Maybe you have never heard of The Principality of Liechtenstein but it is a real independent Monarchy country nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria along the Rhine river close to where that river begins in the famous region of Switzerland known as "Heidi land" from the famous storybook.
There is a real prince who lives on a castle on a hill and rules the country.
Nowadays they also have a parliament and a very modern lifestyle - in fact Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in the world but it wasn't always like that.
At the turn of the 1900's Liechtenstein was one of the poorest countries in Europe but that all began to turn around with Johann dem Gutem or John the Good. Liechtenstein is not ruled by a King. They are ruled by what is called a "Furst" which is kind of like a Prince of Princes. Liechtenstein has other princes - in fact quite a few - but only one Furst.
I was there not so long ago on a cloudy day. I think it is strangely beautiful in the rolling fog.
Maybe I should have called this blog "Liechtenstein on a Foggy Day" Here is the beautiful peak of mountain "Santis". I lived below there in the town of Triesen while taking a class on "Philosophy in Shakespeare"
I took these pictures on a recent visit and fell in love with this enchanted land all over again.
Because the Alps are so high you can live three seasons in one day. I hopped on a local bus this cloudy May day - took a ride up to the mountain ski town of Malbun and found a winter-wonderland of snow.
The Link below is Courtesy of Liechtenstein Royal House
https://www.fuerstenhaus.li/en/
Have you ever been there? I'd love to hear your story. There are a thousand things more I could talk about such as the ancient dialect they speak, the beautiful stamps they create or the amazing story of their role in saving refugees in WW II but we will save that for another time.