A Visit From the Hunts!

 On May 13, Elder Frank and Sister Shar Hunt came to visit us on their way to Munich to meet two of their children.  They have finished their mission in Romania and will tour some of Europe and Romania with their family. Frank served as Rick's first counselor in the Singles Ward back home, then went on their mission when all were released. They actually went in the MTC with my brother and his wife who are serving in Sri Lanka. We were thrilled to see them and to show them some of the wonderful sights in Graz .Here we are in our apartment soon after they arrived, before we took them to their hotel.

 We then had the early evening to show them some sights. This is the Rathaus (Town Hall)

 Walking by the massive stone wall that lines one of the streets.

 At the top of the K&O store where there is a fabulous view.

 We of course, had to visit the double staircase in what used to be the castle of Graz. (Do you see anyone down below?!?)

 Finishing up the evening we walked across the bridge where the couples can "lock their love". If you look closely you can see the floating cafe on the Mur River.

 The next morning we wanted to hike up the stairs of  Schlossberg, but it was closed for a while because they were filming a scene for a movie. We came back later and went to the top.

 We bought a day pass to the Museums in Graz. This is part of the Cultural History Collection in the Museum im Palais. Here are a couple of interesting artifacts!!

 The Glockenspiel at 11:00 am.

 A visit to the Styrian Armory considered to be the largest historic armory in the world. There are 4 floors containing 32,000 authentic items of weaponry. Enough to outfit 5,000 men!Amazing!

 Now was the time for us to take the tour of the inside rooms of Schloss Eggenberg and we were excited.  This is the inside chapel.

  This is the Eggenberg Crest tapestry hanging in one of the staterooms.

 I loved this mural of two royals playing chess. I hope our grandkids Morgan, Jaren and Brenna see this because they are extremely good at chess and have done well in their tournaments.

 This is the famous Planetary Room which is the centerpiece of the palace. It is also the Ballroom. The paintings for this room showcase the planets, signs of the zodiac, and the constellations which gives this room its name. Grouped around this huge room are 24 ornate state rooms (24 hours in the day). There are also 365 outside windows (any guesses why?  I could only post a few pics of these rooms.

 It was fun to look out the windows so we could get our bearings of where we were from the inside. Here we are looking out from the Planetary Room to  the front entry. The palace is named after the man who had it built - Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg (1568-1634.) Construction started in the year 1625.

 This stateroom is full of magnificent paintings everywhere.

 This is the China Room. These plates and bowls are imbedded into the walls.

 Standing here at this point we could see into several rooms on both sides.  

 A great day!

  We did alot in just a day and a half!! The Hunts left early the next morning May 15th. We had a fabulous time with them. Thanks for the visit. Tell everyone back in Fruit Heights hello from us!!