Scranton, PA

We had not intended to do a page for Scranton, but the Radisson, Lackawanna Hotel changed our mind. It used to be the Scranton train station, was closed in the 1970's, became totally derelict and then some visionary businessmen decided to restore it and make it into a hotel. As one can see from the pictures, that was a great success. Below the front of the hotel

The lobby with some of the originial ceiling stained glass panels and walls entirely covered in marble with ceramic tile picture insets. Very effective.

 Below The restaurant with babquettes that seem to have come from the old station. We could not resist the lovely ambiance and had a nice dinner (which I did NOT need but enjoyed anyway - vacation calories don't count, do they?)

I was especially fascinated by the lobby ceiling which seems to incorporate some old stained glass panels and is surmounted by metal support structures - the pictures below were taken from the third floor inside walkway.  

More pictures of the lobby roof and support structure

Our rooms were nice and as a special treat faced the practice field used last night by the women's soccer team (University of Scranton) who practiced, played a game and then practiced some more. This morning (6 am) what appeared to me the ROTC crew started practicing moving in formation. It could of course be the football team. Whatever it is, they have now returned from their run and are practicing which seems to require an awful lot of shouting in unison. Or singing. It is hard to tell the difference. As you can see, entertainment is provided at no extra charge. Birgit was especially impressed by the drill sergeant who did get "up close and personal" and had the recruits "drop and give me 20". They don't have ROTC in Germany. The women were quiet.

However, we must leave lovely Scranton and head to Maplewood, NJ. There I will entrust the car to the tender care of the local Audi dealer (baby needs its first check up) and Birgit and I will take the train to Penn Station. Let's see if we orHurricane Earl will get to NYC first.

Scranton New York The Cloisters Ellis Island Museums Natural History NYC Transportation Monticello  Richmond Williamsburg Charleston Savannan-Montgomery Natchez Monmouth

Longwood Vicksburg SantaRosa; Painted Desert  Petrified Forest Winslow Grand Canyon