TRAVELOGUE
CHAPTER 16
LIECHTENSTEIN
Liechtenstein is a small country on the border of Switzerland and Austria. Known for its medieval castles and alpine landscape, the country is an often overlooked destination with a lot to offer. Organizing the portrait there had by far been the easiest experience in Europe. Before the trip, I had found an organization dedicated to the country’s traditional dress. I reached out to them and they told me that Leonie had agreed to take the portrait and I should contact her directly. We spoke and coordinated a date and time. She suggested that we take the image at Vaduz Castle, being the most iconic landmark in the country.
Coming from Luxembourg, I had arrived to Switzerland and began looking for someone to photograph. It was proving more difficult than expected. After a week or so, I finally found Karin. With time running out on my Schengen visa, we had limited options for meeting. The only day that we could coordinate was the same day that Leonie and I had booked weeks prior. Vaduz was only two hours from where I was staying in Switzerland and it was even closer to where Karin lived. I was meeting Leonie at 9am at Vaduz Castle. I told Karin I could meet her around 2pm the same day.
Leonie | Sage of Liechtenstein
Vaduz, while the capital city, seemed more like a medieval village. I arrived about an hour early and stopped in a cafe to have breakfast. The castle was perched high atop a hill. After finishing my last sip of espresso, I began my ascent. The castle was set before a picturesque landscape. Mountains dotted the horizon. A lush, manicured lawn surrounded the castle walls.
Lighting was getting harsh. I toured the grounds looking for an ideal angle. There was an expansive garden being guarded by a gate. I went into ignorant tourist mode and attempted to walk through the gates, playing oblivious to the ‘private’ signs. The guard wasn’t having it and told me to leave.
It was time to meet Leonie. I made my way up to the parking lot as she arrived. She was already dressed in her country’s ornate costume. We chatted a bit. She told me that she’s a designer and we talked about her store. I also learned more about her national dress. She explained how it’s getting more difficult to engage youth in the practice.
We started walking the grounds and revisited the locations I had previously scouted. The lighting wasn’t cooperating. I had gotten a few decent shots. I mentioned to Leonie that there was a gated garden I had been denied access to. The sun was falling in the right direction to have the castle framed perfectly in the background. The flowers in the garden would compliment her dress flawlessly. She loved the idea and decided to speak to the guard herself. Granted, speaking the same language was an added bonus. With ease, she convinced him to let us in. The results from inside the garden were whimsical.
We wrapped up and made our way back to the car. Leonie, knowing that I was on my way back to Switzerland, offered to drop me off at the train station. We parked at the station and I set up the paper and paint for her to create her line. As the paint dried, we sat and talked for a while longer. This time, talking about Los Angeles and the project itself. We said our farewells. I didn’t have a chance to spend more time in the country and get to know Liechtenstein, but I did leave with a new friend. I boarded the train. It was time to meet Karin.