On a foggy November morning in the Latvian countryside, Rundāle Palace appeared mysterious and brooding. The summer residence of the Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann Biron, construction began in 1736 on the country’s largest palace. Soon we were invited into its sumptuous interior.
On our private tour we admired porcelain vases, furniture, elegant table settings,
and–a personal highlight–a fan collection. I have my own assortment assembled over time from different countries. On the left are a couple from the palace, on the right, some of mine.
Feminine, sexy, utilitarian–they are all those things to me. But I had no idea that women in centuries past carried on entire conversations with their props, from “I know you are interested in me” to “I like you very much” to “It’s about time you bought me a piece of jewelry” and more. We were given a crash course in the etiquette of effective fan usage by our lovely lady chaperones. If I recall correctly, here they are saying “my husband is right behind me.”
The woman on the left is in period English attire, the one on the right, in French dress. Check out the elaborate bird cage on the latter’s head.
A short dance performance was the perfect addition to our tour. I know life in the 18th century was not at all as gloriously civilized as it appears in retrospect, but still... Do you agree?
If You Go:
Hotel Gutenbergs http://www.hotelgutenbergs.lv/?lang=en (From Ravishing Riga Part 1)
Rundāle Palace: https://www.rundalepalace.com/
I love touring with you. BTW my comment on Riga Part I, I inadvertently send from my ParanormalicePress email address.
And I love having you join me, Ronnie. Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you and Bob.
Beautiful
Don’t you sometimes wish you dressed like that, even if it was a lot of work? I think that’s why we love weddings and New Year’s Eves! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Cathy.
Tricia,
I so enjoyed your comments re living in Europe (especially Portugal). I lived in Park City for proximity 5 yrs. I loved it BUT growth, cost of living, and “micro culture” eventually became kinda oppressive and boring. My fiance and I are seriously considering living in Portugal. Please suggest more references and comments. We are “super seniors” (early 70’s but healthy) and excited to move. The Portugal environment sounds very appealing BUT we do not speak Spanish. Any comments ? Please offer any suggestions you feel appropriate.
Thanks,
Reid and Talei
Hi Reid and Talei, thanks for reading. I’ll send you an email separately with some references and more info. Didn’t Latvia look wonderful?
Reid, I’ve tried to email you twice but am always bounced back. Please contact me through the contract option here and perhaps we can chat.