Ahh Niagara Falls – tourist mecca and place of thundering water, as the native people called it. As one might have guessed, all this water did, at one point, make me so desperate I had to pee in some nearby bushes.
Niagara is an interesting place, as the falls are shared between the US and Canadian sides. We decided to stay on the US side, in keeping with our US-centric holiday. Fortunately our proximity to Canada is close enough that there is a Tim Horton’s nearby (I missed you, Boston Cream).
Niagara Falls
Yesterday was my birthday, which was the day that we took in most of the major Niagara sights. We went on the Maid of the Mist boat tour (where we were given standard-issue blue ponchos), and the Cave of the Winds walk at the edge of Bridal Veil Falls (where we were given standard-issue yellow ponchos and sandals).
Cave of the Winds
The weather was fantastic – bright and sunny – and the misty water was lovely and warm.
We also enjoyed a buffet lunch at the nearby Casino (top tip: arrive for a late lunch at 3pm and pay 40% less than the dinner price!), and we walked around some of the nearby islands in the State park. We’re staying at a nice little guesthouse here, a sort of hostel/B&B.
Heidi got soaked
American Falls
Later yesterday evening we made our offical return to Canada after over a year of absense. We had to go through the process of declaring our goods that will be following us into Canada, something that I had taken quite a bit of time preparing for before we left England. I very carefully followed the instructions on the website (provide two copies of lists of your good to follow, including quantity, value, make, model, and serial number). The customs officer was so impressed with our preparedness (“Never in 15 years have I seen someone so well-organized”), that I didn’t know if I should feel proud or embarrassed at my nerdliness.
Welcome to America Canada
The comparison between the two towns of Niagara Falls (US and Canada) is fascinating. Here, the US town is slowly dying – population has dropped by 50% in the past 50 years, and the town is awash with abandoned buildings and half-hearted attempts at regeneration. Across the border, the Canadian side is heaving – bustling with activity and tacky tourist attractions galore. Ironically, with apologies to my friends from the USA, it felt much more American than Canadian.
Later tonight (at midnight) we catch the overnight train to Chicago, where we’ll be for a couple of days before heading further West.
