Sunday, July 5, 2009

Day of Sightseeing

One question before we post lots of photos: Is anyone out there? Please comment so that we know that someone is reading this!

Gruss gott. The city of Graz has many old buildings, with occasional new construction. Here is a typical block, one that we walk by near our hotel.
Today we traveled to the outskirts of the city, to the Schloss Eggenberg.

This palace was built in 1625 by Prince Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg. There are 4 towers for the seasons, 12 gates for the months and 365 windows for the days of the year. The palace is on beautiful grounds, and also houses displays of artwork and coins from as far back as 1290 A.D.

Here I am with Uma, the mother of one of Rachel's teammates, Uday, in front of the facade of the palace. And below, another shot of the beautiful facade.

Rachel and Uday were fascinated with the many peacocks that roamed the grounds.




In the center of the three story palace is a courtyard with many windows.

We are getting used to Austria's customs, but we just can't get used to all of the cigarette smoking. I even saw someone smoking while riding his bicycle. While the main courses here are rather bland by American standards, the apple strudel, beer, and pumpkin seed salad dressing are wonderful.

That's all for now. We will be sorry to leave this beautiful place tomorrow.

3 comments:

  1. We just figured out how to post using the MAC.. this was an exciting week..we are so proud of you!!! have a safe trip home!!!!
    Rev Melissa, Katherine and Fran

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  2. Hello! I commented on the first day, but I'm not sure if it posted correctly. Then I forgot to check the updates until Friday. I'm so glad you guys took this trip!! Love, Kathy

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  3. Gruss Gott back atcha! We've been watching daily! It's great to see you enjoying the event and Austria, even learning ein bischen Deutsch ("Meine Tochter schlaeft" is what you wanted to say earlier). Picking up on the little things, like a nice Apfelstrudel, or a delicious beer with dinner, are the little details you will cherish, I think. We're so happy for you both!

    Love,
    Uncle Kenny

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