The Sabbath ... and then some

Pittsburgh is block-challenged. In many cases in Pittsburgh, if you start at point A and walk "around the block," you most certainly will not end up back at point A. Chances are, you'll find yourself in an entirely different neighborhood altogether. Block-challenged.

Rochester, New York, however, does not suffer from the same affliction. I love taking walks in Rochester.
 
I'm currently staying at the exquisitely wonderful Edward Harris House, beautifully situated between Park Avenue and University Avenue (the Neighborhood of the Arts). This is one of my very favorite places on earth. Last night, despite the rain and cooler-than-normal temps, I thoroughly enjoyed a nice long walk along the tree-lined streets graced with magnificent old homes. I felt as if I could breathe again after being emerged in a low-oxygen tank for weeks. There is something about this section of Rochester, NY that feels like home to me, even though I've never lived here. I just feel like me when I'm here.

Have you ever felt like that about a place?

I'm in Rochester on business, but feel as if it's sheer pleasure. I used to come here every 9 months, but then life changed ... my business changed ... and I no longer had a professional reason to visit. That is why I was thrilled to have this opportunity again.  And to revisit "my" room -- Emily's Suite in the Inn.

More than anything, I'm enjoying spending time with innkeeper extraordinaire, the lovely Susan Alvarez (and her husband, Manny). What a delight.

The weather is crappy, however. So after I returned from my morning appointments and enjoyed a delicious breakfast, artfully prepared just for me by Susan, I climbed into a hot bath and took a nap (yes, in the tub. And no, I didn't drown). Heavenly. I could get used to this kind of life.

You see, resting and refreshing is not just for the Sabbath, although I truly enjoyed my Sunday with a relaxing drive from Pittsburgh to Rochester. I decided to map out my 270-mile journey without the use of freeways. The drive took a couple hours longer than what I was accustomed to, but it was amazingly relaxing and delightful. There were plenty of horses and cows and very few cars. It was so lovely, that I just might head back home that way tomorrow. Sometimes, it's good to just slow down.

One more perk of the slower route -- my Honda Insight did it with 55 miles per gallon! Go Insight!

It's been a good couple of days ... thanks to my Sabbath Experiment and the lessons it's taught me about slowing down. Life is not an emergency, after all.

Sharing my Sabbath, and the next day, with you,

Hana

Click here to read a previous post about this wonderful Inn.