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We are enjoying our slow travel through Central Europe,
where we are weaving back-and-forth, crisscrossing the final borders in
Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy; and we hope you are too. On this
trek, we have discovered a melting pot of cultures, dialects, and Art
Nouveau elegance, and all in one stop, as we arrive at the heart-
Here we discover yet
another sad historic legend, one that reveals the story of the castle owners,
Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Imperial
Navy based in Trieste, then a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife
Charlotte of Belgium. They built Miramare Castle as a family sanctuary, all decorated
with treasures from his seafaring life to the exotic Far East, and the Mexican
Empire, where he was Emperor. But their
love story ends tragically with Maximilian’s execution in 1864, driving
Charlotte to complete madness. The
ancient fable discloses how Empress Charlotte is said to be wandering the
property calling for Maximilian to this day. Every country and city we have
visited in Central Europe revealed many curious legends, fables, and magical
folklore just waiting to be exposed.
Sadly, we didn’t get
to spend enough time in Trieste, but we could see it’s a fabulous vacation
destination. It’s small but not overrun with tourists, mostly European
holidaymakers on summer vacation. It’s a great escape from the
crowds of tourists of Venice and easily accessible by rail, road, and
summertime ferries. Its offerings are plentiful, beautiful beaches and resorts,
fresh seafood, white truffles, wild asparagus, olive oils, and delectable wines
all produced by the perfect Mediterranean climate.
Central Europe has
been an ideal travel and educational experience filled with beautiful sights,
breathtaking moments, and postcard-perfect destinations.
Continue your
armchair travels with us we arrive in Venice, Italy, and laugh at how our
luggage went mysteriously missing for five hours.
*2018 travels
Visiting Trieste
Visiting Istria
How to order coffee only In Trieste
Transportation
Trieste to Venice
J. Christina is the author and owner of Scribbles and Smiles. Through our blog, we share stories of the wonderful discoveries we have made on our European travels. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on board with their travel jaunts around the world sharing in their blogging endeavor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.
After many years of intrepid travel, we thoughtfully opened our treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through our words and images, so others can travel vicariously.
You can sign-up to receive email updates via her blog, and you can also find Scribbles and Smiles on social media.
