Category: Canada

on returning home from niagara falls

December 3, 2018

On Friday, June 29, I left Niagara Falls, Ontario and headed for the U.S. border, getting stuck in a very slow-moving line at Border Control.

I pulled up to the booth of a Border Patrol Agent, a real macho guy with a snide attitude.  He began by grilling me suspiciously.

“What were you doing in Canada?” he said.

“Visiting Niagara Falls.”

“Why did you have to go to Canada when you can see the Falls from New York?”

“The views are much better from the Canadian side.”

“So you’re driving up here alone?”

“Yep.”

“So you just decided to drive all the way up here from Virginia and go to Niagara Falls and cross the border into Canada by yourself?”  Like there is something wrong with that.

I said, “Yeah.  I travel alone a lot. I’ve traveled all over the world on my own.”

“Do you work?”

“No.”

“So what does your husband do?”

“He works for a government contractor in northern Virginia.”

He continues with his snide look.  “Oh, so he just pays for you to come on up here?”

“Yes.”

“Where are your bags?”

“Bags?  Oh, you mean my suitcase? In the trunk.”

He then instructed me to turn off my car, pop the trunk, roll down my back seat window, and give him my keys.

“Is there anything in your trunk I’m not going to be happy to find?”

I said, “Uh, I don’t think so.”

Then he proceeded to search through my trunk and rifle through my suitcase.

Finally, he slammed my trunk and waved me through, looking pissed off that he was unable to find that I was doing something wrong.  I really wanted to wipe that snide look right off of his face.

So what was going on?  I am a white woman of an advanced age traveling alone.  Was there some problem with that?  Apparently our current administration, supported by the Christian Evangelicals who think a woman’s place is in the home, feel threatened by an independent woman traveling alone. They had better get used to it, because I don’t plan to stop!

If I got that much of a grilling, I can only imagine what people with brown skin have to deal with every day when crossing borders or dealing with our government.

I am so sick of our current administration’s border policies.  Our country has been separating children from their parents and imprisoning them.  Recently, women and children seeking asylum were tear gassed. It’s an outrage.  Our government has no compassion for human beings who are suffering in this world.

I’m sure we don’t know the half of what is really going on at our borders.

********

Once I arrived home, I began to work on my intentions:

  1. I wrote posts about “things I learned” each day.
    1. things i learned in buffalo, new york
    2. things i learned in niagara falls, new york
    3. things i learned in niagara falls, ontario
  2. I wrote about movement and sound.
    1. movement & sound in niagara falls
  3. I did a freewrite about newspaper headlines while I was traveling.
    1. ~ current ~ events in niagara falls
  4. I took video clips of the Falls and butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory.
    1. movement & sound in niagara falls
  5. I wrote an Apostrophe poem, in which the poet addresses an abstract person, idea or thing: poetic journeys: o, teddy!
  6. I also intended to find thematic possibilities; I only did one post on this:
    1. *colorful* in niagara falls, ontario
  7. I collected tickets and stickers to include in my journal.
    Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site ticket
    Niagara Falls State Park sticker, Moonlite Motel card, and Cave of the Winds ticket
    White Water Walk & Butterfly Conservatory tickets
    Maid of the Mist postcard
  8. I sent a postcard home from New York (see below).
  9. I searched for a perfect memento.  I bought a pair of earrings decorated with Rosebay Rhododendrons in the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House Complex. I love the white flower clusters surrounded by dark green leaves, and, having lived in three Asian countries and visited many more, I love the Asian look of them. I also found a book in Talking Leaves Bookstore in Buffalo, Postcards from the End of America by Linh Dinh.  The title alone hints to the demise of America, and its utter lack of moral leadership (not that we’ve always been moral, not by a longshot).
  10. I set an intention to take photos with my wide-angle lens, which I failed to do.  I also was supposed to take black and white photos.  Though I didn’t take any photos in black and white, I did edit a couple to be B&W.
fullsizeoutput_17593

Greetings from New York

  1. fullsizeoutput_1759f

    Hastily written postcard 🙂

    IMG_2372

    Rosebay Rhododendron earrings and Postcards from the End of America from Talking Leaves Bookstore in Buffalo

    fullsizeoutput_175a5

    Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side

    Overall, I was glad I finally made the trip up north to visit Niagara Falls. The Canadian side has the best views but also a huge commercial footprint and a lot of tacky shops.  The American side has a more natural environment, and allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Falls as they tumble over the precipice. In the end, I left the U.S.-Canadian border with a bad taste in my mouth, and felt outraged and gloomy over what is becoming of our country.  Though I was awed by the amazing Falls and the White Water Walk, and I enjoyed seeing my friend Mona Lisa, I don’t think I would ever return again.

    Here’s my trip shown on the Polarsteps app.  Of course, this app doesn’t show the actual roads taken.

    fullsizeoutput_176cb

    my Polarsteps app

    ************************

    “ON RETURNING HOME” INVITATION: I invite you to write a post on your own blog about returning home from one particular destination or, alternately, from a long journey encompassing many stops.  How do you linger over your wanderings and create something from them?  How have you changed? Did the place live up to its hype, or was it disappointing? Feel free to address any aspect of your journey and how it influences you upon your return. If you don’t have a blog, I invite you to write in the comments.

    For some ideas on this, you can check out the original post about this subject: on returning home.

    Include the link in the comments below by Sunday, January 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.  When I write my post in response to this challenge on Monday, January 7, I’ll include your links in that post.

    This will be an ongoing invitation on the first Monday of each month. Feel free to jump in at any time. 🙂

    I hope you’ll join in our community. I look forward to reading your posts!

 

things i learned in niagara falls, ontario

October 23, 2018

I learned that a bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls can be way over the top, an extravaganza of color, turrets, kitsch and knick-knacks.

I learned that the view of Horseshoe Falls is all-encompassing and stunning from the Canadian side.

I learned that Hornblower Cruises is the Canadian boat ride into the tumult of the horseshoe, and that passengers wear red ponchos.

I learned that when it’s a gloomy day, I feel gloomy, and when it’s sunny, I feel sunny. 🙂

I learned that there is a Ten Thousand Buddha Temple north of Niagara Falls where monks are dedicated to spreading peace and understanding of dharma philosophy.

I learned that Niagara-on-the-Lake is charming little town but there isn’t much to do there.

I learned that the waitress at Fouros Greek Restaurant seemed a bit terrified when preparing the flaming saganaki for many customers.

I relearned that I despise eggs with runny whites. (Not that I ever forget!)

I  learned that at the brink of Niagara Falls a speed of 109km/hour has been recorded, while downriver where the Niagara River expands, it reaches 40km/hour.  At the White Water Walk, they reach 48km/hour, making them Class 6 rapids.

I learned that Class 6 rapids, the highest level, are extremely difficult to maneuver due to steep vertical drops and boulders; Class 6 is usually considered unrunnable.

I learned that the Whirlpool Rapids run for 4km through Niagara Gorge and have standing waves of 3-5 meters, caused not by rock obstructions but by the sheer force of water being channeled through the narrowing gorge.

I learned that tightrope walkers are known as funambulists.

I learned that the first person to cross the Gorge on a rope was Jean Francois Gravelet “Blondin.” In 1860, he carried a 56-lb. stove on his back. Dressed in a chef’s uniform, he carried 3 tin plates, a small hand bellows, a spirit lamp, wooden matches and some flammable tar pitch. After putting down the stove on one part of the rope, he cooked up a two-egg omelet and ate it.

I learned that Barrel Rider Maude Williams got caught the swirling vortex of the whirlpool for six hours in 1901 and died of suffocation because her pet dog, who accompanied her, put his nose into the only hole in the barrel, cutting off her air supply.

I learned that daredevil performances began in 1859 to meet the demands of spectators. Because of fatalities, they were made illegal in 1911.  Violators are now fined $10,000.

I learned that Harriet Tubman and other slaves made their way into Canada on the suspension bridge over the Niagara River in 1856.

I learned that you can take your kids down a garish street with haunted houses, wax museums, a Ferris wheel, a bowling alley, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, fast food joints, and tacky souvenir shops.

I learned that even though I hate loud, kitschy arcades like the ones on Centre Street, I love taking photos of them.

I learned it’s fun to spend time with an old friend who you haven’t seen in five years.

I learned that I’m not patient enough to capture butterflies on camera.

I learned it’s fun to walk around drinking Tempranillo in silver espresso cups with a good friend.

I learned that in Canada they use the term “open carry” to refer to walking around with an open alcoholic beverage while in America we use it to refer to openly carrying a firearm in public.

I learned that seeing waterfalls and rainbows under blue skies, while chatting with an old friend, make my day.

I learned that I’m lucky to have friends in life, like Mona Lisa, who never fail to make an effort with me.  She lugged a bottle of wine and silver cups in her backpack all the way from Waterloo on the bus, and she treated me to the Butterfly Conservatory.

I learned that the power of water never fails to amaze.

I learned that after sundown, Horseshoe Falls is lit in candy-colors of green, turquoise and pink.

I learned I always enjoy meeting European travelers in the U.S.

A Moment in Time B&B
My room in A Moment in Time B&B
The breakfast room at A Moment in Time
Hornblower Cruises & Horseshoe Falls
Ten Thousand Buddha Temple
Ten Thousand Buddha Temple
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake
White Water Walk
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Centre Street
Ferris wheel and bowling on Centre Street
Fudge on Centre Street
Butterfly Conservatory
Butterfly in the Conservatory
Rainbow over Horseshoe Falls
Double rainbow and Hornblower Cruises
Mona Lisa at Horseshoe Falls
me at Horseshoe Falls
Brink of the Falls
Brink of the Falls lit up at night

*June 27-28, 2018*

**********************

“PROSE” INVITATION: I invite you to write up to a post on your own blog about a recently visited particular destination (not journeys in general). Concentrate on any intention you set for your prose.  In this case, one of my intentions for my trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario was to write a “things I learned” list in each place.

It doesn’t matter whether you write fiction or non-fiction for this invitation.  You can either set your own writing intentions, or use one of the prompts I’ve listed on this page: writing prompts: prose & poetry.  (This page is a work in process.) You can also include photos, of course.

Include the link in the comments below by Monday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m. EST.  When I write my post in response to this invitation on Tuesday, November 13, I’ll include your links in that post.

This will be an ongoing invitation. Feel free to jump in at any time. 🙂

I hope you’ll join in our community. I look forward to reading your posts!

the ~ wander.essence ~ community

I invite you all to settle in and read a few posts from our wandering community.  I promise, you’ll be inspired. See below in the comments for any links. 🙂

Thanks to all of you who wrote prosaic posts following intentions you set for yourself. 🙂

 

*colorful* in niagara falls, ontario

August 30, 2018

The wild & crazy Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with its carnival spirit and general weirdness, is home to arcades, fun houses, playlands, mini-golf courses, the Niagara SkyWheel, wax museums, and bowling alleys.

fullsizeoutput_15f01

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

fullsizeoutput_15f3a

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

fullsizeoutput_15f0b

Fudge on Centre Street

IMG_3537

Niagara SkyWheel and Strike! Rock n’ Bowl

fullsizeoutput_15f0c

Great Canadian Midway

fullsizeoutput_15f10

Bronto’s Playland

fullsizeoutput_15f12

The Fun House

fullsizeoutput_15f13

Movieland

Since we have an extra (5th) Thursday in August, I’ll participate in the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Colorful. I’m also doing an extra photo invitation of my own, on this bonus Thursday. 🙂

*********************

“PHOTOGRAPHY” INVITATION:  I invite you to create a photography intention and then create a blog post for a place you have visited. Alternately, you can post a thematic post about a place, photos of whatever you discovered that set your heart afire. You can also do a thematic post of something you have found throughout all your travels: churches, doors, people reading, people hiking, mountains, patterns, all black & white, whatever!

You probably have your own ideas about this, but in case you’d like some ideas, you can visit my page: photography inspiration.

I challenge you to post no more than 20 photos (fewer is better) and to write less than 350-500 words about any travel-related photography intention you set for yourself.

While I’m in Spain walking the Camino de Santiago from August 31 – October 25, and then in Portugal from October 26 – November 6, I kindly request that if you have a photography post you’d like to share, please simply link it to the appropriate post, this one or my next one as soon as it publishes. I will try my best to read your posts while I’m on my journey, but I won’t have a computer or the time or ability to add links to my posts. 

My next scheduled photography post will be on September 6, 2018.

This will be an ongoing invitation. Feel free to jump in at any time.

I hope you’ll join in our community. I look forward to reading your posts!

the ~ wander.essence ~ community

I invite you all to settle in and read a few posts from our wandering community. I promise, you’ll be inspired!

Thanks to all of you who wrote photography posts following intentions you set for yourself. 🙂

anticipation & preparation: buffalo & niagara falls

June 22, 2018

As it took a lot of time and energy to plan my trip to the Four Corners, I didn’t start planning my trip to Buffalo, New York and Niagara Falls until I returned home at the end of May.  My plans include crossing the border into Canada, and staying two nights in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  On one of those days, I’ll meet a dear friend of mine I knew in Oman who now lives less than two hours away in Waterloo, Ontario.

fullsizeoutput_15088

Journal, books, map & guidebook

Leaving home on June 25, I’ll drive seven hours in a northwesterly direction, arriving in Buffalo that same afternoon.

I started planning by looking through the guidebook, Moon Niagara Falls. This guidebook includes sites on the Canadian and U.S. Sides, as well as information on Buffalo and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

fullsizeoutput_15096

accoutrements of travel

Here’s my itinerary so far:

  • Monday, June 25: Arrive in Buffalo. Explore Allentown and Elmwood Village.
  • Tuesday, June 26: Buffalo – Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Tour 9:30-10:30.  Martin House Tour 11:30-12:30.
    • Depart for Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls State Park (Observation Tower & Prospect Point) and Little Italy.
  • Wednesday, June 27: Continue exploring Niagara Falls State Park (Goat Island, Luna Island, Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island).
    • Drive to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls: Table Rock Welcome Center and Brink of Horseshoe Falls, Skylon Tower.
  • Thursday, June 28: Hornblower Niagara Cruises (8:30 a.m.).
    • Meet Mona Lisa 11:00-4:00.  Parkway North: White Water Walk, The Whirlpool, Lunch. Butterfly Conservatory.
    • Lundy’s Lane. Walk some more around the Falls.
  • Friday, June 30: Drive up to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Walk around the town.  Drive home.

I’m in the middle of reading a novel set at Niagara Falls; it’s quite a hefty one at 512 pages: The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates. The story begins with a man committing suicide by throwing himself into The Falls after a disastrous honeymoon night.  Most of the book takes place in the aftermath of this suicide.  I’m only on page 250; it’s doubtful I’ll be finished before I go, but I’ll certainly take it along.

Of course, I had to make a playlist for the road trip: Niagara Falls and Buffalo Road Trip.

Here are my intentions for this trip.

fullsizeoutput_15099

Intentions for Buffalo and Niagara Falls

************************

“ANTICIPATION & PREPARATION” INVITATION: I invite you to write a 750-word (or less) post on your own blog about anticipation & preparation for a particular destination (not journeys in general). If you don’t have a blog, I invite you to write in the comments. Include the link in the comments below by Thursday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. EST.  When I write my post in response to this challenge on Friday, July 27, I’ll include your links in that post. My next post will be about preparing to walk the Frances route of the Camino de Santiago.

This will be an ongoing invitation, on the 4th Friday of each month. Feel free to jump in at any time. 🙂  If you’d like to read more about the topic, see: journeys: anticipation & preparation.

I hope you’ll join in our community. I look forward to reading your posts!

the ~ wander.essence ~ community

I invite you all to settle in and read posts from our wandering community. I promise, you’ll be inspired!

Thanks to all of you who wrote posts about anticipation and preparation. 🙂