Niagara Falls Trip 2009

What an exhausting, at least productive trip! Besides the taxes (about 15-17% vs. 6%), Niagara Falls was a great place to visit during your memorial day vacation for a couple of reasons. First of all, due to the fact that the weekend before was a canadian holiday, it wasn't as crowded as i expected it to be. In addition, niagara falls can be seen and enjoyed in about 4-5days, after that there is really not much to do in niagara falls. One of the things that really impressed my about CA would be the people with their sincere personalities and hospitality. I experienced this first hand when a server at "Ceasar's Pizza" (pizza hut equivalant) offered to change my pizza because he didnt feel that it was "fresh" enough, who knows maybe it fell before i got there but i still felt that was nice of them. OK let start from the beginning. On DAY 1, i was soo exhausted from the flight and a hard week at work that i collapsed on my comfy bed once i entered the room at the Marriott Courtyard, which by the way is a pretty elegant hotel highly recommended (with one exception the hotel window view). After i re-energized, i went downstairs to the have dinner at "The Keg Steakhouse" where i had a romantic and satisfying meal. Afterwards, i went on a stroll on Clinton Hill (2 blocks away), where you will find all the haunted houses, mini golf, ice-cream, and entertainment. Aroung 12am, my boyfriend and I decided to get rest and get ready for the following day. DAY 2, i purchased the adventure pass ($40 CAD) and head towards the Maid of Mist. Amazing experience! After being provided with cool blue ponchos, they took us on a boat for our one on one with the falls. Then, we jumped on the people mover bus that took us to the "White Water Walk". Basically, its a walk way along the raging waters which are classified as a level 5 (most dangerous rapids). Pretty cool. Afterwards, we went to the 4D movie and journey behind the falls. Journey behind the falls was nice, 4D movie NOT. the movie wasnt horrible, i just found it way too short. That was pretty much the end of DAY2. On DAY3, i decided that i wanted to see the whales so we went to Marineland. I loved it! The animal shows that they had were great, as well as the one rollercoaster, free-fall ride, and animal feedings. After i overslept 3 hours, we rushed to the skylon tower to see the illuminated falls that were shown in all colors, truely beautiful. That night, we played mini-golf at the oldest dinosaur mini-golf place ever. lol.. it had 19 holes but.. everything i felt was falling apart and it was NOT as cool as we thought but we managed to have a good time anyways. Day 4 we woke up gloomy realizing that the short vaca was almost over. After breakfast at this buffet around the area, we took the people mover bus to the butterfly conservatory. The botanical garden look-a-like park at this location was really tranquil and had a gorgeous horse carriage. As we entered the butterfly dome, we watched a video on the history and safety of the butterflies. 7minutes later, we walked into the netted area and witnessed 100s of butterflies of all different size and color fluttering all around us. After the walkthrough, we took the peoplemover bus to the whirlpool. I arrive there expecting to see a cool swirly looking thing and then see NOTHING! Almost literally, you stand over this balcony and all you see is a lake. NO SWIRLY!..lol.. 1 min. later, we jump back on the bus and eat lunch at the Terrapin Grille in the Marriott Fallsview hotel, which had an awesome view and good food. Then, we marched back to hotel and into the cab back to the airport and that was the end of it. Overall, i enjoyed the trip. I would have liked to visit niagara-on-the-lake and see the floral clock and the wine-tastings but that is something that i will have to save for the next trip. In addition, while i was on the bus we passed the bed-and-breakfast houses that were lined up one right after the other and looked really accomidating to sleep over and be pampered. That concludes my trip to Niagara Falls, CA.. stay tuned for my next adventure to Spain... chao