The Strangest House on my Trip had a Bathroom with Colored Lights

The strangest house I stayed during my trip was in the city of Rochester. In fact, it had a bathroom with lights that changed colors, like a disco. Over time, those experiences transformed into anecdotes that make me smile today. I’d like to share one of those stories with you: the unusual bathroom that ended up being unforgettable.

The development of amateur photography

During a trip to Rochester, a city on the shores of Lake Ontario, I decided to explore the area. I had heard about this place since I was little and imagined it steeped in legends. The Eastman Kodak Company was headquartered there, and in 1913, it granted representation for Colombia to my grandfather. He was the son and grandson of photographers, and with him, a new era of photography began in my country. Until then, this was a laborious process reserved for a few professional photographers. However, with the advent of instant cameras and rolls of acetate film, this art form became accessible to all amateurs. The laboratory my grandfather founded operated for almost a century, until digital photography replaced analog photography.

Before our family business closed, Kodak had already gone bankrupt, taking Rochester’s economy with it. Walking through its streets, squares, and buildings with names linked to photography was a walk through history and nostalgia. I visited its museum, and it was moving to see that connection with my grandfather and my own profession.

Imagination versus Reality

However, what I want to tell you about today happened in the house I rented. The app I used showed it as a nice place, but when I opened the door, I found something very different. It had a dark interior, with black curtains, a red velvet sofa decorated with black leather cushions. In the dining room, there was a massive bed with a white leatherette backrest embossed with diamond-shaped buttons. The same design decorated the frame of a large oval mirror opposite the bed.

Strange house interior with red velvet sofa and black curtains

I tried to settle into one of the second-floor bedrooms, but the bed frames didn’t have supports. In fact, when I lay down, the mattress sank down until it touched the floor. However, the strangest thing about the house was the bathroom. It seemed normal at first glance, but when I turned on the shower, the water glowed with colored lights that changed in sequence. I wanted to turn off the light to record it, because it looked even more spectacular in the dark. In addition, the biggest surprise came when I flushed the toilet, and the water also lit up with colors that danced with the rhythm of the flush.

Bathroom with colored lights in Rochester’s strangest house

The Storm

A few days later, a violent storm flooded the house during the night. Water seeped under the doors, and dozens of mice sought refuge inside. I tried to stop them with a broom, but finally, I ran up to the second floor, chased by them like in the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. We shared the only dry space in the house. During the repairs in the following days, the furry tenants that had settled in the basement were evicted. I survived my adventure in this “strange” house in Rochester, and as a result, I never rented that haunted place again. Instead, I explored the region’s waterfalls and beautiful landscapes, returning in each season to enjoy their beauty. I encourage you to keep reading this series about the most memorable bathrooms from my journey.

The four seasons are reflected in this gallery. Waterfalls and nature in upstate New York during my trip