Newport Mansions | Newport, RI

I had company for this weekend's exploration. My friend Elizabeth came down from Massachusetts and we drove to Newport, Rhode Island, to visit the mansions. Even though the families who owned these homes only lived in them for two months out of the year, it is estimated that each family would spend around $500,000 per season on dinners, parties, balls, and upkeep (that comes out to $7 million dollars in today's economy). 

Aerial view of Newport

USS Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum | Groton, CT

For my first weekend adventure, I decided to explore the USS Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum. The USS Nautilus was the first nuclear powered submarine. It served in the military for nearly 30 years. The submarine now resides in Groton, Connecticut, and is part of the submarine museum.

Submarine Force Museum

Even Heating is Different

I have never lived in a place that does not have central heat and air, but apparently that is very common up here. Instead there is one air conditioner window unit in the living room (which at least I know how to work) and these long heating elements that run along the floor boards. There are one or two of the heating elements in each room and a dial controller for each one. 

Heating element along the floor (and this is the
first time that I have windows that open from side to
side instead of top to bottom)

Getting Moved In | New London, CT

After I finally got moved in and got everything kind of sorted out it was time to make my generic apartment into a home. I found out from the apartment manager that I can't paint the walls but I can hang whatever I like on them.