Travel, 50+, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is probably one of the very few countries in the world that has no enemies. Although, technically, Switzerland has invaded the country a couple of times (an honest mistake!) Could it be because the place is too small to threaten anyone? The fact that they don't really have oil reserves? Maybe it's because the hateful people are quite often "limited", if you know what I mean, leaving them to carry a grudge against Lichtenstein. Which is in Germany. And not only one of them there. Too much trouble to sort that out. Or, is it simply because the country is just that cool (UK translation: wicked, neat)?

For me, Liechtenstein is definitely pretty wicked (Bostonian translation: wicked great). So much so it makes my list of favorite countries.

Now, a lot of people who have visited might be confused over this bold claim. Allow me to explain... What I've seen, most visitors end up turning around in Vaduz and/or Schaan. Big mistake! Sure, it's the capital and the largest "city", but you will not find streets after streets of action. You might find a street of moderate excitement for grannies and little children. There are a couple of nice buildings, a museum or another, maybe a couple of rare luxury vehicles speeding through air thick with the scent of Eau de Cow Toilet... And then said tourists cry out of boredom and disappointment, doubly bitter over the price tag. (Which is hefty.) Perhaps consoling themselves with thoughts of checking another country off the list.

What I do instead... is hiking and relaxing. There are many spots, one more perfect than another, for views, peace, quiet, destressing and allowing the nature do its thing for your well-being. If you're into romancing, you can enjoy breakfast over the clouds. As the Sun commands the clouds to disperse, the view will blow the socks off your romancing partners' feet and you're in for a win. Or, if you're kinky, you can do it all inside the clouds. Pretty sublime, huh? Anyway, as a bonus, Liechtenstein hikes tend to have far less Germans than common Swiss hikes. In the winter, you could try Malbun for skiing. I have never gone for that, so cannot vouch for the action. Also, sorry for the artillery shelling. Totally an accident.

But yes, the country is very small. It is easy to "achieve everything". The only thing I have never done over yonder (besides skiing) is met the royals. Time for Alois or H-A to give me a ring. Let's check those wine cellars of yours?

The Judgment:
Okay, so Liechtenstein is not for everyone. There's not plenty of city-like action (or cities for that matter), shopping, bar-crawling, beaches (unless a pond of a river will do) or the usual bulk tourism whatchamacallits and thingamajigs. You will, however, find a few bastions of history and local lore. You will find nature, peace, quiet and relaxation. You will find local alcohols of many kinds, in case you're interested, and they still do banking, although the billionaire tax haven thing is placed on a back burner since a few years ago. You can experience one of the more unique and down to earth football (soccer) stadiums and the local team playing against up to the best teams in the world (usually UEFA qualifications of one kind or another). Occasionally you will see vehicular rarities.

Yes, it's expensive. Probably top 4 or 5 in Europe. But then, what would you not pay for your well-being and washing away the filth of our modern existence? I mean, as long as you know where the off button on your phone is. Liechtenstein is great for solo travelers as well as couples looking for some of that special "us time", splendid for slow tourism and pretty much the only threat to your safety is the varied mountain weather.

Would I go again? Well... Yes.