Vienna Part 3

 

John and I spent a few hours walking through the few dozen rooms of the Hofburg Palace which are open to the public.  There are over 2,600 rooms in all.   My impressions?  Honestly, it is obviously beautiful, but it is too much for my American sensibilities.  I look at all the splendor and I think about the struggling citizenry.  It is just over the top.   But,  so that you can come on the journey with me, here are a few of the many sights to behold. 

 

 

A few of the approximately millions of zillions of ornate centerpieces.

 

 

See?  You didn't believe me did you?  And this is just the view to the left of center. 

 It is ~ 30 feet long.

 

 

Royalty ate off of silver except of soup...the other course which I can't remember.

 

OK - So dig that crazy napkin.  This particular fold was utilized only when the King or Queen were dining.  Believe it or not, the fold is a state secret.  Only two people know how to do it.  Really.  

 

 

More impressive napkin folding. 

 

One piece of an exquisite set of dishes.  Unfortunately, because some of the porcelain was bisque, it could not be used for dining. 

 

And so it goes.