BISONS, SHIPS & NIAGARA FALLS

MONDAY 28 AUGUST - BUFFALO

Today was a nice easy day compared with the rest of my trip. Andrea had to head to work so I relaxed in the morning, watched some American TV and did some laundry. The TV was no better then Australian day time TV which was no surprise!

At lunch time Andrea came home to make sure her visitor was still sane....and then dropped me at the far end of the Marina to ensure I had the furthest distance possible to walk! Thanks A but I suppose I need all the exercise I can get with the US food!

I mosied around the marina and then headed for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park which included a museum and a self-tour on board 2 ships (USS The Sullivans and USS Little Rock) and 1 submarine (USS Croaker). All ships were decommissioned in the 70s and now take pride alongside Buffalo. It was interesting discovering all the nooks and crannies but I must admit there is no way I would want to work and live in such confined spaces! You'd have to get on well with all your crew.

Next was a walk through Buffalo and walking by the HSBC Arena (ice-hockey), City Hall, Niagra Square, Electric Tower and a few other distinct buildings. The subway took me close to Andrea's apartment.

Then it was off to the Baseball again however was a different league to what I saw in San Diego. Andrea scored a bargin from a scalper (although he did try and rip us off). It was the Buffalo Bisons vs the Ottawa Lynx however the highlight of the match was the Conehead (in full costume) who served beers and cheaper then the bar!



SUNDAY 27 AUGUST - NIAGARA FALLS

Sunday was Niagara Falls and I was very excited to say the least! It has always been on my 'TO DO' list and today it was finally going to come to fruition. Yipeee, wahoo, awesome.

I had no idea how close to Niagara Falls Andrea actually lived! If I lived in Buffalo (30 minutes away from the falls) I would be spending every weekend there (well until I got kicked out from stalking the falls).

Prior to the falls I received a brief driving tour (my feet loved the rest) and saw Roswell Park Cancer Institute (A's work), Elmwood Avenue and of course the FedEx Kinkos (poster place for A)!

Then it was express all the way to the Falls.

I discovered the composition of Falls which includes American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Rapids and various islands. The best way to get around the US side was by Trolley ($2 - bargin!).

AMERCIAN FALLS (Bridal Veil Falls closest to camera)



AMERICAN RAPIDS



AMERICAN FALLS AND HORSESHOE FALLS (in the distance)



ANDREA ABOARD THE MAID OF THE MIST



Whilst touring around the falls I realised (in 25 words or less) why Australia is such a dry continent - 'because the US and Canada have and use all the water!!!' I have never seen so much fresh water and the amount tumbling over the falls constantly is just amazing!

ACROSS FOREIGN WATERS

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST - TORONTO - BUFFALO

It was time to leave Toronto however prior to Andrea picking me up at 1pm I was off to China Town for last minute souvenirs and then the Steam Whistle Brewery (which I discovered only opened at 12pm - how dare they!) to sample their rather tasty pilsner. There was even a line up of a whole 4 people when the doors opened.



Andrea pulled into the hire car place across the road from my hostel and waved frantically to get my attention. I thought I'd enjoy the dance for a while before acknowledging my good ol school friend who I havent seen in about 2 years!

Andrea drove us back to the United States and my trip to Canada was all but over....but I will be back one day to discover more of what Canada has to offer! We stopped briefly at Fort Erie, along Lake Erie, which is on the Canadian side. Then it was over the Peace Bridge and through customs (again) and we were asked more questions then when I arrived in LA.




It was no rest for the wicked as an hour or so after arriving in Buffalo it was off to Andrea's 30th birthday celebrations. It was a good ol Aussie pub crawl with Andrea and I doning Aussie tats just for the occasion. The pub crawl took us all to Colter Bay, Gabriel's Gate, Cozumel (my favourite bar as had a great outside area) and Allentown Hardware. After many different American, Candadian and Mexican beers it was onto Jim's Steakout for a Hoagy. Mmm interesting but I wont be exporting them to Australia!



Unfortunately what happens on a pub crawl stays on a pub crawl so you will have to contact Andrea direct for more goss!! :)

FRIDAY 25 AUGUST 2006 - TORONTO

I awoke to a rather gloomy day...grey skies and showers but I wasn't planning on staying indoors so I doned warmer clothes and my travel umbrella (yes another thing in my luggage I have used)!

I caught a streetcar to CNE (Exhibition Centre) which was currently having an 18 day exhibition with rides, food stalls and displays. After peering in I forewent the opportunity and headed to Ontario Place by foot. Not knowing exactly what to expect I discovered it was actually an amusement park for small kids!! Not today thanks.


After a breakfast bagel I was off and away again by streetcars to The Beaches which is an area several kilometres east of the city centre. The area reminded me a lot like Brompton but by the beaches of Lake Ontario and what a massive lake it is!

I walked the boardwalk, looked at the local houses, wandered across Kew Gardens, observed a massive beach volleyball competition, bumped into my first few squirrels of the trip and took plenty of photos.


Then at 4pm it was off to Toronto Island by ferry (10 minute ride). Toronto Island is an island approximately 6 kilometres long and is much like Granite Island however has an abundance of activities (most of which were shut due to the weather) including bike riding, canoeing, 'optional clothing' beach, amusement park, maze and tracks. A number of people live on the western end of the island which appears to be secluded and their only modes of transports are feet, bike and ferry.



The last site if the day was the CN Tower - apparently the world's tallest building (at 553.3m). The construction of the CN Tower (actually a television and radio transmitter) began in 1973 and only has a 6m deep footing. The majority of the tower was constructed by hydraulic jacks, slip form and sky cranes. It was completed on 2 April 1975 (fatality free) when the final piece of the antenna was installed. It was open to the public on 26 June 1976.


I visited the look out level (346m), sky pod (447m), glass floor (342m) and enjoyed both the 360 o views around the tower and the ground straight down. The Rogers (sport) centre was next door however had a enclosed roof (wonder if that was on purpose)! Although I enjoyed the views, marvelled at the engineering and took many photos I must comment on the lack of maps, signing and helpful guides in the tower. It rates very poorly for customer service but I guess the structure itself will continue to bring hoards of tourists.

TRAVELLING TO TORONTO

THURSDAY 24 AUGUST - TORONTO

I awoke from the sound of my alarm at 9am after a very NOISY night. My room overlooked two main streets and I heard street cars (trams) until 2am every 15 minutes, sirens, people etc etc. But all part of the experience!!! :)

I met my assigned volunteer, Ed, from the Toronto Ambassador Program (TAP) at 10am in the foyer of the hostel. Ed had a personal half day tour planned so that he could show me the not so common sights of Toronto. Apparently Adelaide has a similar volunteer program which I may look into when I return. In fact there are several things about Toronto that are similar to Adelaide...but more on that later.


First it was north to Chinatown which was very cheap for souvenirs, fruit and vege. Then it was onto a small cafe, Kensington, for breakfast and a chat about Toronto. I tried a Boureka (looked like a sqaushed horseshoe which was filled with feta and spinach).

The walking tour then progressed to Baldwin Street filled with Cafe's from Indian to Italian to Thai, past the Ontario Art and Design School which had been built in the 90s and was very different with black and white tiles and multi coloured 'pick up sticks' like columns, City TV building with a car protruding from the side (purposely) and Much Music (simlar to MTV).


A short walk later and it was onto Old City Hall which looked much better then the New City Hall (which was actually built in 1967), Nathin Phillips Square (which had food stalls including a dozen hotdog vendors, music and a large pond which apparently freezes in the winter months and is used for ice skating -no thank you- and is also a prime location for New Years Eve), Dundas Square (tad like Piccadilly Circus), Canon Theatre, Bloor St/Yorkville (which is the Rodeo Drive area of Toronto and usually is the area for the Toronto Film Festival), park area on Cumberland (which even had a mini Ayers Rock - a rock which had been transported from north Ontario for kids to play on)!




I was also privileged enough to see Toronto's version of 'Johnny' complete with 3/4 pants, jocks pulled up, no shirt, santa claus hat and complete with a boom box. He decided to park his ass outside Sassafras (nice dining place) and put on a show.

After riding the subway it was farewell to Ed and experiencing Toronto myself. I purchased a seat to Monty Python's 'Spamalot' from the Canon Theatre for tonight. A full price ticket is $95 however I managed to score myself a 'bar stool' right at the back for only $26. I stil could see and the play and ended up sitting next to a very friendly couple, Lola and Solo, who were amazed I'd discovered the 'cheap' tickets after only being in town for less then 24 hours!

The show was about King Arthur and the Knights (of the round table) who were asked by God to go in search of the holy grail. It was definitely Monty Python humour hence was a good laugh and half.



WEDNESDAY 23 AUGUST - SAN DIEGO - CHICAGO - TORONTO

It was one of those dreaded early rises - 5.00am but woke at 4.45am. Packed and ready to go I headed out to wait for my 5.40am pre-booked shuttle to the San Diego airport. Mmmm. It was 5.50am and I was wondering where it was as I know the US are strict on check in times. After another 5 minutes I phoned Cloud 9 shuttle and apparently the shuttle had already been. Hmmmm I dont think so!!!

Anyway after a short moment of panic I was picked up in a private shuttle and got to the airport in enough time. As I flew with Qantas they let me over the 50 lb limit otherwise it would have been $25!

The flight to Chicago (3.5 hours) went fairly quickly as dozed, chatted to a Chichago lad, Jason, about the US and Australia and listened to my ipod. Lucky I could amuse myself as American Airlines within the US is very similar to Virgin Airlines but without the eye candy for the guys!

I asked Jason what state the Chicago was in and was given an 'are you for real look.' He finally told me Illinois after which I asked him if he knew the States/Territories and Capitals of Australia since we only have 8 states in lieu of the US's 50!! Jason's listing of Australian states began with Perth.... I need not say anymore! Jason was also curious as to Great White Sharks (and associated deaths) and the movie 'Wolf Creek.' Our country does have such a good reputation! :)

Three hours at the Chicago airport was stimulating with an overpriced internet kiosk, more food (this time disgusting) and a long long walk from terminal to terminal. In the US there is a great respect for the armed services and they get into most places for free - complimentary lounge service at the airport, free admission into Seaworld etc. Prior to the show in Seaworld all marines or, family of, were asked to stand so the crowd could applaude. Just a totally different world and values I guess.

The flight to Toronto was brief (1 hour) and arrived into a drizzly city but was still fairly warm. The day had flown by the time I caught the shuttle to the Global Village Backpackers as had lost 3 hours from change in time zones.

My room was on the third floor (have an awesome view of the CN Tower) and luckily a young lad was nice enough to offer to assist with my luggage. I went for a quick wander and then retired for the evening.



TUESDAY 22 AUGUST - SAN DIEGO (LAST DAY)

Happy Birthday to Andrea - you are now officially old (dirty 30s) and apparently can be described as wise and mature??!! Well we will see when I catch up with you on Saturday!! :) I will report back on this subject in a week or two!

Today was the first day I had a major rest and it was well earned. I awoke at 7am feeling a little worse for wear but got up for an hour or so. Then it was back to bed for a snooze but still didnt really help me.

At 11am JJG and I were ready to head out...both feeling a little sorry for ourselves so we skipped the big American Meal and just did a bit of essential shopping. Then it was an afternoon of packing for both of us. Me - as heading to Toronto tomorrow and JJG - as heading to Australia tonight to sort out his visa for his new job after his last job wasnt quite what had been promised.

JJG left at 6pm whilst I headed out with Juliet to Pacific Beach to the PB Bar & Grill for Tuesday Taco night which meant cheap mexican including magharitas. Tacos in the US are not just 'Beef' either ...they range from shredded beef, minced beef, chicken to fish (not game enough to try this one) and all with different flavours and additions.

Then it was home to chill out and chat with Marissa (JJG's housemate) about the adventures that lay ahead for me in NY.

I must say a big THANK YOU to JJG for his hospitality. He was a fantastic tour guide, chaffeur, photographer, food critic, concierge and friend! Thanks again and hopefully one day I can repay the favour. In the mean time I will be putting your services on e-bay :)

WHALES AND PITCHERS

MONDAY 21 AUGUST - SAN DIEGO

JJG decided to get me back for the early morning on Saturday and made sure I was up and at em at 8am. It was time for more big US food - this time at Hashes, a quaint cafe style place. I decided to indulge in a Hash which was turkey mince, bacon, cheese, fried potatoes all mixed in together with a biscuit (scone/rockcake), 2 eggs and a piece of watermelon plus of course a huge fresh OJ. Needless to say there was no way I could eat my way through that but what I did eat was very yummy. More success in the food department.

It was then time to head to Seaworld San Diego. It was a fine day again which was a relief as I had heard all about the 'Soak Zones.'


On entering the park it was straight to the famous Sharmu 'Believe' show (Sharmu being a killer whale) which was rather impressive even after getting majorly splashed (and we were in the 10th row but obvioulsy still in the Soak Zone)! Then it was onto the Raft ride which drenched us even more and JJG literally looked like he had just stepped out of the shower. We decided on the trifecta and went on the Journey to Atlantis ride. JJG had indicated we would get wet but only on our sides.... mmmmm. Yeah right! We sat at the front and as we came hurtling down the track into the water ......whooooosh......mega wave and we were covered all down our shorts. No more water I thought....but was I wrong. Whoosh ...another wave at the end saw us completely saturated. We would have been less wet if our clothes had been washed and spun dried! All part of the experience I was told :)


More rides (cable cars/tower ride) and more shows (pet show with trained dogs, cats, pigs and birds + dolphin show) made the day complete but I was told the day wasnt over yet!


An american style bbq at home was dinner which was nice as was a typical Australian serving rather then a mega American serving which would literally feed 2-3 people.

Next it was on to the baseball at Petco Park with JJG and Juliet. It was a great night with San Diego Padres beating LA Dodgers 4-2. I also experienced 'The 7th Innings Stretch.' A time when the whole ground rises to there feets and sings, karaoke style,'Take Me Out To The Ball Game.' Apparently a tradition around the US. After the game JJG shouted us a ride in a 3 wheeler bike that some poor guy rode around trying to earn a leaving but at $10pp minimum he wasnt doing too bad. Three blocks later we arrived at the 'Field' Irish pub and had a few pints of Irish/English beer...just like what we get in Irish pubs in Oz.


After an unusual request from a guy to swap shirts (he wanted my Superman shirt as had worked on the film) we headed to Henrys for a few more drinks. The music was pretty good and I was aksed for the third time if I was a New Zealander! Im yet to find out why people assume we're NZ in lieu of Aussies! Anyway I still have plenty of time for that.


I also learnt to speak American - 'Whatever'. My new favourite word. AND remember to accentuate your rrrrrrr's! Its rrrroooooom, harrrrrrrd etc.

TRACIE HAS LANDED

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST - SAN DIEGO

A sleep in until 10.30am was enjoyed by all and then it was time to hit Hamburger Marys. A trendy bar/eatery in town. There was a 30 minute wait for a table but well worth it for the experience and what an experience it was.

I ordered a hamburger and fruit (needed some fresh food) whilst JJG went the whole hog and ordered the two ton burger. Both burgers were huge once again and the soft drink was also bottomless again. I could certainly get used to the latter but I just cant handle the huge serves!

Half way through lunch two people who worked there were mucking around and BANG SPLASH - I ended up covered it champagne. In the end I was rather damp, sweet smelling and full and the meal only cost us $4 for our drinks.

Next I was given a JJG special driving tour of San Diego and saw the CBD, Coronando (including prestigous hotel - to stay on my next holiday!), docked naval ship and was quite impressed by the cleaniness and layout of the city.





At 4.30pm we ended up taking a $50 cab ride to the Mexican border and entered Mexico on foot without too many dramas. Once across it was whole OTHER world. The next five hours were spent walking around the two main streets and market stalls, haggling, ignoring requests from little kids for money, eating tacos and drinking $1 Coronas! JJG had the interesting experience of the bar person pouring 2 Tequila shots down his throat without much choice but from my side of the table was great to watch.





A $5 taxi ride took us back to border and also meant that after all the shopping, eating and drinking JJG and I had only 1 penny to our names between us. Lucky we didnt have to pay any bribes! A passport check followed with a number of Mexicans being marched back across the border. McDonalds was used as a bathroom stop but cost a quarter for the privilege since I think the majority of people had the same idea.





Another taxi ride took us home and it was time for more well deserved zzzzzs.


SATURDAY 19 AUGUST - LA/SAN DIEGO

I again bounded out of bed, but this time at 6.45am after a decent sleep and didnt feel too jet lagged. JJG was woken at this obscene time too (by a excited Tracie) so we were able to head to Hollywood early! We drive down Rodeo Drive, Wiltshire Bvd, Sunset Bvd, and downtown Hollywood without too much vehicular or pedestrian traffic.



In Hollywood I was able to experience the Walk of Fame, photo with (a smelly) Elmo (but it was hot and he was wearing a woolly suit), Graumann's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood sign and the general feel of the streets.





Next it was down south to San Diego via the 405, 605 and 5 freeways which were also an experience. Lets just say I was very happy I didnt have to drive!

We stopped at San Juan Capistrano for lunch at El Maguey a nice little mexican food place with very yummy food and more bottomless softdrink. I even got to see my first Red Light Camera - a stumpy little thing.

The arrival into San Diego was 5 hours after we left LA although it was only 120 miles due to the traffic!

Saturday night headed out the the Beaches on the west of San Diego. Did a mini pub crawl and took in Alibi (local pub), Longboards, Tiki, Bubs and PB Bar & Grill. Most had a cover charge but most also had a great atmosphere and fairly reasonable beers. (Note to self - do not leave your ALL change on the bar for any longer then 3 seconds or it will ALL be taken by the bar tender as a tip).



The night finished with an American style hotdog and taxi ride back to North Park for sleep...zzzzz.

FRIDAY 18 AUGUST - ADELAIDE - BRISBANE - LA

After only 3 hours sleep I bounded out of bed at 3.45am, a whole 15 minutes before my alarm was set to go off ready to go on this long awaited trip. Mike arrived at my house at 4.30am to lug me and my GIANT luggage (lots of room for cheesy souvenirs)to the Adelaide Airport. A domestic flight took me to Brisbane before a 2 hour rest before boarding, or trying to board, the LA bound flight. I had to hop, skip and jump my way before being permitted any where near the departure gate. The security guards decided to thoroughly check bags, x-ray shoes and frisk search all of us! What a lovely experience....pat pat.

The flight was an average flight with lots of food, drink and also entertainment via the 'Q in flight' entertainment which was ok as got to watch some recent films between a few snoozes. I sat next to a 12 & 13 year old who were from the US (over in Florida) so was able to start learning the twang from them.

I arrived in LA at 6.50am! A tad weary and ready for bed...but unfortunately customs and my hotel had other ideas. Customs werent too bad as I decided to turn things around and ask them lots of questions.... So they ended up letting me through with a stamp/visa in my passport and a 30 minute wait for my luggage.....ahhh.

A couple of bus trips (blue buses...thanks Mark) and only $1 saw me to my hotel. I stashed my luggage at the hotel before heading back to Santa Monica. I lapped up the nice weather at the beach, pier and down town before my friend JJG picked me up near the Boulevard near a bunch of homeless people. (All part of the experience)!



The afternoon saw lunch at Carls Jr with mega burgers and mega drinks! Followed by shopping in the promenade (Urban Outfitters as seen on Getaway) and drinks at the Ye Ol English pub.



Next we wandered down to the Santa Monica pier. After a ride on the ferris wheel it was time for more food (Im already experiencing so much of the American way of life). Bubba Gumps was overflowing with people so it was a dinner at the end of the pier instead. After a large dinner, with way too many onion rings and a massive margharita, I ended up in bed at 11pm with only 5 hours sleep in the previous 48 hours.



P.S My white white arms were shocked by the sun and already have a nice pink glow.

PRE-TAKE OFF (10...9...8...7...6...5...4)

Roll up roll up! Read all about! Yes, that's right, its only 4 sleeps to go! (Not that Ive been counting or anything!) Well it has been an eventful few months since my first entry and let's just say Im glad the day for take off is near. I've had enough of researching, bookings and the anticipation. It's time to zip up thy bag and head to the US (n.b no creams, gels and liquids in my hand luggage). Hopefully Im still allowed to take some hand luggage after the scare in the UK last Thursday. Im hoping a bag, book and music are not out of the question... or Im going to be relying on the entertainment on board - whether that be animal, vegetable or mineral!

Over the last two weeks Ive taken sick and lost my voice (hooray was the response of the majority of my lovely friends!) but Im on the mend and hoping for a 100% bill of health by 4am Friday when I rise/stumble/fall out of bed to head to the Adelaide airport. No Coopers for me at 6am at the airport's Coopers Alehouse but maybe on my return I wont be able to resist the calling of a Lager or a Pale after an absence of 5 + weeks.

German Club warm up: