travel

Canadaigua, New York

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This town is located on the fourth largest Finger Lake approximately 30 miles south of Rochester, New York. It is one of the most beautiful small towns I have ever visited and a jewel. Take a look at the pictures, make your decision, and if in the area stop by.

Relax on a bench overlooking the Lake.

Grab an ice cream near the Park. The line moves fast.

Many beautiful hotels overlook the Lake are in the area – and this one even has an EV charger!

There are a variety of restaurants – even one with cooking classes and wine tasting.

The grounds of this restaurant prepared for a wedding.

Another picture…

Makes you almost want to marry — on second thought, no, but nice to appreciate.

What a lovely visit – there also is a steam boat cruise on the Lake – contact Auntie Google for particulars as it looks like much fun.

Granger Homestead

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The Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum was another fascinating site to see in Canandaigua.

It was the home to 4 generations of Granger’s. The 1816 Federal style mansion is in pristine condition with a carriage house containing almost 100 antique carriages and sleighs.

The grounds also provide a perfect spot for a picnic and will be enjoyed as a family event with children learning much of the area’s history.

The Law Office on the grounds

The Gardens

Enjoy!

Ganondagan Historical Park

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Took a visit to the Canandaigua area again to finish visiting spots I had missed. This Historical Park was my first stop. This Indian tribe lived in the area for centuries and were discovered in the 1600’s by Europeans exploring this area. Here are some pictures of what you will see on your visit.

This is the Museum which sadly was closed on the day of my visit. Contact the site for hours.

However, there was much on the grounds to visit, and learn from. Placards explain the way these indigenous peoples used the land to live by, eating the greenery, and using bushes to make rope.

The Seneca Long House – this full sized model depicts how the peoples lived in the 1670’s and 1680’s.

These pens held animals and provided protection for them.

A spiritual protection for the animals.

The tribe had their location on the top of a great hill near a water source which I later discovered in the walking trails on the property. According to one of the explorers of the area there were 150 houses with visibility on top of this hill 72 miles.

There are extensive trails on the property.

Take a picture of signs like this, however, as a warning signage was challenging to follow. A charged cell phone assists your hike, and there are many on the trails who can guide you. The trails are for the seasoned hiker with many hills and ravines. I became lost so travel in 2’s if possible, however, the trek is one of great beauty on the stellar day I visited.

Let’s end with a picture of the nature garden.

Closing Thoughts On The Trip

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Here’s a quick read of some after thoughts from the trip..

  • Dress in Layers
  • Stick with plain bottoms printed shirts
  • Bring nylon undies to wash out nightly
  • Wear old clothes – toss once done as it lightens the suitcase, more room for souvenirs
  • Extra cloth bags that scrunch up to nothing. I have a bag which rolls into a ball with a rope on the end – a life saver as it also attaches to the fanny pack waist band.
  • Pack plastic bags for food, etc..
  • Pack a set of utensils
  • Consider bringing energy bars, nuts, especially for kids – buy low sugar.
  • Get cell service – if bringing kids check out tracking devices for your kids
  • Credit cards – the EU uses these more than cash, have 2 cards store in different places
  • Copy of passport in suitcase in case pick pocketed.
  • Fanny packs are my go to for everything. Sometimes I wear 2 – also good for storage. I put all my souvenirs in the second one on the return trip, that way Delta didn’t get me for another $75.
  • Back packs – keep them on the front of the body
  • Learn a few phrases of the languages of the country visit
  • Smile, use hand gestures
  • Visit the tourism office in the airport.  Their maps are the best.
  • 2 chargers for the cell phone and carry both with phone cords and wall outlets.  There are small items which work effectively. Check out Amazon and the ratings.
  • Electrical converters – bring several types, read the ratings as stated above.
  • On medicine – bring extra and always on your person.
  • Wear extra clothing on the plane. Heavy socks, head gear if you are bald or have short hair, eye covers – as these are no longer given. Any effort to keep warm will help with sleep.
  • Avoid using the airline baggage service, keep bag with you on the plane. TRAVEL LIGHT..
  • Take pictures of parking spots, routes you take for a destination, e.g. metro route etc..
  • Obtain minimal cash, only small bills.  Use ATMs for withdrawal in public, lighted spot.
  • Some banks offer free ATM linkage services – check out your bank, worth an ask at the branch.
  • Check out Rick Steeve’s web site – he offers much free advice. Auntie Google him.
  • Don’t bring tourism books, and if you do photo the important pages or buy light weight ones.
  • Sometimes you have to bring the essentials – I recall trying to find Epsom salts in China when having back issues.  No one knew what I was talking about. Find the smallest size of the product if possible to allay your concern. Often difficult to locate particular needs in a foreign country.
  • Try to find elevators, escalators if you do have heavy bags.
  • When approached for money keep eyes closed as it sleeping or pretend reading.
  • Escorted trips may be pricey but worth it, gives you a break if a self-guided traveler.  Find the location the night before, or have extensive directions, and leave EARLY the morning of. Use the location bathroom before the trip as tour buses are now discouraging or not allowing bathroom usage.
  • Always tie a sweat shirt around your waist – warm to cold occurs quickly.  Museums can be cold as can buses, trains. Don’t get sick when away. Believe me I know – it’s a horror show.
  • Extra pairs of sunglasses – I always bring 3. Check out the fold up kind – save space. Buy cheapies as sunglasses break or are easily lost. Hang them on your body in the neck of your shirt or in your hair.
  • Consider bringing a hat for sun glare – another fold up item.
  • Some museums still require a scheduled visit.  Make the reservation.
  • READ THE FINE PRINT.  I ordered an EV rental car in error.  Full charge 4 hours and areas for charging limited.   Glad the rep notified me and was able to obtain a gas powered one.
  • If ordering a car, check for an English manual, get the phone number of the rental office, make sure you get instructions on the GPS system, and for a standard car operate the gears prior to departure.  Bring a paper map for back up. Sorry, Generation Z.
  • Ask the locals, they are helpful, and if they are not, ask another.  You are bound to find someone who will help you.

Have fun and Good luck!

Claude Monet Home

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On my last day in France took a tour of the Claude Monet Home in Giverny. Monet strived to develop his career. It was no easy road. He married twice, his first wife was his model, of which he had two sons, and she died at 36. His first son died also, and the second son took a wife Monet did not like and they were estranged. This son was interested in Safaris and traveled between France and Africa having little interest in his father or the home.

Monet befriended a department store owner who was a horrible businessman. At one point he shared his home with him, his wife, and their 6 children. When the friend fled the country due to financial concerns Monet continued to support his wife and 6 children. Monet became involved with the man’s now ex-wife and they lived as man and wife for 14 years till Monet married her. She later pre-deceased him.

When Monet died his son received the home and his father’s paintings. The son would sell a painting to support himself and did not care for the gardens or home. At the time of his death he willed the home to the French government and they stepped in and reconstructed the home and gardens.

Another Garden Photo..

The House Tour

Gardens Surrounding the House

House Tour

Monet in his studio.

His Desk

Monet was quite a gourmand according to our guide. At one point his cook who assisted him with cooking was marrying and leaving. Monet spoke with the man and doubled his salary using him as a chauffeur so he would not loose the cook.

There also is a Monet Museum on the premises. Did not sign up for that portion of the tour, however did attend the Museum’s restaurant which had fast service, reasonable prices, and delicious food.

And did I mention the setting? Around the Museum are pocket gardens each with a varied flair.

Heavenly.

Seine River Boat Tour

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Think anyone who visits Paris should do this tour. Had a spectacular day for this traveling the Seine River which takes you past the Eiffel Tower and under 22 bridges. So much to see and what an amazing guide.

Houseboats line the Seine River.

The Russian Bridge signifying the friendship between France and Russia

The Plaza where tango’ers meet nightly to do their dance.

Bridge where each masked face is a different sculpture.

Notre Dame under construction.

Another famous bridge of beauty

As we passed by each of the bridges people waved and yelled bonjour!

And once the boat ride ended sought out the informal tribute to Princess Diana..

Be very careful in this area as pick pockets abound. I “lost” a phone charger from my coat pocket.

Getting Gas in France

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It was time to refill the gas tank. On my first venture I had assist by a friendly Frenchman, and was hoping for the same on this next fill-up. The car gas tank cap had a lock which proved problematic for me but not for my French counterpart.

The Gas Station Store at Highway A10

The highways in France issue tickets upon entry to the highway and accept charge cards as payment. The speed limit is 130, which I had a challenge adjusting to but soon caught on. The toll price for approximately 250 miles of travel was 23 euros which while steep was about the rate when I drove in Portugal. For the 600 mile trip it cost 100 euros in gas using a small Fiat car.

Fancy Machine to Acquire Coffee

Nice spot to recharge and also do computer work. There also were pods in this area for those needing a quiet spot to work at. These came with a charge.

xxxx

Was disappointed that I saw no EV charging stations at the gas station. Then as I was leaving came across this massive construction project where 23 fast charging stations were being installed.

This was a welcome relief.

Only one EV station at the present time.

But more to come…

Chaumont-Sur-Loire

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This Castle is located on the Loire River. Owned by the French government since 1992, the castle sponsors the International Garden Festival where amateur gardeners design one of the 20 plus garden plots on the property. Also included in this Festival is usage of the Castle and grounds for the implementation of fifteen world -renowned artists. What a different tour and spellbinding way to end the tour of the Loire Valley Castles.

Here are some pictures of the art work amongst the Castle rooms..

Catherine de Medici’s Bedroom

Traveling chests in this Castle were ornate.

Priceless Collection of Royal Head Pieces

Artwork on the Castle Rampart

Artwork amongst the Castle storage areas

Note the sculptures on the King’s desk

In the attic of the Castle were videos by artists – check out the squares.

the squares then turned into this color combination – mesmerizing and intriguing. Watched for 10 minutes..

A little breather from the art – view of the Loire from the Castle

Artwork in the library

The books on the window ledge are made of wax and those on the shelves and desk are made of stone.

The Music Room of the Castle – no artist work here.

A Sculpture Made From Books.

A lawn sculpture

More Artwork in the Castle Outbuildings

And this was a fascinating sculpture/work made by a South American artist. Would like to have seen how this was installed.

Had lunch at the Castle – delicious and memorable..

The French certainly know how to eat well.

What a spectacular day..

Wine Tasting

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Look for these door if you attend as the winery can be a challenge to locate..

Another fascinating Expedia adventure this was!

This winery was built into walls of stone and originally owned by Leonardo da vinci.

During the World Wars soldiers hid in the cellars and drank up the vino in storage.

Enjoyed the tour and tasted the exceptional shall we say brew, but sad to say purchased none as did not want to incur another $75. airport baggage fee. If you have the chance this is a once in a life time visit and fun. Also, a great break from castle touring.

More Photos..

Did purchase several bottles of their juice for breakfast the following days – very tasty and recommended.

Now, back to castle visiting..

Chateau Gaillard

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This Chateau lies down the road from Clos Luce. It is currently a private home with gardens, walking paths, and is truly a beautiful Chateau. Besides its beauty, the Chateau has many historical artifacts. Most of the information within the Chateau is written in French but able to discern the meaning. For more about the Chateau http://chateau-gaillard-amboise.fr/

Some pictures..

The Chateau is known for its orange trees.

An interesting part of the visit was the area where the medieval chateau workers lived during this time period.

Some of the nature areas and gardens.

The Chateau is open for weddings and believe this would be a lovely spot for that. If visiting buy tickets at the door as there was much confusion with my Expedia ticket which colored my stay, enough said.