Albany, NY

In contrast to the trip back to New York City, the train trip to Albany and the day I spent there was much more civilised.

The ride on the Maple Leaf train along the Hudson River was scenic and had air of serenity. Ah, the serenity. A bit boring perhaps but there was the serenity. Now say it again, Ah the serenity.

The train arrived punctually and I was picked up by Ken(my sis' boyfriend)'s parents. Went to their beautiful white house in rather rural Burnt Hills near the historic and spa town of Saratoga Springs (where rich New Yorkers spend their summers). Their backyard is amazing. Imagine lawn with bird feeder and hammock, woods in spring green just beyond and lawns of baby blue forget-me-nots. Tea and cranberry muffins. Ah...

And lots of visitors to the bird-feeder.

Then it was off to Saratoga Historic National Park. Historic for being the battle fields in the American War of Independence around 1777. And now rolling green hills and groves of trees. The Iharas also showed me their various secret spots in the Park. Each was different but a gem. Secluded clearings, expansive vistas over the Hudson River flood plains, hillocks with flowering lilacs. And good birding. And a good sandwich lunch.