Albany - State Capitol

This morning we packed everything up, went to the FedEx store near our hotel, shipped the box of treasures we bought at the antique stores, and then went to the state capitol in Albany.


We got in on a tour right away.

 This is one grand building. Begun in the 1860's it took years to complete.  In fact it was never truly completed.  Gov. Teddy Roosevelt said enough already, and some of the intricate carving was never finished.

 But what was done is amazing.  This is Scottish sandstone, all hand carved.  The carving is full of whimsical figures.

 The governor's reception area is highly painted.

 I love connections.  There were several this morning.  It's Women's History Month and the display was of the suffragettes, those same ladies we saw honored in Seneca Falls.

 Governor Dewitt Clinton's portrait hangs in the Hall of Governors.  He supplied the impetus to dig the Erie Canal.

 The House of Representatives was busy as the Legislature is in session.

 Floor tiles throughout the building are amazing.

 A Hudson River School painting hangs outside the Senate chambers.  It's Niagara Falls, of course.

 Our guide was wonderful.  She grew up in this building, where her father is still on the staff.  She served as a page here.  She knows every detail of the carvings in the grand staircase.

 The senate chamber has stained glass windows, a carved oak ceiling, and gold leaf on the walls.

 And you know you are in an important place in the building when you see the patterns on the floor.

We have arrived smoothly and safely at Logan airport in Boston.  We're had our Starbucks lattes and are entertaining ourselves with our electronics.  


Tonight we'll hug our kitty and sleep in our own beds.  That sounds good.  We love traveling, and we love coming home.