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Day 8

The Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein is the world's 6th smallest country. Schloß Vaduz, the regal home of Hans Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein overlooks the capital town below. This picture is a famous view taken from a federal source. Perhaps my own camera just wasn't up to the duty of beauty.

Though this neutral country has no natural resources of its own, revenue from the many offshore companies registered there have made the country very wealthy. One thing Liechtenstein does produce is postage stamps. Tourists can pick up collector booklets from the Postage stamp Museum, or purchase current stamps directly from the post office. Even souvenir shops sell them.

Although most of Vaduz is shops and restaurants, there is one art museum that has Peter Paul Ruben paintings. If you're up for a walk, it's a nice hike up to see the castle. Though the private grounds are not open to the public, one can get pretty close, and the view back down is quite...quiet. Many of the homes in Vaduz have hand painted plaster exteriors.

The upkeep of the town is inspiring and the notion of traffic free living seems too good to be true. The local market provides fresh food for those who want to munch on the run. If you don't feel much like exercise, the main street is lovely for strolling. Modern sculptures make even a twenty foot passing seem like you've covered a lot of ground.

Man overboard! No wait, he's back. White water rafting was more like floating on this refreshing excursion. What started out with caution and worry ended up with cannonballs and King of the MT. A leisurely grade two provided just the right amount of speed and thrill for relieving the summer heat.

The open air market (shown above under the white tarp) is filled with local farmers and grandmothers alike. Fruits, honey and crafts are priced at an arm or a leg. But who can say no to Gram?