Leaving the Fjords of Norway and Watching the Sunset on the Norwegian Pearl

 We stopped in a quaint village in Norway.  As we went shopping we saw beautiful quilts with geometric designs.

 There was a wonderful shop full of different colored glasses.

 Loved this crystal chandelier hanging in the art shop.

 Glassware is a great memory to display on a coffee table.

 An artist created colorful sheep with different designs.

 Here is Norwegian pottery with birds weaved in the design.

Edinburgh, Scotland Tour

On the Royal Yacht Britannia See Fabulous Chintz Fabric

Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia shows the quality of fabric chosen through out this Royal ship belonging to the English Royal Family.  

Her Majesty loved sitting on the sofa to have afternoon tea.  The wicker chairs came from Hong Kong while Prince Philip was visiting in 1959. He thought they were perfect for the Sun Lounge of the Yacht so he purchased them.  Decorating the Royal Yacht was an act of love because it was a place the Royal Family could relax and have fun.  The windows overlooked the bow of the Yacht with lovely views.  

 I love the choice of blue chintz fabric. Chintz was originally a woodblock printed, painted or stained calico produced in India from 1600 to 1800. The designs featured flowers with different patterns.  The name Chintz came from Hindi chint meaning spotted or variegated.  Chintz designs became European patterns originating from Indian designs.  It was extremely popular with clothing,  draperies, and furnishings.  A million fabrics of chintz were being imported from India in 1680 to France and England.  By 1742 French and English mills were also able to produce this amazing fabric but remember the unique fabric originally came from India.


The Yacht is now in the harbor of Leith, in Edinburgh Scotland so visitors can see what it was like aboard the majestic vessel.

Visit the Royal Yacht to see colorful chintz fabric in all its splendor.

 A painting of former royal yachts was on display with personal photographs of the family.

 Queen Elizabeth had her breakfast where the morning sun came through the window.

 Her Majesty loved to write letters on her desk to send personal notes. Her sitting room was like an office where she conducted royal business.  Official mail was either flown or shipped to her for enhancing communication.  The light blue green sofa is from HMS Vanguard used by her parents during a 1947 visit to South Africa.  She probably sat in the comfortable sofa to read important papers just like she did in London.

 The Drawing Room is where Queen Elizabeth had conversations with important guests before lunch or dinner.

 They were served by the Royal Steward from the pantry close by.  Silver tea set was used for delicious Earl Grey.

 A piano was close by for those who had the talent to play music.

 Fresh flowers were a way to show warmth and personality.

 Soft pastel pillows gave comfort to the guests and the Royal family.

 The room could open up for a large gala of dignitaries.

 Love the white and apricot flowers with vines and branches.

 Queen Elizabeth wanted a fireplace but settled for and electric one because of safety issues.

The Royal Yacht showed lovely table settings.   

The senior officers dined in the Admirals Suite.  The Britannia was commanded by nine Admirals.  The furniture in this cabin is from the Royal Yacht Victoria.  Albert III liked to dine in this space.  

 Waterford crystal was a great choice.

 The state dining room is the largest room for dining.

 Conversations from Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, and Mahatma Ghandi all sat at this table at one time.  It took three hours to set fifty six places for a state dinner.

 Special place settings were a way of showing respect.  Positions of each utensil were measured with a ruler.  French menus were given to each guest as a souvenir.

Artifacts were on display on the Royal Yacht.

 There were lots of places to sit and relax to have conversations or read a good book.  The Wardroom Anteroom was the Officers main space to watch television or play games.

 The choice of four chairs allows everyone to sit comforably.  Perhaps they chose to listen to the radio.

Here is an up-close photograph of the lovely fabric chosen.