Reversing direction, I headed back to Charlottesville to visit Monticello, the famous residence of American statesman and President Thomas Jefferson. Friends had always recommended that I see Monticello if I had the chance, so I happily took their advice. Monticello was an interesting place, surrounded by the lush and beautiful Virginia countryside. It was easy to see why Jefferson swooned about it.

I went on a tour of the abode with a group of about 20 people. The interior spaces were quite fascinating, each filled with a multitude of significant items, not unlike a museum. Unfortunately, the estate would not allow inside photographs to be taken.

We passed through the opening chamber, a personal library, Jefferson's bedroom, the entertainment gallery, a dining hall, and a bedroom for guests. The tour then ended as we were led out back to the garden areas behind the house. Off to the side, several people were engaged in a small archeological dig, in an attempt to oncover artifacts from Jefferson's day.