DAY 46: LIECHTENSTEIN

LIECHTENSTEIN seemed to me to be such a quirky country, it was almost comical.

A tiny blob on the map, squeezed in between Switzerland and Austria, which themselves are landlocked.

The principality used to be closely related to Austria until economic pressure after the Second World War forced it to become more aligned with Switzerland.

I imagined it to be a little like Genovia from The Princess Diaries, with its own 13th century castle atop a hill (Vaduz Castle, commanding attention from its position only 120m above the city streets but closed to visitors) and its own royal winery (the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery in Vaduz).

Adding to the novelty is the fact that Heath Leger as Will in the medieval comedy film A Knight's Tale claimed to be Ulrich Von Liechtenstein (an actual 13th century author of works on how nobles and knights could lead more honourable lives, believe it or not) instead of a lowly thatcher's son.

In reality, the very clean and well-kept country is as modern as any other, but on a smaller scale - just like its Stadtle ( the "small town" in the middle of Vaduz with restaurants, cafes and boutiques).

It has its own university and dom (cathedral) in Vaduz along with bustling villages such as Schaan (the largest) and a very efficient public bus system.

Pretty flowers and splashes of colour in everything from shop windows to public artworks brighten the day of citizens and visitors.

I didn't know much until I visited. But perhaps the only other thing I need to tell you is that on a marvellous autumn day, the view from Triesenberg (and especially our Hotel Oberland balcony) - over the valley and out to the mountains - can be glorious, even on a misty day.

We had to catch a train from Innsbruck to Buchs Bahnhof, a Leichtenstein No.12 bus to Vaduz Post and a No. 21 bus to Triensenberg Post plus climb a few steps up past the local church to the hotel, but it was definitely worth the effort.

Lesson of the day: History and heritage is worth preserving. Triensenberg cemetery next to the church is probably the most beautiful I have ever seen, with family members and volunteers offering tender loving care to the flower-filled plots on a daily basis. A tourist attraction in itself.