May 6th, 2024: Today was the day I was meant to visit the world’s most stunning waterfall, Niagara Falls! I had adjusted to my regular schedule and left with the man around 07:30 a.m. I brought a shoulder bag with me, packed with a change of clothes and toiletries, because the trip to Niagara Falls would last a day. I neglected to buy toothpaste, so I packed a large Crest tube. It was Monday, and many people would be heading to the Big Apple for work. He picked me up at home and took me to Jersey Avenue, a rail stop on NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor. He brought two Flex Pass tickets (which, as far as I know, are valid for 30 days from the first usage). We boarded the coach and sat on brown three-passenger cushion seats (which are actually rather comfortable). The interiors appeared classic with a hardwood finish. There was scarcely nobody in the coach. I’m already familiar with this path, therefore I didn’t take any photos here. The man discussed my plans for the day with me, and he is aware that I will be traveling to JFK Airport. For the first time on this trip, he accompanied me to the city.

We arrived at Penn Station in New York City, and there is always a great bustle. Whether taking an escalator, stairs, or elevator, crowds pack them like dominoes, despite the fact that everything appears to go smoothly. You just have to match their tempo and act like a New Yorker. The man’s office is near Vessel, at the junction of 10th Avenue and 33rd Street. He told me that he utilizes the Moynihan Train Hall to avoid the crowds on his way to work. Quite ingenious. So, instead of exiting on 34th Street, we entered the train hall. This is where Amtrak trains would start their voyage. He ordered coffee (Cappuccino) for both of us, and as I sipped my coffee, I saw that the hall was not particularly packed. Like Penn Station, this hall is linked to mass transit services such as the LIRR and subway. Daniel Patrick Moynihan Train Hall is inscribed in bold, unique letters. A large timepiece hangs in the center of the hall, and people move in and out.

We strolled across the plinth to see the “Old Tree” piece at 10th Avenue and 30th Street, then continued down the High Line to his office. As we proceeded across 30th Street towards Manhattan West, he told me that I needed to be at “our” meeting location at 9:30 AM, and then he would take me to Penn Station (at the Backyard At Hudson Yards). He departed. It is now time for me to explore myself. I looked at the Hudson Yards shopping mall on the other side of the Vessel. Remember how I missed seeing the Chelsea district (also known as the meatpacking district of New York City) because of the rain? I could utilize this opportunity to visit Chelsea instead. What route was taken? The High Line is crucial here. It was formerly an old railroad route along the Hudson River that has been converted into a pedestrian path. It’s been beautified, and you can clearly see the rail lines flowing through. This is truly where antique meets modern! I opted to utilize on the way back.

High Line: As New York City’s population grew rapidly, a railway line was built along the city’s streets. This elevated railway, known as the “Lifeline of New York,” carried meat and dairy produce due to its proximity to the Meatpacking district via freight trains. The line connects Gansevoort Street and 34th Street. However, several incidents occurred, garnering the moniker “Death Avenue”. It was going underutilized as Manhattan West’s industrial activities declined. Two area residents, Robert Hammond and Joshua David, created a group called “Friends of the High Line” to convert it into a public open space. Currently, the High Line connects the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards.

Walking over 11th Avenue to Chelsea required a quick walking speed. I had approximately an hour to explore the neighborhood and come home. In retrospect, I suppose this was more of an exercise. Nonetheless, I recognized certain major sights, such as the Terminal Warehouse on 11th Avenue. After seven minutes (I swear I saw my watch), I arrived to Chelsea Waterside Park. A gorgeous area for leisure purposes, complete with skateparks and dog park. On the other side of 11th Avenue, there are other smaller galleries. After crossing highways, I arrived at 12th Avenue and observed the Chelsea Piers, a sports complex on the Hudson River. I crossed the avenue and joined the Empire State Trail to continue my walking excursion. A few more streets ahead, you’ll discover Pier 57, where you may enjoy the view of the river. The skyline on the other side is that of Hoboken, New Jersey. I rejoined 10th Avenue to proceed to Chelsea Market. But not until I go a little further south on Washington Street to see the Chelsea Triangle. I returned north on 8th Avenue, cutting across 15th Street to rejoin at 9th Avenue.

Indeed, this is a neighborhood with brick-paved lanes lined with restaurants and businesses. Because of its proximity to Greenwich Village, the Chelsea area has buildings that are strikingly comparable to those in the former. Certain street signage and map installations assist tourists and locals in understanding the significance of the area and its position on a Manhattan borough spot map. I forgot to include the Vessel, a popular visitor destination in New York City. It is supposed to resemble a honeycomb. Heatherwick Studio built it, and it has approximately 2,500 steps. It was closed by the time I arrived. When I inquired about the cause for the closure, I was told that suicides occurred, which is why they closed it indefinitely.

It was 9:20 a.m. when I arrived at the stairs leading to the High Line on 23rd Street. My legs were cramping, yet I was not exhausted. I reduced my speed and began to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere on the High Line. Diana’s masterwork building is seen a few yards further down the wooden path. Of course, the trail spanned several streets, and I could observe the serene tranquility in comparison to the High Line. I walked further and arrived at the shed around 10:25 a.m. I went to check out the MTA West Side Yard (a train yard in NYC). The High Line curves through the yard before coming to an end at 34th Street, where several LIRR coaches were parked.

The man approached the backyard and noticed me. He took a couple shots of me, with the Vessel in the background. We walked back to Penn Station via the Moynihan Train Hall. Because I was familiar with Penn Station, I bid him farewell as I continued my journey to JFK Airport. How? I had planned to take the E train to Queens (Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue), but Google Maps suggested that I take the LIRR instead. Because I had never taken the LIRR before, I chose this option instead and disembarked at the LIRR Jamaica station in Queens borough. So I walked to the LIRR ticket office, bought a ticket to Jamaica, and then headed to the platforms to board a train. All trains departing from Manhattan for Long Island share a common line until they reach Jamaica, at which point they split into separate lines. Hence, traveling any train to Jamaica/JFK will suffice, with the exception of the Port Washington branch. The City Terminal Zone, as it is known, begins at Penn Station or Grand Central, passes through Woodside (from where a link to LaGuardia is available, and the LIRR Port Washington line branches from this station), Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, and Jamaica before continuing eastward.

I boarded the train to Babylon at Track 18. The MTA also maintains the LIRR, however it is slightly more expensive (a one-way ticket cost $15). The carriages inside were immaculately clean and well-lit, in contrast to the subway. Seats were arranged two by two on either side of the vehicle. A LED board at the ends of coaches displays the station where the train will arrive, flanked by adverts touting Long Island as an attractive destination for tourism, business, or even entertainment. The train departed on time. There weren’t many passengers here. We traversed the East River tunnel before arriving in Long Island City, Queens. I noticed a lot of NJ Transit coaches parked on Hunterspoint Avenue. An analogy for the MTA West Yards, where LIRR trains are parked, because NJ Transit does not go beyond Penn Station.

My initial impression of the Queens Borough. It seems more disorganized. The train traveled past a lot of lush greenery on both sides of the track. And after some time, the train arrived in Jamaica around 10:40 a.m. The next step was to take the AirTrain to JFK Airport. The Jamaica station is a busy place. It serves as a key transportation hub, connecting the Subway (E, J, and Z trains), the LIRR, and the AirTrain to JFK Airport. There is a walkway linking the LIRR station to the AirTrain station. The electronic signs are self-explanatory. JetBlue flights depart from Terminal 5, hence the route of the AirTrain goes as follows: 1 -> 4 -> 5 -> 7 -> 8. A loop train connects all terminals (yellow line). However, the AirTrain serves another purpose as well: it connects to Howard Beach (Green Line). A trip to JFK Airport requires payment; I used my credit card to swipe at the turnstile, although OMNY/Metrocard can also be utilized. The AirTrain coach is extremely spacious to accommodate bags.

I arrived at Terminal 5 around 11:20 a.m. JetBlue and Cape May are two flight carriers that leave from here. I had no things to check in because I was utilizing the Blue Basic plan. I went immediately to the TSA security check. After leaving the body scan, I discovered that my bag had been manually inspected. It discovered anything odd. What was it? The officer searched through it and discovered Crest toothpaste as the questionable item. He informed me that I could not carry toothpastes weighing more than three ounces and confiscated it. Heck, I could have bought one on my Chelsea walk. I received an email on my phone informing me of JetBlue’s delayed departure. It was scheduled to depart at 12:30 PM, but due to a half-hour delay, it will depart at 1:07 PM. I had plenty of time to kill, so I wandered down the T5 and bought a New York Times newspaper for $4. I also bought an organic vanilla shake for $5 at one end of the airport (a store opposite gate 30, I believe) and sipped it as I went. A mini-playground for JetBlue travelers’ children, known as the JetBlue Junior, was located opposite Gate 27. Bryant Park Market by Hudson appeared to be the terminal’s largest retailer.

For lunch, I headed to the Revolucion, which serves Mexican food. I ordered vegetarian pizza and tacos. To access the menu, scan the QR code, which initially did not work. The server appeared to be down. I complained to the waitress about it, and she handed me her iPad to order my dinner. It appeared fine, and the total amount was $25 (with the 5% tip). After a delicious meal, I walked to Gate 11, Buffalo’s boarding zone. There was some delay in the departure, and I sat and glanced at the JetBlue crew, who appeared to be unaware of the departure. Some passengers inquired, and the answer they received was unsatisfactory. The other passengers were clearly annoyed by the delay.

It’s 1:05 PM, and boarding hasn’t begun yet. Four minutes had passed and the monitor displayed “Doors closing”. Amusing. After roughly another five minutes, the boarding process began. My ticket was assigned to Group D; simply scan the ticket code (which I had on my mobile phone through the JetBlue app) at the turnstile to proceed. There was also some delay here since some customers scanned their tickets too soon after the other traveler had already gone through. The JetBlue crew attempted to assist, but they could not comprehend. I stepped across the airbridge to the aircraft (an Airbus A321neo). Luckily, no other passengers sat next to me. So, I had the entire row of seats to myself. “EatUp” is a little flier that includes information about food and in-flight Wi-Fi.

A few more minutes passed, and the plane was ready to take off. As the plane took off, I could clearly see New York City (not to mention Manhattan’s green patch, Central Park!), Jamaica Bay, and Long Island’s beaches. The flight to Buffalo lasts 45 minutes. The flight staff was dressed properly in blue suits and served my normal drink on the journey: a glass of cranberry and orange juice with New York pretzels. The flight went smooth. While the team was disposing of trash, a passenger and his son walked immediately behind them, seeking to use the restroom. It was funny to see them wait and shuffle slowly while the staff continued to dispose of the trash. Because the adjacent seats were empty, the crew member instructed them to sit there until they completed their work.

The plane landed at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BNIA) around 2:05 p.m. As I stepped out of the airport, it was less crowded because many people would be heading to Niagara Falls. The food court includes Tim Hortons, Anchor Bar, Bocce Club Pizza, and Burger Fi eateries. The Buffalo Art AKG Museum (the airport branch) is located directly next it. I went down to the parking level, and as I was about to step out, I noticed a MetGo kiosk that issues cards or passes for bus rides in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Thinking it would be a good idea to collect a new card (MetGo) for the trips here, I loaded $20 (paid with my MasterCard) for the card and value. But here’s the problem: the kiosk failed to generate a new card. It instead provided a receipt for the failed transaction. What do I need to do with this? So I asked a person at the Travel Desk counter about it. Unfortunately, he was unaware of the situation and advised me to explain it to the bus driver when I boarded. He then shows me a laminated card with bus timetable information. This made me aware that there isn’t a direct way to Niagara Falls. If you utilize public transportation, you must follow these guidelines:

BNIA -> take bus number 24 to Washington & South Division -> walk for approximately a minute to North Division & Main St -> take another bus number 40/60/77 to Niagara Falls Fashion Outlets Blvd -> then take a taxi to Niagara Falls, NY.

I got outside and spotted a bus with the number 24L. I boarded the bus and spoke to the driver, exhibiting the voucher I received at the kiosk. She kindly let me in, but urged me to go down to Ellicott St to resolve the concerns with the MTC office in Buffalo. Some tourists also boarded the vehicle. It took around 15 minutes to get from the airport in Cheektowaga to Ellicott St. During the ride, at Genesee St – Moselle St, a black woman approached and sat in the seat next to me. Her attitude made me uncomfortable, and then she just touched my knee! She told me, “Baby.” I reacted forcefully with a “Pardon?” and she got off the bus at Genesee St – Barthel St (the next stop after Moselle St). I left after the bus driver motioned for me to get off at Ellicott St. Before continuing, the driver instructed me to walk approximately a mile to my left to reach the MTC office. Downtown Buffalo appeared calm. I walked to the building, as indicated by the GPS. I hit the call button to request entrance, then headed to the NFTA-Metro Customer Service desk. The building appeared practically vacant, but there was a wait catered to by only one employee. It took me approximately thirty minutes to wait here since an elderly lady in her wheelchair was talking a lot with the clerk. When my turn came, the man behind the counter informed me that because the receipt showed “VOID” transaction, my money was not deducted. All this for getting down to Ellicott Street and waiting! The persons in the queue seemed to know one another. After all, Buffalo is a small and sleepy city. I walked to another kiosk in the building, grabbed a MetGo card, and ran for the 50X bus, which runs express to Fashion Outlets Blvd in Niagara Falls, NY.

No tourists boarded here. A few locals heading to Sandy Beach and the Grand Island boarded the bus. The bus driver looked at me as I swiped my “prized” MetGo card against the terminal. I seemed like the odd one out. The bus started its journey to Niagara Falls via Interstate 190. As the bus accelerated, I could see the Niagara River and the Canadian coast on the other side of Niagara Street (which later became River Road). It turned left and crossed the river to reach Grand Island. The bus was nearly empty as it exited Grand Island and crossed the North Grand Island Bridge at Niagara River. The road remains I-190, after which the bus turns right into Route 62, then left onto Military Road and arrives at the Fashion Outlets. The bus ride took almost an hour. I arrived here around 5:20 PM. Except for a Black man, I was the only one waiting for a cab to my motel, the Comfort Inn Pointe. This bus changed its number to 52, and I considered extending the journey to Niagara Falls, but I opted to take a taxi instead.

Mr. Joseph, the taxi driver, picked me up and took me to the hotel. He drove along Route 62 before turning left onto Packard Rd, then continued on Ferry Rd to the hotel. Comfort Inn The Pointe is advantageously located near the falls and so accessible by foot. It is linked with Choice Privileges. It is located on the Riverway, adjacent to Niagara Falls State Park. I entered the hotel and received my room card. I had planned to remain here for two days, but decided that one day would suffice. Some of you may disagree with this. After a quick change of clothing and a refreshing drink, I headed out to visit Niagara Falls State Park.

It was 5:45 PM. It is not the Christmas season in the United States, therefore it is much less busy than normal. The majority of the tourists appeared to be Indian. My mental itinerary for the day was as follows:

• Walk along the Shoreline Trail to see the Niagara River.
• Return and enter Goat Island, also known as Three Sisters Island.
• View the Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point.

Cave of the Winds were closed for the day, so I decided to return tomorrow. I’ll let the photos do the talking. I’d want to share my experience at the park. I haven’t taken the Niagara Scenic Trolley because I plan to walk instead. Clearly, a well-landscaped area with numerous routes, the most important of which being the Shoreline Trail and the Niagara Gorge Trail. I’ve never seen the Niagara River flowing in such stunning grandeur. So gorgeous. So great. The weather started to get frigid.

Niagara Falls looks wonderful, doesn’t it? It is a mixture of three waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The previous two falls are located inside the limits of the United States, although the latter is primarily controlled by Canada. The view of the falls is greater from the Canadian side, but the Maid of Mist ferry offers the same vista. What’s crucial to note is that the three waterfalls combine to provide the highest flow rate of any waterfall on the planet. However, the highest vertical plunge is approximately 50 meters (165 feet). Every second, 3,160 tons of water flow over the falls, with 280 tons of force at the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 2,500 tons at the Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara River is fed by four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, and empties into Lake Ontario before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. The natural resources, specifically the flora and fauna, are critical for its survival. The state park is the oldest in the United States. Nikola Tesla is significant for his role in the generation of electrical power from the Adams Power Plant in Canada. It generates around 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is sufficient to power both New York State and Ontario Province.

As I moved farther south down the Shoreline Trail, a swarm of gnats erupted from the lawn, ready to attack me. There are so many of them! I had to hide my face behind my hood and scarf. To be honest, it’s irritating and unpleasant. I couldn’t relax; instead, I had to race back down the route. I referred to them as “little devils” whenever I saw them. Walking back down the Shoreline Trail, I noticed a lot of geese with the famed goose “poo”. I entered Goat Island via the American Rapids bridge and walked along the Goat Island Road to the Three Sister Islands. I encountered the “little devils” again while strolling around Goat Island. I noticed a police car stationed at Parking Lot 3. There’s nothing outstanding about the Three Sisters Islands. I continued walking along the road until I reached Terrapin Point and passed a group of three black males and one black woman. Notices were posted on the lawns telling people not to lie on the gardens owing to the risk of tick bites. (Lyme illness is very widespread here). The sun began to set about 06:30 PM. I spotted a few joggers on the trail. As I walked nearer the point, I noticed a lot of mist rising from the falls, covering the Canadian side in plain sight.

I arrived at Terrapin Point, where one could see the Horseshoe Falls plainly. On one side was Horseshoe Falls and the mist it created, while on the other was the Rainbow Bridge, one of the bridges that connects the United States with Canada. If one could perceive the beauty of the Earth, it is right here. Niagara Falls are indeed magnificent! It’s a lovely sight, calming for the eyes. Not only did I admire the falls, but I also looked to the Canadian side to obtain a better perspective of the skyscrapers, especially the Skylon Tower. I had a lot of quarters in my money purse, and as I was feeding a coin into a viewing machine, I received a jerk from a man. The group I overtook on my walk. The Black man in the red T-shirt began ranting at me, claiming I bumped against a Black woman in the group while walking. He insisted that I apologize to her. What has just happened? Are they itching to fight? A fight with a tourist who traveled all the way to visit the United States for the first time? I respectfully explained that I had no intention of doing so, but the man threatened to strike me in the face until I apologized to her. Clearly not wanting this to happen (I was standing near the falls at the time, and the railings were at a low height; I didn’t want to go down), I apologized to the female woman. The man asked that I shake hands with her while others looked at us. She said that it was fine and urged the Black guy to proceed. He told me again not to call the police, and the group continued walking while gazing at me.

This is simply unacceptable, so I called 9-1-1 to file a harassment complaint with the police. The initial call, placed from the iPhone, was routed to the dispatcher in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I made my complaint, then realized I was speaking to the wrong person. I asked the caller on the other end to transfer my call to Niagara Falls, New York. Within seconds, it was routed to the Niagara Falls Park Police, and I was guaranteed that a dispatcher would meet me at Terrapin Point. Waiting for the police sent chills down my spine. Anyway, I was tormented and wanted to make sure that no tourist was haggled or harassed without justification. After 10 minutes, a man dispatcher drove a K-9 (stands for “canine dog”) unit towards me. While I was explaining my grievance, the police officer emerged from the automobile. He requested my passport and the contact information for my immediate relatives who live in the United States. He gave me a glare as soon as he opened my passport and saw the Russian visa on it. Nonetheless, he didn’t mind and asked me if I had been mugged or physically mistreated. None. The dispatcher stated that no offenses were committed. My mind was a little ‘blank’ from this experience, but I regained consciousness and remembered that the man in the red T-shirt had threatened to punch me. Then he changed his tune and said that I had been harassed, which is a criminal under New York State law. He asked if I wanted to press charges against the organization. I said yes, as he typed my name, contact information, and the claimed crime details into a computer system in his police cruiser, while the German shepherd dog behind him looked on.

He prints a form with the charges listed, and I sign it. He later advised me to keep my phone on at all times so that if they detained the group, they could call me to the police station to lodge charges against them. He also advised me to get a lawyer to represent myself in court in Manhattan and to stay in New York for roughly a month. Like, really? I am not a citizen of the United States, and I am unable to stay longer due to work obligations. He departed. Alarm bells rang in my thoughts, so I notified Dad and his classmates. Mum had heard about it and was concerned. Dad told me to return to the hotel immediately.

I walked back after witnessing the Horseshoe Falls illuminated in red, however I was not in a good mood. This incident quelled all of my excitement about the falls. The most gorgeous place on Earth, and this type of scenario is unheard of. It seems like I’m unlucky. As I continued along Goat Island Blvd towards the hotel, I noticed the group approaching me. I raced back to Terrapin Point and dialed 9-1-1 again. This time, another police car arrives, and a lady dispatcher inquires about my condition. She questioned if my life was in danger, and I responded in the negative. I told her that the group approached me but then went in the direction of Three Sisters Island. She told me to return to the hotel immediately.

And I walked back to the hotel, filled with the fear I dreaded. In Niagara Falls? I couldn’t believe it. As I approached the Cave of the Winds, I noticed the group again and contacted the police. I’m sure the lady dispatcher is tired of my calls. She came out of the car and asked me again if I was in danger. She then informed me that the path back to my hotel is completely safe, and that they are working to detain them. She made a point while speaking with me. She said that my objections were only allegations. She also mentioned to me that the lady could have accused me of brushing her off. She told me she did her job all day and was working alone. She had a handgun, a Taser, and a bulletproof vest. She informed me that solo travelers are an unpleasant target and should be very wary about their surroundings. I agreed with her and informed her about the lawsuit that the male dispatcher had filed. She stated that it is pointless to file a case in New York State since the accused might just receive bail in a few hours and walk free again. I thanked her again and returned to the motel. But before that, my wandering passion in my thoughts took hold of me again and told me to travel to Prospect Point.

The evening seemed magnificent. The other falls were illuminated with red light throughout the day. Buildings on the Canadian side lit up. Including the illumination that blasted “Sheraton” in bright red on the Sheraton Hotel, the Ferris Wheel glowing white, and the Skylon Tower’s flashing light. From here, the observation tower and Rainbow Bridge were readily seen. The Canadian side was clearly lit. Finally, I started walking back to the hotel. I passed by the “Maid of the Mist” ticket desks, which appeared to be vacant. The stairway to the Niagara Information Centre, as well as the roads, were lit up. And I left the park. Oh, it was time for dinner.

When I returned to the hotel, I was surprised to see that there was no restaurant. They’d only offer breakfast. The receptionist advised me to go to Papa John’s because that was the only respectable restaurant open in Niagara Falls, NY for the night. I could not believe it. As I went along Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard, the trees lit up, but not my digestive system. Every store was closed! I entered the Legends Bar, which housed the Papa Johns restaurant. It’s not even a real restaurant. There is no seating here. My phone’s battery depleted quickly. I ordered two small pizzas, which took approximately forty minutes to prepare. My parents wanted me in the room, and I’m still out at 10:00 p.m. in the restaurant.

Every pizza cost $20. I returned to the hotel with two pizza boxes in my hand, hoping that I would not get mugged on the way. Fortunately, nothing happened on the way back. I ate the pizzas while thinking about the incident. It was good on my part to de-escalate the situation, but I wondered if I could have done more. My sole concern before going to bed was if I would come across this bunch on my tour tomorrow. Before going to bed, I checked in for my JetBlue trip back to New York City tomorrow.

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May 7, 2024: The alarm rang at 7:30 a.m. Every day is a new beginning. The AC made the room quite cold. I tried but couldn’t turn it off. I packed my luggage with my belongings because I planned on checking out early. How was the room? It’s not neat, though. The windows were faded, the toilet appeared to be outdated, and room service was so lethargic that they only provided water bottles. You needed to go down and retrieve them. Not a great experience. After a shower, I descended to the lower floor for breakfast. It had just opened, and some people were already seated inside. What was there? Sausages, bacons, hams, breads (toaster provided), spreads, omelets and scrambled eggs, packaged yogurts, protein bars, cereals such as oats, cornflakes, muesli, and a salad.

I took decaf, and the fellow next to me wondered why I was drinking decaf in the morning. Seriously, I had no response to this, so I said, “Simply”. I sat down in a corner and ate my American breakfast. My alternatives were sadly limited due to my condition, and I was still hungry after eating. This is a real issue I’ve noticed in tiny restaurants in the United States, where the majority of options are non-vegetarian. After that, I checked out of my room. Fortunately, the receptionist permitted me to store my stuff in the luggage area before leaving for the major festivities at Niagara. I had to be cautious in case I encountered the malefice group.

It was warm and mildly windy. I walked up to Prospect Point and was astounded to see the beauty of Niagara Falls. With jet trails in the sky, I was able to observe the rainbow created by the mist. Surely, as previously stated, one of the most beautiful spots on the earth. It’s worth going here, as a painter named Frederic Church describes it as “the finest oil picture ever painted this side of the Atlantic”. The stunning outstanding vista of the falls offers humanity numerous combinations of perspective positions, color, magnitude, and seasonality. My’realme’ is not a dud here; rather, it was able to capture clear, amazing images. The town of Niagara Falls with its tall structures could be seen on the Canadian side. Compared to the American side, the Canadian side has more restaurants and casinos, making it appear commercialized. It’s 8:30 a.m., and the Maid of Mist counters have not yet opened. I noticed joggers and tourists taking selfies. As I juggled my phone on the Niagara Gorge map, I opted to head north on the Shoreline Trail.

The downside of this trip is that I don’t have a Canadian visa. My nationality is not covered by the Canadian government’s visa waiver program. As a result, I was unable to cross the rainbow bridge. Instead, I went beneath the bridge! Will border agents detain me at any point during my walk? None. Aside from a few police officers on the American side of the border, there was only one other person on the trail: an Asian man. The landscaping along the trail north of Prospect Point is stunning. I did not encounter the “little devils” here. After a little hike, I arrived at the Schoellkopf site. The Discovery Centre and Aquarium are just a few clicks away. I decided to continue walking further up in the Niagara Gorge (which begins at the Niagara Gorge Information Centre and ends at the Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park; here is a link to the map for Niagara Gorge Trails). I continued walking with my proud fast legs up to the Whirlpool Bridge (specifically the Freedom Stairs) and returned the same way. While walking back, I noticed the Maid of the Mist cruise ship on the river.

The “Cave of the Winds” is the first event on the schedule, and it costs $40. You must wear the ponchos before venturing into the so-called caverns, which are nothing more than places where you can stand quite close to the Bridal Veil Falls. Just before that, you will see a brief film about the history of Niagara Falls. As I approached, I could see pigeons and geese on the bank. There is a wooden platform where people can “touch the falls”. But it is not open. I saw construction workers in protective gear erecting several structures with planks in their hands. The man informed me it would take several weeks to open this. However, I think the $40 price was a bit excessive. Anyway, I witnessed the “winds” and now it’s time to view the “mist”. Clearly, I do not recommend this area. I walked to the Maid of the Mists counter, which is about a ten-minute walk from the Cave of Winds. Before heading there, I saw Nikola Tesla’s statue and Luna Point. The Luna Point brings you quite near to the Bridal Veil Falls. A big line had already developed, and it took around fifteen minutes to get the tickets, which include the view from the Observation Tower. The cost was $40.

I waited in a queue at a platform below, where an usher was conversing with the tourists. You have to wear the blue poncho. Counterparts from Canada on the equivalent cruise (Niagara Cruises) would wear the red one. I walked to the upper deck and stood on the back end. I was fascinated by the view of the American and Bridal Veil Falls. As I already stated, Maid of the Mist is well worth the money. You’ll get the best images and views (from a terrific vantage position) aboard the boat. However, you must exercise caution with your things due to the high gust caused by the splash on the level. What is behind me? The river, bridge, and the Star-Spangled Banner atop the flagpole. The boat continues to cruise forward towards the Horseshoe Falls, with a loudspeaker broadcasting information about the falls. It briefly crosses to the Canadian side, where one can see the falls. There were also several more tourists shooting photos while wearing ponchos. As we got closer to Horseshoe Falls, the wind grew stronger. As a result, sight is reduced, and splattering water causes loud screams. As the boat returned, I had another wonderful glimpse of the falls. Majestic waterfalls indeed. You can use all of the gorgeous adjectives in English to describe the waterfall. The US flag next to me became soaked. I kissed it.

I reached back and climbed the stairs to the Crow’s Nest, another view point of the falls. There was a large crowd heading up those tiny stairs. Many couples liked this location. Couples kissed and hugged here, just as they had in the Cave of the Winds. For me? Another position to view the falls. I believe my mind has gotten numb to the falls over and over. I came back downstairs and decided to keep the poncho as a souvenir. An usher will lead you up the elevator to the observation tower. Again, an excellent location for taking professional-quality images. I could see the Crow’s Nest and Prospect Point from above. From there, I crossed the street to the “Pedestrians to Canada” sign and turned right. “Welcome to New York, The Empire State” read a medium-sized sign. It was time for me to have lunch. But where in this tranquil, quiet town? I walked down First Street, then Old Falls Street, but to no avail. Many shops had shuttered. There’s a small burger shop that serves veggie burgers. I grabbed two and munched them while reading the news on my phone.

Dad called to tell me that he had bought a FlixBus ticket from Niagara Falls to BNIA Airport. I didn’t have enough time to head north and see the Niagara Fort. So I wandered around the walking trails, taking one more look at the falls before returning to the Big Apple. I had a negative experience with FlixBus, so I was suspicious of this one. Anyway, the bus stop would be on Old Main Street, and I sat in a small gazebo called the Gazebo in Cataract while waiting for the bus. My JetBlue aircraft departs from the airport at 2:05 PM, and I am currently waiting in the gazebo at 1:15 PM. A FlixBus came, but to my dismay, it is actually headed to Toronto. According to what I’ve heard, this bus was due to arrive at 11:30 AM but was delayed by two hours before arriving here. In addition, the bus featured an Ontario license plate. This clearly couldn’t be the person that went to the airport.

I called my father and told him I was leaving by Lyft taxi. Within 10 minutes, the taxi arrived. Mr. Karim was the driver. He tried to strike up a discussion with me, but I preferred to rest. The motorist took Route 62 before going onto Interstate 290 at an interchange in Tonawanda. After a few miles on the highway, he turned left onto Highway 33 (Kensington Expressway) to get to the BNIA in 30 minutes. And it’s 1:45 p.m. My burger lunch wasn’t enough to fill me up, so I walked to the Food Court near Gate 7 (my gate for the flight to New York City) and entered the Anchor Bar, which claims to be “The Original Buffalo Wing”. The departure had been delayed by an additional fifteen minutes. The menu looked appealing because it had vegan alternatives, however there was no one to greet me at the reception counter. After reviewing all of the restaurants’ menus, I chose the Anchor Bar. I ordered cheese wings with a salad. It took around 10 minutes to prepare while I was concerned about the boarding. I assumed boarding had commenced based on the time displayed in the JetBlue mobile app. As a result, I felt compelled to sprint to the gate in case the doors were about to close for boarding. While thinking about it, I overheard a conversation between a man and a lady in the next seat. He inquired about her prior travels to Niagara Falls, to which she said that she is tired of it and that it is a tourist trap. Fortunately, I received my lunch on time (she initially served me the restaurant’s speciality, chicken wings). I couldn’t finish everything, so I paid and left the restaurant.

I boarded the plane in my assigned zone, zone E, seat 23F (a window seat). A Korean couple occupied the chairs adjacent to mine. The flight departed thirty minutes later than expected. And the airplane took off smoothly. The flight took 45 minutes to reach JFK Airport. I had cranberry juice with pretzels as usual. Because it was hot outside, I drank two glasses of ice cold water. While looking above New York City, I was able to identify the major structures. The plane flew over the Long Island beaches (including Coney Island and Brighton Beach) before crossing the Atlantic Ocean in an effort to land on the runway. I could also see the Queens Borough from above. The landing was smooth. I arrived at JFK at 04:15 PM. The return travel to Manhattan borough was uncomplicated. After taking the AirTrain to Jamaica, I ordered a one-way ticket to Penn Station on the LIRR. This was a direct express to the station, with no stops in between.

What are your plans for the next five hours in New York City? As I walked outside Penn Station, there was an ice hockey match between the New York Rangers and the Houston Astros at Madison Square Stadium, which is one level above the station. I saw a large audience gathered for the match. Almost everyone wore a Rangers sweatshirt and themed T-shirts. Banners with the New York Rangers emblem were displayed throughout the stadium. Did I consider heading here to see an ice hockey match? Not really, as my thoughts turned to seeing a Broadway musical instead! I turned north and walked up 7th Avenue to the TKTS counter in Times Square to get show tickets. And, as usual, there are a large number of people walking towards the square. Surely, something happens every day at the Times. As you enter the area, you are greeted by a plethora of large electronic advertisements. A big line had developed at the TKTS counter. Obviously, advertisements around the counter will encourage visitors to come see their shows, such as Wicked, Six, Hell’s Kitchen, and so on. I spotted a saleswoman canvassing folks with flyers for the Chicago Broadway show. While standing in the queue, I noticed a South American couple attempting to break it. I calmly warned them not to break it. They were also smoking cigars, which I disliked. The TKTS usher informed them that smoking is not permitted here.

What show did I watch? Remember how I mentioned in Part 1 that I was seeking for discounts on such shows via the TodayTix app? I had Hamilton, the Book of Mormon, and The Lion King in mind. But I eventually landed on the Book of Mormon. I spent $90 for the ticket (a decent value considering I got a seat in the orchestra section). The show starts at 7:00 p.m., and I notified Dad’s classmates that I would be late. I walked to Eugene O’Neill’s Theatre, which is located at 49th Street, about 200 yards from Broadway. Opposite it is the Ambassador Theatre, which is showing the Chicago play. Why did I select the Book of Mormon show? Does it promote Mormonism in any way? No. But, as the BBC Radio commentator explains, “I’ve never laughed so hard; there’s no stopping it”.

After verifying my tickets and passing through airport-style security, I was directed to my seat. I didn’t have a nice time at the Kennedy Center, so let’s see if this one will lift my spirits. I looked to be the only one wearing a dusted-looking, ragged jacket while everyone else was dressed formal. Taking photos or videos is strictly banned. Nonetheless, the usher permitted me to take a few photos of the theatre before the concert began. As I approached the stage, I noticed that it was designed just like the Mormon temple, with a statue of the angel Moroni on top and celestial imagery on the sides of the theatres. (In the LDS Church, God is said to as a human on a planet). The theater had an ancient, elegant design. The old days. Two women sat beside me. The other lady appeared to be obese and attempted to occupy my leg space. As if this weren’t enough, a tall man and his female companion attempted to block my straight view of the show. Because of his height. I had to adapt in order to see the show uninterrupted. On the other side of the theater, there is a bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I was given a playbill including information on other Broadway shows.

The show lasts two hours thirty minutes, with a fifteen-minute intermission. This musical comedy depicts the amusing attempts of two missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are dispatched to Uganda to accomplish their ministry. As they waded through murky waters, they were assisted by Nabulungi, an African girl who was interested in their lessons. She is important in persuading the other villagers to listen to them, much to the chagrin and rage of the local warlord, General Butt Fucking Naked. Elder Price and Cunningham could not get along, thus the former decided to depart. But he has dreams about being sent to Orlando, Florida, where he wants to work, but his conscience keeps him from doing so. When the mission president travels in Uganda to assess the missionaries’ progress, he is horrified to see that Cunningham’s teachings have been twisted, as the locals display their grasp of the scriptures through play. Nabulungi was heartbroken that she would not attain paradise and cursed God for abandoning her. Nonetheless, the locals interpreted Cunningham’s lessons as metaphors rather than actual truths and told the young Nabulungi about them. Finally, the new Ugandan elders evangelize door-to-door with the red-colored “Book of Arnold” (named after Arnold Cunningham, the book appears to be larger than the Book of Mormon).

It was fantastic, and I laughed at numerous scenes. Truly, I appreciated the show. In my opinion, the sheer comedy of blunders is what makes it worth watching. And I appreciated the depiction of door-to-door evangelizing with different elders singing about it together, as well as the last sequence with Ugandan elders doing the same with Arnold’s Book.

It was 10:30 p.m. when I exited the theatre, satisfied with the show. And I needed to eat dinner. I visited the Serafina Time Hotel on 49th Street, which serves Italian cuisine. The restaurant was about to close, but the server kindly accepted me as the final customer of the day. I ordered Tagliere di Salumi for antipasti, orecchiette for pasta, and roasted veggies. I provided a 14% tip for the amazing food. I went back to Penn Station at a much slower pace, took the Princeton Junction NJ Transit ticket, and arrived home at 11:45 p.m. While getting back on the train, I checked my phone for tomorrow’s itinerary. The original idea was to take Metro North or the Subway to the Bronx Zoo, but the incident at Niagara convinced me that it might not be a secure option for a solitary traveler, despite the fact that there is a direct MTA bus to the zoo. Philadelphia was another option that I was really considering. The dude came and grabbed me up. I was too fatigued to tell you anything else.

After brushing my teeth and changing into new clothes, I went to bed at 12:00 a.m.

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