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.

Living Green at The Edward Harris House

In a couple of days I'm heading out of town on business. Fortunately for me, this trip will combine business with pleasure as I'm going to one of my favorite inns in the country and will have the opportunity to catch up with the innkeeper, who I like to think of as a friend. I found The Edward Harris House by chance several years ago and since then have never considered staying anywhere else when I'm in Rochester, New York.

Aside from the magnificent historic inn with its rich decor, the welcoming ambience invites you to unwind from the moment you cross the threshold. I find stress literally dissolving as I settle in.

Going online to make my reservations, I was pleasantly surprised by the inn's updated website. Browsing through the photos made me 'homesick' for a place that refreshes me with each visit. I found that my favorite room (Emily's Suite) was available and I reserved it.

As I was revisiting the Inn online, I was pleased to see a section titled, "Living Green at The Edward Harris House." Yes, the Alvarezes have chosen to go green at the inn and I couldn't be happier.

What this means for the EHH is that they are using only non-toxic and natural cleaners and have made the switch to CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs), which use approximately 75% less energy than standard bulbs. They are also serving organic and natural foods and supporting local farmers whenever possible.

Guests are encouraged to make eco-friendly choices as well by recycling all cans, bottles and newspapers; turning off lights, televisions, air conditioners and fans when they are not in their rooms; and reusing their linens and towels during their stay.

The Edward Harris House just crept up a notch in my book....which I didn't think was possible. I fell in love with the inn long before I started caring as much about the environment, but knowing they care too just makes me love the inn even more.

The next time you're booking a hotel or B&B, look into their policies on environmental issues. More and more hotel chains are going green, and it's good to know some B&Bs are following suit. Call and speak with the innkeepers -- ask them about their policies. Perhaps they've never thought about choosing greener options and your phone call will be the catalyst for change.

If you're traveling to the Rochester, New York area, look no further than The Edward Harris House (www.edwardharrishouse.com) and tell Susan the Green Grandma sent you!

Book green when you travel. You'll get even more out of your time away...I guarantee it.

Keeping it green,

Hana