Sandra Scott Travels

Singapore has to be one of the most perfect countries; at least, to my way of thinking. It is sparkling clean and people-friendly. When Rachel Chu, the leading lady, gets off the airplane at Singapore’s Changi airport, she marvels, “An airport with a movie theater…” I always notice how quiet it is. The airport has a sunflower garden, a butterfly garden, a nature trail, plenty of child friendly activities, along with artwork, shopping, and eateries.

Rome, Italy, may be called the “Eternal City” but Rome actually started several miles southwest of present-day Rome in a place called Ostia. Today Ostia Antica is an archeological site near the modern resort town of Ostia. Two thousand years ago, Ostia Antica was located at the mouth of the Tiber River making it an important commercial city with a population of around 60,000. It declined as the harbor silted up eliminating its place in the trading market and making way for the growth of what is Rome today.

Labor Day usually signals the end of summer for most of us. But, it is one of the best times to travel, especially midweek when the crowds are less. It is the perfect time to visit Kingston, Canada – for the day or longer. I love the ferry from Cape Vincent and then the ride across Wolf Island – take note of all the windmills.

I knew that Harden Furniture Company in McConnellsville was in the process of being sold and thought maybe they would have some great deals in their showroom. The internet said that the company was open so John and I decided to check it out. The factory was open but only operating on a limited basis but they hoped the changeover would be completed in a couple weeks and then they would be back in operation. However, it was not a lost day. On the way back, just before we entered Camden, we saw a sign for Forest Park.

Toronto is only four hours or so from central New York. Take the southern route one way and the northern route the other. Do it while the ferry from Cape Vincent is operational. The ferry stops on Oct. 17 this year.

Need a great summer daytrip? Check out Rochester. There are indoor places where you can escape the heat and outdoor things where you can relish summertime. Rochester was first called Rochesterville after its founder Nathaniel Rochester who established the settlement in 1811. It has grown into a thriving city with many exciting things to see and do.

Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator who designed more than 1,000 structures, of which 532 were completed. He is touted at America’s greatest architect and “The Man who Built America.” His architectural style was a reaction to the stuffy, ornate, and crowded look of the Victorian era. He felt buildings should be inspired by the land and that there should be fewer rooms and that they should flow from one to another.

How many times a week are you in the city of Oswego? How many times have you been to the Richardson-Bates House? Take an hour on two to visit this house to see how the well-to-do lived in Oswego more than 100 years ago. The Richardson-Bates House is one of the most intact house museums in New York State. The opulent interior reflects the 19th century Victorian fascination with art, culture and history.

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most visited falls along with Iguacu Falls in South America and Victoria Falls in Africa. I am sure most New Yorkers have visited the falls at least once. When I was in college in Buffalo, it was a popular ‘first date’ destination. No matter how many times I visit, the falls are always impressive.