This former hunting lodge, Noma, was a favorite retreat of the British Duchess who became Daisy, Princess of Pless. Surrounded by a forest and sited next to a small lake, it is now a hotel that has retained its lovely Victorian furnishings. We spent a delightful hour having cake and cappuccinos with the dining room all to ourselves.
Every winter I can’t help but feel sheer delight when I first see the giant chandeliers hanging and lit over Vienna’s Graben. What a beautiful city! Cameras and camera phones appear everywhere and everyone seems enthralled. In years past, the lights were gold but this year they are a silvery-white color, perhaps an energy-saving measure.
I was running late for a meeting and headed down to the U-Bahn, the subway, when I caught a glimpse of these new lights sparkling in the sunshine. I had to turn around a take a few snapshots for you. Decorated with hundreds of crystals that reflect the sunshine in bright prism colors, they hold promise to be gorgeous at night as well. I was too hurried to get the glistening photo I sought but these might give you the general idea. Will keep you updated.
I like the mirrored stars, each with a different pattern.
Schloss Grafenegg, northwest of Vienna, is one of the world’s fairy tale castles. Last year’s visit to its Christmas market was simply enchanting.
The requisite dragon....
Some lovely painted boxes for sale:
Romantic ceilings....
Even the wastepaper bin is befitting a castle.
