Schloss Sanssouci: An Appointment with Frederick the Great!

Was picked up by Marvo's parents this morning. I felt a bit uncomfortable taking so long to get to them. I hate the idea of making them wait but for the nth time I was once again struggling with the door lock. Why did they make it so complicated? In NZ you only need to turn the key once and the door opens. Here you have to turn it clockwise then anti-clockwise and back again but not all the way! Why make such a simple thing complicated?????? Have the Germans over done it this time?

I scrambled down the stairs and apologized for keeping them waiting. By the way, I made sure I have eaten so I don't get hungry while out with them just in case we are going to be out all day! A couple of minutes later as I settled into the warm cozy temperature inside the Merc, I was told about going for breakfast. I advised them I am okey as I have mine already.

I read disappointment written in their faces. I'd love to wring that boy's neck for not telling me what his parents' planned for the day. I queried the night before what the order of the day was going to be...so I could dress up accordingly (although I didn't really have much to choose from my limited items). He just said, you will find out tomorrow. Nothing to worry about, just be yourself. So I was just being myself when I went for a full breakfast! He could have at least given me a hint while we were having breakfast! But he didn't; ggggggrrrrr!!!!!

Anyway, we ended up having a buffet breakfast at Movenpick, quite an upmarket restaurant just across the palace. I tried my best to eat some more but ended up leaving half of my bread bun. My tummy was already full even before I started. Nevertheless I enjoyed the meal and the experience!

Then we headed out for our Sanssouci Palace tour and later the Botanical Garden. The guide took us in a succession of rooms that we were allowed to view. Marven's mum I believed asked the guide, "where did the King go for a pee" and maybe something else. I believe she was told "in the garden". So Frederick the Great had a big garden receiving a dollop of fertilizer from the very King himself and the rest of the occupants on a daily basis. No wonder the trees have grown big and robust! When I was told about this I could not help but picture someone heeding the call of nature...toilet paper? ...water?...or could it be leaves or twigs? Who knows!

Few shots taken in Sanssouci:

I don't know what this is for but it's like a gate pr archway at the side of the Palace

the grape gardens at the foreground Sanssouci Palace

the King is burried next to his hunting dogs...whatever happened to the Queen?

Sanssouci Palce

The Orangerie in Sanssouci Park

Orangerie and Sculpture

We spent a good hour there. The good thing about visiting this time of the year is that you can really take your time to absorb and admire the surroundings! During peak season, this park is loaded with tourists and could become quite overcrowded and noisy. If you are like me who prefers taking time and who enjoys peace and quiet then definitely visit this time of the year! But the only disadvantage aside from the possible minus zero temperature is that some of these places are not accessible after October . We wanted to go to the Tea House today but that is non-operational due to the low season. It was the same with Babelsberg Castle and even the Victory Column in Berlin.

Anyway from here they took me to a Christmas Market not far from the palace. Had a good look at the place and all the stalls with all their lovely Christmas goodies on sale! I also got a the chance for probably a very hands on introduction to their famous Gluhwein. At the market we went inside a shop where they manufacture crystal glasses and ornaments that I believe are exported around the globe. I had my eye on a piece, pieces rather, a table ornament cum candle holder. Almost bought it for my self but decided I have so much junks at home now and have no place for it. But it was a lovely piece.

Shots from the Christmas Market:

Has Santa gone for a leak or a glass of Gluhwein???

at the Christmas market by PArk Sanssouci

Cheese galore!!!

Looking for a parking is quite a struggle in Germany. Maybe it is true in most of the European countries. Today was the same, Marven's mom had to drive around for several minutes before she gave up and drove back to a public pay carpark.

I really enjoyed the day and really enjoyed both their company.

written by

jorgn_craw on December 5, 2008 from Potsdam, Germany

from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008

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It's pretty sweet!

written by aintiflying on July 22, 2011

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