy coat and scarf, which likely kept me from freezing to death. The outdoor heaters they had running only kept my right side warm and not so well when there was a breeze. Still the grilled chicken strips over a bed of tomato and cucumbers with a ring of hummus around it was amazing. It came with a loaf...yes a loaf, of bread. I could not finish it all. Only thing is that it took forever to get the check and I almost experienced frostbite.
Now, I'm back in the room and about to go to sleep. Tonight, I think I will get to sleep on time. Breathing better and REALLY tired. I'll post the strudel lesson in the morning and I think tomorrow will be my Klimt day.
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