traveltales: GLORIETTA

Sunday, October 28, 2012

GLORIETTA

Finally Made it up the Hill

On my third visit to the Schönbrunn Palace I finally had the time to hike up to Glorietta. Built in 1775, Maria Theresa decided the Glorietta be designed to glorify Habsburg's power. The Baroque Schönbrunn was to be so beautiful it would rival France’s Versailles. Having visited Versailles just a few months before this visit to Schönbrunn, it was easy for me to more or less compare the two palaces. I vote Schönbrunn to be the most exquisite. Since 1918 it has been property of the Austrian republic.

Schönbrunn was the summer residence of Habsburg rulers. This is also the palace where Mozart performed for the Empress and her guests when only 6 years old. It is said that after his performance he jumped onto the Empress’s lap.

After walking the rose garden and part of the maze admiring the lovely greenery I wanted to head to Glorietta. We walked back to the wide floral mall area and strolled to the huge Neptune fountain. My new traveling partner was hot and tired, so I left her sitting in the shade while I took the trek up the steep hill to Glorietta. It was a slow, careful climb up and down because of loose pebbles from frequent gully washes of recent rains. I thought I did not need to turn an ankle at the end of the trip!

The view from the top was magnificent. Built on the hill behind the palace, it is the last building constructed in the garden. The temple of renown was to serve as both a focal point and a lookout point for the garden. It served as a dining hall and festival hall as well as a breakfast room for Emperor Franz Joseph I. The Glorietta was destroyed in the World War II, but restored by 1947. Nothing remains behind the façade except a space that serves as a courtyard containing decorative sculptures. It was a beautiful sunny day and I took my sweet time enjoying the view.

We had discussed having lunch in the gazebo at the zoo, but my cranky friend wasn’t hungry at noon so we headed to the subway and back to Vienna.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.