The Fujiya Hotel in Hakone

Accomodation in Hakone is expensive. Due to its proximity to Tokyo and its hot spring attraction, prices of decent accomodation can be quite high. In the end, we settled for the Fujiya Hotel located at Miyanoshita, Hakone-Machi. Because we had done our research beforehand, we already expected the bedrooms to be tired-looking. However we really only needed a place to sleep and at@USD100+taxes, their special anniversary plan for foreigners was worth it. The promotional hotel rate has since gone up to USD132+. The other aspects of the Fujiya Hotel - its architecture, gardens and history more than made up for its room decor.

Built in 1868, this aged, but graceful hotel has hosted many famous people ranging from rock stars (John Lennon) to royalty, actors to politicians. The Fujiya Hotel's architecture is impressive. We could not help but admire the intricate carvings and splendid details as we wandered around the hotel grounds.





They even have an indoor English chapel for weddings!



The Fujiya Hotel gardens are beautiful. As we were there in spring, we took a morning walk around the gardens which was in full bloom.


There was a quaint little hut with a water wheel - a favourite picture-taking spot among the guests.


Sit by the koi pond and enjoy the serene surroundings as you watch the golden fishes move gracefully underwater and listen to the gentle splash of the miniature waterfall
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Be sure to pay a visit to the Fujiya Hotel Museum. Read about the history of the museum, its founders and guests. Wander around and admire the ancient knick knacks - like this picture of the "International Mustache Club".


If you're a Beatles fan, you will love this picture of John Lennon & Yoko Ono taken at the hotel.


The hotel has also kept its guests books from its early years.

The Fujiya Hotel is truly a grande dame among hotels!

Adirondack - Back to Nature

The Adirondack, located north of New York State is an outdoor lover's playground. You can go hiking, moutain biking, boating (of all shapes and sizes), fishing in this 600 million acre forest filled with peaks, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Given our limited time on our New York trip, we could only spend 3 days. So we focused on the Southern Adirondack towns of Old Forge and Lake George.

In summer, Old Forge is extremely popular with families simply because there is so much to do. Bear that in mind when you choose your accomodation. We stayed at the Water's Edge Inn, which is located opposite the Enchanted Forest/Water Inn. So, there were lots of teenagers and children, which also translates to little peace and quiet.

We rented some mountain bikes and armed with a map of the area, set off on a bike ride around Inlet. It was a sunny day and once we were off the highway and in the trails, it was beautiful. We were disappointed that we were not able to cycle by the lakes as these were private property. So, we had to content ourselves sticking to the forest trails.

J, being the more adventurous type decided to attempt the uphill narrow track Vista Trail.




I was happy to stick with my wide and flat trail.


That night, we both agreed that we should treat ourselves to a nice dinner after our 20 miles ride. Based on Frommer's recommendation, we headed to the Seventh Lake House. If it weren't for our travel guide book, we would have driven past the restaurant located between Inlet and Raquette Lake and missed it altogether. As you can see by the number of cars parked outside, this was a popular dinner venue because the food is fantastic.


After burning all that calories earlier that day, we loaded up on protein with our orders of steak and lamb chop. Both meals were cooked to perfection. We couldn't ask for more.


After dinner, we caught a beautiful sunset at Raquette Lake. Now this is what life is about!

Niagara Falls - Romantic getaway

Niagara Falls - Close up view from Maid of the Mist
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte's younger brother, Jerome had his honeymoon in Niagara Falls in the early 19th century? Since then, this magnificent falls remains a favourite wedding and honeymoon spot.

J & I were thrilled that we would finally get a chance to visit this magnificent falls. My New York friend said that Niagara Falls was too commercialized. I suppose it's true to a certain extent. However, I felt that one person's experience very much depends on where one stays. And I couldn't have picked a better spot than Hillcrest Inn. It is located on a quiet street, far enough from the "commercial" activities, yet, close enough to walk to the Falls. The hosts are friendly and down-to-earth and really made us feel like home, going the extra mile to provide little touches to make our stay memorable. My only regret is that we only stayed 1 night at this beautiful home.

The living room done in sophisticated grey and white

The cosy sun room

The romantic Hillcrest Suite


It was hard to tear ourselves from our gorgeous room but we only had 2 days and we did come to see the Niagara Falls. So, we took a leisurely walk by the Niagara River and headed downtown towards the Falls. It was amazing to see how fast the river flowed and hear the sound of the river as it rushed down to the Falls.
But nothing could prepare us for the sight at the end. We went up on the Observation Deck to get a full view of the mighty Niagara Falls,in all its glory and splendour - it took my breath away.


I wanted to get a close-up view of the Falls and the best way to do it is to go on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. It is incredible to experience the Falls so close. The boat took us the base of the American Falls and then to the basin of Horsehoe Falls. Bring along a waterproof camera, a sense of adventure and be prepared to get wet on this amazing boat ride. Don't worry, they provide a blue raincoat!

Little blue people queueing up in an orderly fashion to board the boat.

Can you spot the rainbow on the left?

We somehow managed to find a clear view for a couple shot (which is amazing considering the boat was full!)

The Observation Deck, the Canadian Maid of the Mist and a rainbow.

We couldn't get enough of the Falls so we headed to the Cave of the Winds for Round 2. We took a 175 feet elevator ride down to the Niagara Gorge. It was cold and damp. We then walked on the wooden walkway to the Hurricane Deck.

Hmm...seems mild enough from here. I wonder why they provided us sandals on top of the yellow raincoat?

Now I know why...The strong gusts of wind and wild sprays of water is enough to make a grown man shiver!

J standing bravely next to the Bridal Veil Falls


We had enough of drenching but still not enough of the Falls. So we headed to the Horseshoe Falls on Goat Island.


We also managed to see a fat beaver, totally oblivious to the Falls and the crowd.


And to top off a perfect day, we had dinner at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, enjoying the view of the Horseshoe Falls whilst having a delicious dinner of pork chop and New York Steak.

Grand Canyon of the East - Letchworth State Park

I love the outdoors and would love to visit the legendary Grand Canyon one day. But since, we were on the eastern side of the United States, we decided to head towards the Grand Canyon of the East - Letchworth State Park. Located along the Genesse River, 35 miles south of Rochester, this luscious woodlands spans 14,350 acres and boasts of 3 major waterfalls, one of which is 107 feet high!

We stayed at the Glen Iris Inn, located in the park, itself. The country inn was the historic former home of William Pryor Letchworth and overlooks the gorgeous Middle Falls. The inn itself is beautiful and brings back the elegant feel of yesteryears. The only setback is the rooms are tiny, probably the smallest that we've stayed in all our travels.
Glen Iris Inn


But the location more than made up for it. There is something soothing about sipping a cup of coffee whilst listening to the thunderous sound of the Middle Falls and watching the white foamy water cascade down like a smooth silk.

Middle Falls, Letchworth State Park


The Letchworth State Park is an outdoor lover's paradise. Take your pick of swimming, fishing, hiking, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and canoeing (require permit). We stuck to hiking. There are about 66 miles of trails, the best are located on the south end. We were thrilled by the wildlife we saw on our hikes - deers, vultures, tons of birds and even a shy beaver.

Turkey vultures viewed from the Archery Field lookout point



A rainbow glistening in the sun


The majestic cliffs of Letchworth State Park


Lower Falls


Upper Falls


The Letchworth State Park truly deserves its title of the "Grand Canyon of the East"!

A Tour of the Finger Lakes Region, New York - Wine and Much More...

"Finger Lakes" - I remember thinking to myself what a strange name! However, I soon found out that the Lakes (11 in total), which were carved by the glaciers in the last ice age got its name from its resemblance to the fingers of a human hand. How cool is that? The five major fingers (lakes) (from east to west) are Skaneateles, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka and Canandaigua. If you're wondering why the names of the lakes are such tongue twisters, they're actually Native American (who were the original inhabitants in this region).


The Finger lakes is quiet and peaceful - a pleasant change from the hustle bustle of New York City. If you enjoy the cosy setting of a bed and breakfast, you will not be disappointed by the range of quality bed and breakfasts. Apart from its bountiful vineyards, numerous state parks and waterfalls dot the region. Because each lake is long and slender (like a human finger), and major towns are located at the north and south ends of the lakes, the best way to visit the region is to drive from east to west (or vice versa, covering the bottom (or top) of each lake and then heading up (or down) to cover the other end of the lake.

Our first stop was Cayuga Lake, where we discovered the delightful restaurant, Simply Red Bistro, located at Sheldrake Point Winery on the west bank of Cayuga Lake. We also took a short but pleasant hike at the Taughannock Falls State Park to the Taughnannock Falls which is higher than Niagara Falls at 215-feet. Despite its height, the volume of water flowing down the falls cannot match the mighty Niagara. Still, it is a beautiful attraction and well worth a visit.


We headed out westward to Seneca Lake next and stayed in the quaint town of Watkins Glen. I have to admit that the view of the Seneca Lake is my favourite of all the lakes we visited on this trip. It could be that we had beautiful weather on that day and witnessed a gorgeous sunset. We grabbed a bite at one of the restaurants by the lake and enjoyed the view. What a way to end the day.

Watkins Glen is also home to the Watkins Glen State Park, which is not-to-be missed. This 776 acre slate gorge, is the oldest and most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. The Park has 19 waterfalls and awesome walking trails. This was my favourite hike and you'll see why:


Upon recommendation of our host from the Reading House B&B, we stopped by the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, a highly acclaimed German vineyard which was also recommended highly by Frommer's. Famous for its Riesling, we were not disappointed by the wine we tasted. However, we opted for a bottle of Gewürztraminer as it wasn't something we could get easily at home.


Our third stop was Keuka Lake, a small Y-shaped lake.


We stayed at the Village Tavern Inn, in the small quiet town of Hammondsport. The Village Tavern Restaurant serves good food. I thoroughly enjoyed the seafood paella. The next day, we visited Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars. Set on the slopes of Keuka Lake, we enjoyed wine tasting with a view. The gentleman who served us was very friendly and we had a great time chatting. We couldn't resist buying a bottle of Rkatsiteli and Gewurztraminer to take back with us. The wines are excellent, especially if you like sweet fruity flavours.
Stay tuned for more of our Finger Lakes tour.