Typical American let down

First let me say that Beth's parents were great hosts and provided us with everything we could have dreamed of and more to make us feel at home. But after a less than stellar night's sleep due to my coming down with a cold, and having to wake Ryan up at the time he and I had agreed we would depart (typical), the day was already off to a mediocre start. At least as we left the Heiss' house, the sun was shining and it appeared as though we were going to have another beautiful day. No such luck.

The drive to Niagara was brief and uneventful, with plenty of clouds to go around. We decided that two guys with no shirts on in a car full of crap with Ma. plates would get into Canada easily, but coming back into the U.S. would probably prove a little more difficult. So we parked on the U.S. side and walked across the Rainbow Bridge to watch the majesty from the Canadian side, which everyone told us was the best angle to view The Falls from. So passports in hand we crossed the bridge, I played 20 questions with the border patrol, and we were finally on our way to enjoy the views, so we thought.

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's the hype I've created in my own head, maybe it's the fact that everyone talks about how awesome, in the true sense of the word, Niagara Falls is, but I just don't get it. To be honest I was disappointed and maybe I have no one but myself to blame. But I actually don't. I have the gaudy casinos and tourist trap attractions that litter the area around The Falls to blame for how miserable Niagara Falls, as a destination, appears to be on the surface.

Granted, had it been a gorgeous sunny day, and had we walked up to the powerful rush of the water on the man made steps wearing full body rain suits or taken a boat tour into the mist, I'm sure I would've been more impressed. But all that takes time and costs money. So instead we did it the cheap and easy way.

Thankfully, I did manage to get a few good pictures of The Falls...

...and other miscellaneous sights to keep me in a good mood. For example, this guy's jump suit was one for the ages, roughly the early 90's ages. Note the black dress socks and dress shoes.

Next stop, Chicago!