To my relief it wasn't long before we arrived in Niagara Falls. We were met by the owner of the local #1 hostel (of 2... They are very proud) on the station with a sign saying "Jess". I felt really glamorous... We'll not really I had day old clothes on, I was burnt from an unsuccessful hike that morning, cranky and fairly hungry after only eating doughnut holes and vending machine food from the train station in depew.
Anyway he drove us to the hostel (for a small fee) and we checked in. It was a lovely afternoon, and as it was due to potentially rain the next day, under instruction from the wife of the owner of the business, we went out to explore.
We used the map she had provided us with and missioned a mile and a bit down to the falls. They are SPECTACULAR. If you haven't seen them go. Its only a day trip that's needed but factor it in next time you are close. They are so majestic. Mike and myself spent at least 10 minutes just staring watching the water fall... I guess that's all you can do really at a waterfall....
Anyway, we walked over to the Canadian side (GOD SAVE THE QUEEN) we got a stamp in our passports wandered down to the horseshoe falls and just looked. Stunning. If you are going to see them visit Canada. Best view. There is no comparison. It's about a 10 minute walk over the bridge and then 20-30 minutes down to the falls. Not too bad (not when all you have done for the past week is walk!!)
We then made the mistake on trying to go for an Indian... We aimed for the destination circled on our map from the hostel, only to be greeted by a buffet (what's with Americans and buffets?!?!? Gross) and (this is the worst part) RED PLASTIC TRAYS TO EAT OFF. And I mean like the ones you get in schools and prisons... Now call me a food snog if you want, but anywhere that treats their customers like school children/criminals will not get my custom. So we walked out...
Just down the road when we thought all options had evaded us another little Indian restaurant turned up. And boom, it was quiet, had normal plates, and even though it had a buffet... It also had a menu..... Hurrah. We didn't order any meat (food snob) but the veggie options were delish!!!!
Cheap Indian in Niagara Falls 0 - 1 Jess
So any who, we went to bed early after a long day... I feel it was totally justified.
Next day, up with the sun, PANCAKES, COMPLIMENTARY PANCAKES. Winners all-round. With a happy Jess full of pancakes, off we trotted again, a quick Starbucks break then over we walked to Goat island (in-between American falls and the horseshoe ones) and down we went with our sexy cave of wind shoes and ponchos.
Now for those of you who don't know the cave of winds is NOT A CAVE. I learnt this on the day, small bit of false advertising... Apparently it collapsed some time ago. I felt mildly robbed... Anyway so we plunged down a lift and emerged close to the bottom of the American falls and walked closer to them all the time getting more and more wet. It was actually.... Quite fun! We got about 15 feet from the actual falls and got splashed by more that 15feet worth of water I reckon!
Then we popped over to the top of the falls restaurant for a dirty burger and fries and jumped on the trolley to go on the maid of the mist. Now it's not the longest boat ride but it's super fun! Again you get wet... It's a big selling point of the falls you see.
All in all the falls are big and wet and pretty amazing!
We had tea at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had the worst mojito of my life. It cost far too much money. Then we went back to the hostel. Another early night as we had a Very early start this morning to catch a 6.35am train to New York.
We have now arrived and can see the Empire State Building from our hostel.
I'm having a GREAT TIME. :D I'm pretty sure mike is too.
Catch you soon!
Xxxxx Jess
Ps. Not many pics as I took a disposable to the falls...
Location:Niagara Falls
Loving the blog.Glad you are having a great time
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