Schloss, Pferde, und Oper

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Willkommen! Elizabeth and I spent both of today at the Schönbrunn Palace. We took a tour of the palace, but also saw the (now public) gardens, the privy garden, the Orangerie (a garden with "exotic" tropical plants), the Marionettentheater (they were making a marionette when we were there), a labyrinth, and the Gloriette (a monument on a hill which had a breathtaking view of Wien). Lots of fun: my personal favorite was seeing the study where Emperor Franz Joseph I worked for most of the day for his 67-year rule.

 For the evening, we went to see "A Tribute to Vienna" at the Spanish Riding School. We got to see riders and trainers from this renowned school for classical equestrian training, and it was fascinating to see them along with a small group from the Wien Philharmonic and a singer. From what I saw as well as what I read online and in the program, the school and the riders treat the horses well and have strong personal connections with each one. Like we say in dance, it was insightful to be in the room to see the human moments in between or on the side where things did not quite go as planned.

Afterwards, we went to the Staatsoper to see more of The Marriage of Figaro from the outside! I enjoyed figuring out the German subtitles and, of course, watching and listening to the performers. I left a bit cold, but very soothed.
Schönbrunn from the Privy Garden

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