We were often asked Why do you want to go to Buffalo New York State when in the USA so much more to see then an older city. Well in hind sight I could tell a furphie (gentle lie) and say because only for the third time in NHL (National Hockey League USA/Canada) Buffalo was hosting the NHL Draft (swapping and gaining new players for the next season). I could say we wanted to visit the Theatre District to see the 3000 seat Shea's Performing Arts Centre. Which we did from the outside as unfortunately really only opens for a short winter season.
Perhaps then it was to see the art deco buildings and yes we did especially enjoying the 1892 arcade. this arcade was in its time the largest and in Buffalo the first indoor shopping mall. After falling on hard times as did much of Buffalo especially the Theatre District underwent a quick $10m face lift ie a paint job as the building is structurally sound reopened as both a shopping mall and a base for many of the Not For Profit community organisations.
We enjoyed also the ease of travel as we unlike the American ecos were car less! The light rail system was literally outside our hotel door and a station only 80m away and travel was free. We also found a variety of restaurants from TGI Fridays to Pizza close by. TGI Friday's is a chain that serves as a bar but also has seating for a full menu meal. We fond the 1/2 size quite adequate but more importantly offered variety from soups to salads to steaks with a range of deserts after the entree or main meal. We also enjoyed opposite Shea's a sidewalk but with closing windows eatery where staff service was excellent with even the Manager or Owner? coming out to chat and ensure we were satisified with our meal and the service we received- which we were as reflected in a tip larger then the suggested 15%.The Pizza & Pasta place may not have looked much more then a 1960's takeaway and we were the only customers on the Friday night proved a treat. No table service but only a walk up counter ith a long bench for eat in customers. However they quickly cleared the takeaway drivers table and offered us that. The small meals were not small and too much but very delicious and fresh. It was like the other places interesting to sit on the street and watch the parade of humanity pass by. Not many but ranged from hummers (upmarket beggar) to nite club patrons.
Having all these available only added to the enjoyment associated with our real reason for this visitation. That reason was to be amazed aboard America's most monumental boat ride. That ride many of you will know by the trade name- Maid of the Mist. (www.maidofthemist.com)This boat ride has taken millions from Presidents to paupers (sounds good) well average folk since 1846 on a 20 minute journey like no other.A trip that see patrons soaked even if they wear the complimentary souvenir rain ponchos as their boat ploughs pass raging waters until almost disappearing behind a fall of mist so dense photo's become unreadable at close range and one wonders What would happen if the engines failed as they struggle against the torrents of rushing water that means you are one of the lucky few who are at one of the seven winders of the world Niagara Falls!
What are the facts that draw celebrities,royality,movie stars and millions of everyday people from around the world year by year.
Over 24 millions litres of water flow over the falls EVERY SECOND.
Around 20% of all drinking water in the United States flows over the Niagara Falls.
The falls are on average 18 stories tall.
Niagara Falls are really two falls. American Falls are in the United States while Horseshoe Falls are shared with Canada as the two countries border is the centre of the river.
Fish go over the falls regularly and the survival rate (so I read) is 90%. Why experts say the amount of foam at the falls base cushions their fall.
Man & Women have gone over the falls both naturally and in bowels and survived. Many have also tried and not survived!
These trips have operated seasonally April to Early November,every 15 minutes, since 1846 with a stellar safety record.
What do you get for your ticket price $18.25 adults,$10.65 children 6-12. The most obivious is a min 20 minute ride from the nearby docks past the American Falls and right up and amongst the falling water and billowing mist listening to the thundering roar of the water.. Then you gain admission to the observation lookout for that must have no mist photo.
As the photo's show those falls are well worth coming half way around the world to witness in relative safety.