Football, i.e., Soccer

David and I watching the World Cup

-- with thanks to Captain Kirt (https://blog.kirt.me.uk/)

Flowers Most Regal

 

Palace #1 - The Hofburg

The Hofburg in the heart of Vienna is a large rambling complex that served as the winter residence of the imperial family and "office" of the emperor year round.  It was begun in the 13th century and was expanded for centuries by successive Habsburg rulers; the last addition was built in 1913, just a couple of years before the end of the monarchy.  I've always liked palaces (big surprise there) but the Austrian experience also revealed to me my fascination with crystal chandeliers.

 

We begin at the "front door" and its enormous porte-cochère. 

the gown Empress Elizabeth (Sisi) wore for her coronation as Queen of Hungary

the emperor's conference room

Emperor Franz-Josef's office (my grandparents couldn't possibly imagine their grandson could be standing here)

the emperor's bedroom

lunch!

even little rooms had their chandelier 

the empress's bedroom

love the monogrammed sheets! 

Sisi's bureau 

some of her gym equipment; she was way ahead of her time with physical fitness

her bathroom

 

Sisi's salon

nice clock!

Since 1946, part of the palace has been the official workplace of the Austrian Federal Chancellor.