Before I went back to work at my high school job I went to upstate New York and Canada. I had a pretty outstanding trip. Even if it was by myself. A guy I work with said that traveling by yourself is the best way to travel. Well, I agree and also disagree.
Why is it good? well, no one is there to tell you what to do or not to do. You can eat what you want when you want. You can go anywhere, meet new people, have cool experiences, and lets not forget time to think about life. It's also an opportunity to learn self-reliance, and problem solving. As well as a chance to learn another language.
The down? I really believe that life is best when it's shared with someone that we care about whether that is a friend or partner. Sex aside, it's great to be able to say, "Wow, wasn't that a great meal?"
"Look at Niagara falls that's amazing." Instead of having strangers take your pictures. You have someone to be with, and who also watches your back.
Summer 2018 was pretty uneventful I taught summer school sex. ed at my college job, went to the pool to walk in the lanes, and saw a lot of outdoor concerts at my town park. The concerts were very good, but part of me kept thinking if I don't go away I'm going to have regrets. I don't like living with regrets. Who does?
I came up with the idea to travel north because it was so freaking hot in New York, and Canada seemed a great option. My brother was going to Florida which seemed crazy to me because of the heat, and I hoped the weather up north would be a bit cooler. yes and no as it turned out.
My idea was to fly to Buffalo, rent a car and then drive through Canada and then fly out of Syracuse. Sounds good in theory but like life there are always hiccups along the way.
My flight to Buffalo from JFK airport was pretty uneventful, although when I was buying a portable charger, a woman in one of the kiosks ended up stealing a pair of headphones. She pretended to put her card in the machine. The clerk assumed the transaction went through but it didn't.
I told that clerk that either it was a mistake or she was a thief, but that life has karma and that what comes around goes around, and I would do the right thing even if she didn't.
I picked up my rental car from the airport, which in case you don't know is always more expensive, but a lot more convenient. This was going to be a trip to remember.
I didn't drive directly to the hotel in Niagara Falls but instead headed directly to The Anchor Bar. The supposedly originator of chicken wings. I sat at the bar, literally, and had a few wings.
Initially I was going to order mild, but the bartender steered me away from them and I ended up getting medium. It's important to have a little spice in your life, literally and figuratively.
After lunch I headed directly to Niagara Falls. (New York side) I found it less busy than the Canadian side, although Canada really has the better view but way more crowded.
I went on the usual tourist sites Maid of the Mist (best from the front of the boat) wind cave, super wet under the waterfall, next time I don't bring my cell phone or will wrap it in plastic.
I really ate a lot on my trip its a good thing that I was walking between 10 and 15 thousands steps. I had no one to share my meal with or give me any boundaries. A good thing and also sometimes a bad thing. Too much of anything even something pleasurable can add up. In my case I think I gained like five or six pounds in two weeks, and I'm not sure if I ever lost it yet. Like quicksand easy to get in, but hard to get out/lose.
I did have an enjoyable meal overlooking the falls. Local fish and local beer. A pretty good combination. Afterwards, I walked around the park some more. In retrospect, I should have taken the tram or rented a bike. It's a huge park.
My first night ended up staying in a hotel near the falls. What I should have done is gotten a room with a view of the water. Who knew?
My night in Buffalo started off innocently. I went to a great outlet mall. I bought a lot of clothes and a few gifts. I only brought a small back pack at the beginning of my trip so I ended up getting a normal bag at TJ max and loaded up on new shirts.
As it turned out it was definitely not a night to remember. For some reason Doubletree, part of Hilton, smoke detectors flash like every 30 seconds.
So, after one night I left and headed to Canada. I went to the border, and when I got there the officer asked me where I was staying.
At that point I didn't have an idea yet, but I was considering Niagara on the Lake in Canada.
I told the border agent, "I'm not sure."
He didn't particularly like that answer, but after several more questions reluctantly let me into Canada. Lesson learned always have a hotel reservation and know where you are going when crossing borders.
I drove directly to Niagara falls. It was a lot more crowded, but like I said before Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side is a much better view. However, I didn't stay long and instead drove directly to Niagara on the Lake. It was beautiful town. I bought locally made honey and teas from a tea store (Gifts for my family)
I couldn't help seeing that everyone seemed to be with a loved one, or their family. What's the alternative not going anyway? traveling solo does have it's advantages in that I had a lot more flexibility and no boundaries.
I visited a pretty park on the lake and had dinner at restaurant that a famous writer had visited. Dined on local fish, and drank to numb the moment.
After one night in Niagara I went to Toronto.
I probably spent too much on this trip. All my summer money from the college job.
Toronto was pretty cool. I went to a Blue Jays game, had some awesome meals especially "Canadian breakfast" which was a waffle with fruit on top and Canadian bacon. I also went to see Second City sketch comedy show.. not bad but I wish were on a date.
After Toronto I drove to Montreal. I loved Montreal I just wish I knew some more French.
