Padlocks of Love

Kudos to the people who decided to turn unused railroad bridges

into pedestrian walkways.  I love the Rail Trail River Walk in Oswego.  The view from the bridge of the river, canal, and Lake Ontario is wonderful.  Even on the hottest day there is a refreshing breeze.  The walk way is much used by walkers and bikers.  Most of the people I pass do not make eye contact or even nod a greeting much less verbalize one. I guess it is ear pod/cell phone syndrome.  The friendliest people I have met on the walk have been from outside the area: Ohio, Arizona, Utah, South Carolina, and Saratoga. Without exception they say “hello” and stop to tell me how much the like the walkway and are enjoying Oswego. 

No one asked about the Padlocks on the bridge.  There are a couple dozen of them. Love padlock dates back at least 100 years when a school mistress in Serbia fell in love with a military officer and they pledged their love to each other on the “Bridge of Love” in their town before he went off to war.  While at war in Greece the officer fell in love with another.  The heartbroken schoolmarm never recovered and died of a broken heart.  Young women of the area began the names of their loved ones on padlocks and affixing them to the railings of the bridge where the Serbia lovers used to meet. 

About 30 years ago love padlocks started appearing in Europe and became more popular after the book and movie “I want You” featured a young couple attaching a lock to a bridge in Rome, Italy as a sign of eternal love.  Traditionally, a couple would pledge their eternal love for one another, put the padlock on the bridge, and then throw the key into the water.  I noticed some are combination locks.

I guess that allows the couple to change their mind. There is always someone on the lookout to make money.  A company sells red padlocks inscribed with the name of the lovers.  There is one red padlock on the bridge but it does not name the lovers.  I first saw the practice years ago in Prague in the early 90s but now the padlocks are in many places.  

The practice has become so popular that some places are calling it an act of vandalism.  Anyone in Rome, Italy attaching a lock to a bridge can be fined 50 EUR (about 55 USD). In Paris, the City of Love, they had to a remove section of the Pont des Art for repairs when parts of the bridge started to collapse under the weight of the padlocks. When padlocks started showing up on one section of Prague’s Charles Bridge where there is a memorial marking the spot where St. John of Nepomuk was martyred a group of people in Prague started to cut the padlocks off. 

While padlocks are the most popular show of love I am not sure what a fence with dozens of bras meant.  I saw one such fence in New Zealand. And, now it seems the Brooklyn Bridge has become another place to hang bras and other unmentionables. 

If you can’t fight them, join them. In Toronto there is a creative steel art installation that spells out “Love” where people are encouraged to put their padlocks. In Russia and Korea they have metal trees where lovers can place their padlocks.  

Day Trip to Kingston, Ontario

We Central New Yorkers are fortunate because we have the opportunity for many great day trips including ones to Canada. Getting to Kingston is half the fun.  I like taking the ferry from Cape Vincent to Wolfe Island. The ride is only 10 minutes; the ferry runs frequently until mid-

October and has been family-owned for over 200 years. Customs takes place on Wolfe Island so an enhanced driver’s license or a passport is necessary.  It is a no-stress situation.  Wolfe Island is the largest island in the Thousand Islands and home to a huge wind farm. 

When visiting Kingston, the Limestone City, get acquainted with

the Confederation Trolley Tour. It is the best way to get an overview of Kingston.  Excellent guides share three centuries of the city’s history laced with humor. The 1.5 hour tour makes its way from downtown to Fort Henry to the Penitentiary to Queens College covering all the highlights of the Limestone City with an option to get off at Fort Henry or Bellevue, the home of Sir John A. MacDonald. 

Set sail out of Kingston on one of the several sightseeing river cruises offered by 1000 Island Cruises.  There is a tour to fit everyone’s needs as they range from 1.5 to 3 hours. Some include meals and music.  They all offer headsets for those who wish to hear the narration in French, English, Mandarin, Spanish or German. The tour narration is a lively repartee between

“Sir John A. MacDonald” and the lady narrator, which keeps things interesting.   The tour passes scenic Whiskey and Admiralty Islands along with Half Moon Bay near Ganaoque where boaters have been gathering on Sunday mornings since 1887 to attend religious services without leaving their boats. Learn interesting stories and legends of the islands.

Not to miss is Fort Henry built to protect the area from the Americans during the War of 1812. Visitors can explore the fort, watch demonstrations and historical reenactments, and attend a Victorian school.  Actually, it is worth a day-trip without doing anything else.

I found the Kingston Penitentiary fascination.  It was a maximum

security prison that closed in 2013 and some of the docents are former guards with great stories.  I like the ones about the inmates who were released and then went and committed another crime so they could get back in prison for the “three hots and a cot!”  Equally fascinating are the incredible objects created by the inmates, some fashioned to get out of prison and some as keepsakes. 

Bellevue, the home of Canada’s First Prime Minister, was inspired by Italian Villas and is now a museum with interesting artifacts and informational historical videos dealing with the 1840s. 

Kingston City Hall is just one of the buildings gave rise to the nickname, “The Limestone City.”  The neoclassic building is a National Historic Site of Canada and that dates back to 1844. 

There are guided tours or you can walk around on your own.  When John and I toured the building our guide was a former American who moved to Canada.  I wished I asked him when and why.  The building has many interesting features including a jail. 
There is really too much to see in one day. There are plenty of great places to eat. The next time I go I want to visit the Museum of Health Care with collections that dates back to the 1700s.

visiting Kingston, Canada

Labor Day usually signals the end of summer for most of us but it

is one of the best times to travel especially midweek when the crowds are less.  It is the perfect time to visit Kingston, Canada – for the day or longer.  I love the ferry from Cape Vincent and then the ride across Wolf Island – take note of all the windmills. Some farmer is making a fortune, I think. 

When visiting Kingston, the Limestone City, start with a get-acquainted trolley tour followed by a river cruise. The Confederation Trolley Tour is the best way to get an overview of Kingston.  Excellent guides share three centuries of the city’s history laced with humor. The 1.5 hour tour makes its way from downtown to Fort Henry to the Penitentiary to Queens College covering all the highlights of the Limestone City with an option to get off at Fort Henry or Bellevue, the home of Sir John A. MacDonald. 

Set sail out of Kingston on one of the several sightseeing cruises

offered by 1000 Island Cruises.  There is a tour to fit everyone’s needs as they range from 1.5 to 3 hours. Some include meals and music.  The tour narration is a lively repartee between Sir John A. MacDonald and the lady narrator, which keeps thing lively.   Learn interesting stories and legends of the islands. The tour passes by Half Moon Bay near Gananoque where boaters have been gathering on Sunday mornings since 1887 to attend religious services without leaving their boats. 

Fort Henry will be open until October 31.  They offer a slew of activities such as Artillery firing, the Garrison Parade, Victorian School Lessons, and guided tours.  Like most forts their Haunted Walk is popular and offered from April to October with an especially scary one at Halloween time. 

A do-not miss tour is the one of the Kingston Penitentiary, a former

maximum security prison. The inmates created amazing items not the least of which were weapons and items to aid in escape. There is a haunted room where one of the ghosts of Fort Henry, Nils Von Schultz, was held. In the 1830s Von Schultz led an attack on

Canada in an attempt to free Canada from the reign of the British Empire. He was captured by the British and charged with war crimes. Von Schultz said that he would plead guilty to all crimes as long as none of his men were hanged. It didn’t work; he was hanged along with five of his men. He was held for a time in the Commander’s Room where it has been reported that objects move around and some visitors feel faint and have difficulty breathing.

Kingston is Canada's museum capital with something for everyone

at its 24 museums and historic sites and 3 art galleries. These include two City-owned museums, the Pump House Steam Museum and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, and national historic site, Kingston City Hall. At one time Kingston was the capital the United Province of Canada which led to the construction of the impressive City Hall where there are free tours. There is a museum ship, the Alexander Henry, a former Canadian Coast Guard ice breaker and buoy tender that served on the Great Lakes. 

The city is a culinary destination with its many restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Foodies will enjoy one of Kingston Food Tours which offers a local's perspective into Kingston's culture through its delicious food, history and unique architecture. 

Visiting Toronto

Visit a foreign county this fall – Canada.  Toronto is only four hours

or so from central New York. Take the southern route one way and the northern route the other. Do it while the ferry from Cape Vincent is operational. The ferry stops on Oct. 17 this year. 

Nothing is simple any more. 

To return to the United States from Canada by land you need one of the following: passport, enhanced driver’s license, or NEXUS trusted traveler program card.  If you are traveling with a minor or a foreign visitor then it is best to check with the state department as rules get even more complicated.

I love Toronto with its diverse population and myriad of things to do.   I especially like their Broadway productions because they are less expensive and just as good. The best place to start learning about the city is at the CN Tower. The view from the LookOut is spectacular due to the floor-to-ceiling panoramic wall of windows and the glass floor. Looking for a dare devil experience? Try the Edge Walk or for a more sublime experience dine at the revolving restaurant. 

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in North American and the largest in Canada. It is a museum of art, world culture and natural history so it can be a day of learning for the whole family. There is a café for lunch and, of course, a gift shop.  I have found that museums have some really unique gifts, especially for children – think Christmas shopping. If you suffer from arachnophobia you may be able to squelch your fear by touring their current exhibit on spiders.  The museum offers free ROMWalks, a walking tour exploring the diverse aspect of Toronto. 

Toronto has its own castle – Castle Loma. Get the feeling you are in Europe.  The excesses incorporated into the Gothic Revival hilltop 98-room castle bankrupted the owner who is known for bringing electric lights to Toronto. The electric company he founded was the main source of his income but his wealth declined rapidly when it became publically owned; that along with excesses like $250,000 to put the names of his horses on their stable in 18-caret gold. That was in 1911 dollars when the average income was $520 and a new car sold for about $750.

One of the most unique places in Toronto is the Bata Shoe Museum.  Even if you have no interest in shoes you will find is interesting as it traces the history of shoes through the years and variations made my different cultures and occupations. They have more than 12,000 shoes in the museum which is shaped like a shoe box. Toronto has a beach… most people doen’t realize that but on the Toronto Islands there is Hanlan’s Beach and Centreville Amusement park.  The

island community is the largest urban car-free community. Access to the island is by ferry or water taxi. 

There is so much to do it will take several trips. Shoppers will love Eaton Center and St. Lawrence Market. Visit one of

the several art museums and galleries. At Ripley’s Aquarium you can pet a sting ray or have a sleepover with the sharks. Take in a game or event at one of Toronto’s eight stadiums and arenas. As always the best get acquainted tour is on the Hop-on Hop-off bus but there are several free walking tours of various neighborhoods.  

Saguenay Fjord

John and I were fortunate to visit Saguenay Fjord National Park as part of our cruise with Blount Small Adventures. A fjord is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs and I always thought they were exclusive to Norway. We joined the cruise in Oswego and left at 4 a.m. We were out on the lake to see a glorious sunrise.  I would have liked to have sailed closer to the shore so I could make out more places I know such as Mexico Point Park.  The cruise continued through the St. Lawrence Seaway to Montreal and Quebec then up the Saguenay Fjord. 

Sailing between the high hills was beautiful.  I realized that it was part of the deep sea water when I saw ocean-going cruise ships at the cruise dock in Chicoutimi.   Luckily the cruise ship and its 1000s of passengers was just leaving. We were greeted on the dock by costumed ladies, jugglers, and, inside the terminal, a duo provided music for the shoppers – yes, there were plenty of kiosks offering souvenirs and locally made products.    

John and I enjoyed a hop-on bus tour of Chicoutimi that stopped at La Petite Maison Blanche (The Little White House). The small square house was constructed in 1900. When the nearby dam overflowed due to an employee mistake (there goes his bonus) the house remained but the big flood came in 1996.

The dam overflowed causing widespread destruction to the town of Chicoutimi and wiped away every building surrounding the Little White House.   The flood waters raged all around the base of the house for four days and when it was over, the Little White House remained for all to see. It is a symbol of perseverance. The house is now a museum and a small park has been built around it. 

In 1893 several citizens of Chicoutimi visited the World’s

Colombian Exposition in Chicago. They were mesmerized by the “electricity faery.” They wanted Chicoutimi to be the “Chicago of the North.” One far-thinking citizen was able to convince the local government to modernize the city with electricity and public water. That in turn led to the creation of the Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi, the paper company that brought prosperity to the region. There are sign boards telling about the rise and fall of the industry. 

There were other things to see but I was most enthralled as we

sailed back down the fjord and saw beluga whales. Beluga whales are my favorite whale because their bright white color made them easy to spot. There were other whale watching boats which were very crowded; our ship was not plus we had an on-board authority

who showed a video the night before about the belugas.  The belugas are called the “sea canary” because they make a variety of sounds from whistling to barking. They have a well-developed hearing because they cannot see well in the darkness of the deep water. 

Lighthouse lovers will enjoy seeing the unique Prince Shoal Lighthouse which serves as both a lighthouse and buoy. Also unique is the statue of the Virgin Mary high on a cliff that was erected by a merchant as a thank you for having his prayers answered.  He fell through the ice on the frozen Saguenay River and implored the Virgin Mary to save him only to become very sick as a result, and he again turned to the Virgin Mary for help. Prayers answered. 

Visiting Quebec with Blount Small Adventure Cruise

I thought the Plains of Abraham referred to a Biblical site. A bus tour of Quebec City was part of the Blount’s “Lakes, Legends and Canals” cruise John and I took. One place the bus stopped was high above the city at the Plains of Abraham where we learned that in 1759, during the Seven Years’ War, the British victory led to France losing possession of Canada. Most likely it is named after Abraham Martin who moved to the area in the 1600s.  Located high above the St. Lawrence River it was easy to see why the area was of military significance. It was called the “Gibraltar of the Americas.” The Citadel is located nearby. We learned about the war and enjoyed a great view.

The tour started in Old Quebec which was like wandering an old French town.  There is a full-wall mural that depicts many aspects of Old Quebec.  It made a great place for the guide to explain various aspect of the old city. Someday I want to stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel which towers over the old city. There is a funicular connecting the lower city to

the upper city.  The tour included a side trip to Montmorency Falls. The falls were named for Samuel de Champlain who was the Duke of Montmorency and the falls are 98-feet higher than Niagara Falls.  There is a cable car to the top of the falls and a hiking trail but we didn’t have time for either. The tour covered all the highlights of the city and ended at the Marie-Guyart building where we went to the 31st floor for great views of the city. There were interactive multimedia displays that covered Quebec City’s history. A great place to end the tour.

After the tour we returned to the cruise ship (it only had 31 passengers – I liked that) there was time for us to walk the short distance back into town to the Museum of Civilization. We wandered through “The People of Quebec – Then and Now.”  It was a great multimedia presentation that traced the history of Quebec from the earliest days to the present with more information on how the French colony became British; however, the French culture is alive and well in Quebec. I was especially interested in their section of the museum dealing with what the Canadians call “The First People” and we call Native Americans.  At one time there were Iroquois villages along both sides of the St. Lawrence. There was also an interesting Egyptian exhibit.

Before our cruise vessel left port to head up the St. Lawrence to Montreal John and I went to the Navel Museum of Quebec.  It was literally just steps from the ship.  While small it was still interesting and had facts and images about the Battle of Oswego during the War of 1812.  

Visiting Montreal

In 1535 Jacques Cartier, the French explorer searching for a route to Asia, sailed into the St. Lawrence River but it wasn’t until 1609 that Samuel de Champlain established a trading post in what is now called Old Montreal making him the founder of New France. 

The best and quickest way to get to know Montreal is on a Grayline hop-on hop-off tour.  The tour hits all the highlights along with an informative narration.  John and I usually take one complete loop and then decided what venues we want to visit.  There is never enough time to do everything.  

The Lachine Canal was built about the same time as the Erie Canal.

The name comes from what was hoped to be a way to China. Today it is a recreation area and national park. Nearby we wander through the Atwater market and then the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. It was once a walled city but there is no evidence of

it today however at the World Trade Center there is a reddish line in the floor that represents the location of the wall.  The World Trade Center, an interesting mix of old and new architecture, is a wonderful indoor area for shopping and dining.  The beautiful Amphitrite Fountain is now part of the atrium away from the elements.  

The 18th century Chateau Ramezay was a residence and is now a

museum with a beautiful garden. It has an interesting connection to the American Revolution. It is where in 1775 it was the Canadian headquarters of the Continental Army. In 1776 emissaries from the Continental Congress that included Benjamin Franklin stayed trying to raise troops and support for the Revolutionary War. He brought a printer with him who stayed on and started a newspaper that became the Montreal Gazette that today is the city’s only English language newspaper.
The silver dome of the Marche Bonsecours is hard to miss. It has served many purposes over the years. Today it houses shops where nearly all the items are Canadian made, art, restaurants, and a textile/fashion museum.  Nearby is the Notre-Dame-de- Bon-Secours Chapel one of Montreal’s oldest churches and another place to learn about Montreal’s early history and about Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys.  

Not to miss is the birthplace of Montreal, the Pointe-a-Calliere. The

museum incorporates the archaeological ruins where it covers 1000 years of history. We saw sites where the First People camped and remnants of each era of the city’s history. There is a walkway through a vaulted stone tunnel where the Little Saint-Pierre River once flowed and then turned into a

sewer.  I saw a notice that they were preparing part of it so they can take visitors on a sewer tour – sounds fascinating. There was so much to see and learn that we only spent a few minutes at the “Pirates or Privateers” permanent exhibit. There is a great view of the city from the top level. 


Another place for a great view all the way to the Olympic site is a stop on the Grayline tour on Mont Royal’s Belvedere.  The Mont Royal Park was designed by Frederick Olmstead of NYC’s Central Park fame. 

One evening we opted to do something a bit different. We went to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for an organ recital. Famed French organist, Jean Guillou played to a full house. A great end to the day.