Habsburg and its Glory

     As early as the 11th century, Vienna was already an important and properous city under the Babenbergs rule. However, the city is largely associated with the Habsburgs, who ruled the Austria Empire for over 600 years. The impressive imperial power, as well as the rich culture and heritage, can be best appreciated with a visit to the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). 

     The palace, with its monumental architectures, is a sight that is impossible to miss. The architectural diversity results from the fact that each Habsburg ruler, in order to demonstrate his prowess as well as to avoid residing in the living quarter of the previous ruler, would build himself a new section. Of course, the new building would fashion after the "most-in" style of the time and so while the Schweizerhof (Swiss Courtyard) dates from the 13th century, the Neue Burg (the New Palace, as shown on the left, a picture of myself + Laura) is of the neo-Renaissance style. There are lots of things to see, such as the Kaiserappartements: once the official living quarter of Franz Josef I and Empress Elisabeth, Sisi (she is known for her beauty, fashion sense, and even lovers, there's a Sisi Museum) and the Spanische Reitschule (the Spanish Riding School retains the imperial tradition and has equestrian show performed by Lipizzaner stallions). 

     However, to us girls, the most exciting "wow" is visiting the Schatzakammer, or the Imperial Treasury. I was dazzled by the glitz... it was slightly overwhelming. The imperial crown (below) dates back to the 10th century and has precious gems decorating its already resplendent, golden surface. There was also a large collection of ecclesiastical treasures. Back then, the people believe that the fragments  

of sacred objects, such as a  piece of the True Cross or the tablecloth from the Last Supper,

have super powers (e.g. healing power, protection from evil) and thus these sacred "treasures" are elaboratedly preserved. As I gaped at the richly decorated relic of a Saint's pinky (right: the bejeweled finger), I cannot help but lament the seemingly unreasonable use of the valuable stones and gems. I mean, what a waste! The intricately designed gold vines and the numerous pearls embellish a supposedly powerful, dried-up finger; in comparison to decorating something that is already dead, these gems would live a more meaningful life beautifying a living person :P. My walk through the treasury was literally a mouth-dropping experience in which every other (or every) object received a "wow". 
     Nevertheless, nothing compared to the 492-carat aquamarine. As I examined the various treasures, Tesha broke my concentration and pulled me away, informing me that all these other "treasures" are nothing compared to the "IT". When I got there, I saw six of my classmates (all girls, of course), gaping at the jewel. My first impression: "OMG, that's huge!" This gigantic piece of rock propells the girls into an exciting frenzy and discussions. The conclusion: this is to die for. We hope our future wedding rings will be as big as this one, if not, at least let us have something big enough to break our fingers.