As we had chosen to set off early from Chicago, our breakfast consisted of half a packet of fig biscuits which were eaten by the time the bus started to leave the Chicago Metropolis. It was only a short trip of two hours to Milwaukee. We didn't know what to expect and so our expectations were not too dampened when we realised it was a very quiet and lifeless city. With no cultural sights to take in we headed for cover from the wind and cold to a shopping centre, which for a Saturday was like a ghost town. We indulged ourselves in a shared lunch of roast beef sub and endless cups of coffee. The coffee took its toll on my husband and he left me to pay a visit. Fifteen minutes later and we were both searching for each other in vain - my husband believing I had been abducted, kidnapped or escorted off the premises for speaking a foreign language?! Just when we had both panicked ourselves into a frenzy, I bounded toward my husband shouting his name and we collapsed together hugging and laughing, relieved that we had found each other.
We explored the remainder of the centre before boarding another bus at 5:15pm, to return to Chicago. From the Greyhound station, laughing hysterically, we sprinted through the streets trying to keep warm to the bus stop where we could catch our bus back to Lincoln Park.
Once the local bus came, we jumped on ready to head north. It was the night before Halloween and people were already celebrating..so many people dressed up heading to parties. Two partygoers boarded the bus in very odd outfits. The driver didn't batter an eyelid. Within seconds of them sitting down, a rather intoxicated man headed towards them. His opening comment, 'Can I ask you, what the hell are you supposed to be?!' Everyone on the bus started laughing, as the guy turned to us to ask if we knew. We didn't. The game of guessing had started. My husband thought the man was dressed as a condom and the woman was dressed as a tampon - wrong!! It was a guy opposite who guessed right - a cotton bud and ear, complete with ear wax and hair! The comments came thick and fast and the couple took it all, loving the attention. The drunk man was also centre stage with comments like 'who came up with that idea, not that it's wierd or anything', and 'if my queue tip (cotton bud) looked like her, I wouldn't have any wax!' We continued to wet ourselves (not literally)! Another passenger who joined later looked quizically at them for a long time before making his move - the familiar phrase 'can I ask...what are you?' The ear man replied with a deadpan expression, 'I can't hear you!' So he repeated the question. The same reply came back. He gave up asking the ear man and asked his partner, 'what is he?' She replied, 'he can't hear you'. The penny finally dropped and the man shuffled away from them looking even more confused. We on the otherhand, continued to laugh, our ribs now aching! Our stop came too soon, we didn't want to get off the bus!
It had been the best laugh of the trip so far. Such an unlikely place with unlikely characters (appearing quite intimidating initially) had ended up being very sociable, lively and entertaining!
The next morning, with melon in one hand, and cheese and sour cream pittas in the other, we followed directions to the library. It was closed - of course, it was a Sunday and Halloween. We headed to the University to use their facilities but not being members we were turned away, so headed to a local internet cafe. It was a race against time to download photographs onto a CD so that we could send it home, by post, so that it could be checked and saved so that our camera memory stick could be cleared of photographs. Out on the street, we argued about my husband not helping and me charging ahead racing against the clock due to the few cent we had spent on the internet. We walked towards Lincoln Park, still arguing - the area was beautiful - filled with yachts and speed boats in the harbour, green parkland and views of downtown including Sears Tower, the John Hancock Observatory and Navy Pier. We were enjoying the sun but not talking, this was probably the first real argument we had had, since setting off on our travels 28 days prior. It was a minor thing blown out of proportion by our tiredness and exasperation. Being two business people who live a good life in a lovely house surrounded by lovely people, it has been a difficult and trying time. Our adventures and the sights we have seen will remain with us forever, but so will the hardship - the constant worry about money, the want for things knowing we can't afford them, the dirt, and strangely the fear of the unknown. Wandering along the side of the lake, we were so cold, all the argument in us disappeared, and we just hugged together to keep warm and safe.
Our food that night should have been a treat, but with limited cooking utensils, it didn't come out as expected - at least we could eat slightly better than a guy who arrived in the lounge with a cereal box and some milk - a student from the local university staying at the hostel for cheap digs. Back in our room, after watching one too many scary Halloween films, and visiting the bathroom at break neck speed, we emptied and repacked our backpacks - it's no good reading a book about people planting drugs on each other whilst travelling, you become very suspicious!
Tomorrow, is a new day and a journey to Seattle.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
visited Chicago
The sights of Chicago were very familiar to me, having lived here during a Summer at University, selling aerial photographs door to door.
I was actually surprised how close the Greyhound station was to Sears Tower but the Customer Service lady who told us the hostel was close to the station was surely lying - by the time we reached there our backs and feet were killing. The hostel come college was clean, spacious, if a little studenty. Our room was ready, but not having had the chance to check the price with the Niagra hostel we nearly keeled over on having to pay US$90! So a bit less money in the bank, a couple of mild heart attacks, and we collapsed on the bed amidst leaflets of the area and promptly fell asleep for a few hours absolutely exhausted.
Waking, we showered and made our way to the local Tourist Information centre to find some cheaper accommodation. Twenty minutes later a sprightly woman had booked us into another hostel a short bus ride away. Convinced we could still get a better deal, we trooped to the Greyhound again to discuss where to stay, what to do, and whether to stay or move onto Milwaukee. Reading this your probably wondering why we contemplate money so much, but being on such a limited budget and only on day 24 of a very long round the world trip, we needed to be careful. Eventually after another phone call to the same hostel and a negotiated reduction in price, we decided we'd stay in Chicago. By this stage, we'd spent hours walking and discussing, and both with headaches we headed back to the hostel to collapse, for me, with a mild migraine - cursing the light and the noise from the incessant hammering as people worked on the hostel.
Chicago at that stage, to me, wasn't the Chicago I'd come to love. We were staying in a student neighbourhood away from the tourist area, and although everything was easily within walking distance, we were amongst the locals, trying desperately not to look like tourists.
We walked down to Madison Avenue and saw the Art Gallery, the Wrigley Building, Millenium Park with the most amazing arena lit up and intriguing sculptures. This was the Chicago I knew and loved. It was late, but the streets were still a hive of activity. We had to stop ourselves from walking too far and reducing our feet to bare bones. The night had made the day forgettable, and to top it off we saw the most beautiful eclipse of the moon. We weren't sure if we were imagining it at first as neither of us had ever seen an eclipse quite like it. This was the highlight of the day, and really served to put the ups and downs into perspective. A good night sleep was due, as the city awaited our adventures the next day.
Our backpacks ready for the onward journey to the hostel in Lincoln Park, we headed eastbound for two blocks towards Michigan Avenue, then north to the magnificent mile where we picked up signs for our first destination Navy Pier. I recalled Navy Pier on a hot summer's day with families enjoying the activities and entertainment - this time, it wasn't quite like that - the weather was not sunny and everywhere looked a little grey. We did visit an interesting museum in the centre of the pier with a huge collection of stained glass depictions collected by the people of Chicago over the years. The conservatory filled with giant plants and mesmerising fountains was also worth a visit.
Onwards to the blustery magnificent mile, we visited Marshall Fields, the second largest Department store in the world; Saks on 5th Avenue, located on 8 floors and very expensive to two travellers; and Bloomingdales, a department store and shopping centre. This area of Chicago is stylish, bustling and happening! We promised ourselves, that like New York, we would return to Chicago one day adjorned with money and a desire to spend it!!
Our visit to the Cheesecake Factory finally stopped us in our tracks, a willy wonka style outlet with more goodies than you can shake a stick at.
Later, we hailed the number 22 bus to Lincoln Park, the driver interested in where we were going carrying our heavy loads, and wanting to chat to us about the nature of Halloween in Chicago's society. Our ride, seemingly a short one, took us to the trendy area of Lincoln Park, which reminded my husband of East Didsbury in Manchester, England. An area where student meets professional, a heady mix of restaurants, bars and shops. It looked promising! We said our goodbyes to the driver, then crossed the road to check directions to the hostel with the owner of an ice cream parlour, who immediately told us we were miles away from our intended destination. Thankfully, a minor misunderstanding - it was just around the corner from his shop!
Arlington House International hostel seemed quite nice on first inspection - an old Victorian style building typical of those in the neighbourhood. With our key in hand we headed into our private room, to be greeted by two single beds. Now you may be thinking, well that's fine, but a trip of so far 25 days, and plenty of bunk beds, we really wanted to find a private double room with a double bed. After all, we were newly married - I'm not sure I mentioned that earlier in my blog. Surely this travelling malarky would be a test to any marriage let alone a new one!
My husband returned to reception to ask for a change of room to be given two new sets of keys - but the receptionist had mis-read his calendar and the poor people we walked in on were surely not too happy!! Two more keys later, this time no guests were present, but the shocking state of the rooms made us cringe in disgust. Maybe we were asking for too much - a private room with a double bed and a floor you could walk across without feeling you were going to contract some deadly disease from the infestations in the carpet. Needless to say we settled on our original room - thank you Arlington House - you marriage wreckers!!!
It was only when we had to navigate around the long corridors to find the toilets did we realise the building reminded us of somewhere - the hotel in The Shining, the place where Jack Nicholson goes mad! It was as spooky as that - long dark corridors dimly lit and empty. No signs of life in the living quarters only freaky looking people (sorry to anyone we may have offended) in the communal areas. The bathroom was even worse - deftly silent, eerie, brightly lit, horror movie shower curtains, swing door cubicles with no locks and a giant mirror that you were convinced you were going to see a person behind you wielding an axe! We almost sprinted back to our room, relieved to have made it...and ready to...sleep tight!!!
The next morning, a fresh start, we realised we were in quite a vibrant and classy area. Everyone was busy - going to work, shopping or eating. Even the roadworks and the massive craters in the road were fascinating - later we found a car had driven down one of them - not so clever!
The temperature was tropical, after a night full of storms. It cast our minds back to Singapore and the heat that had hit us as we walked out of the air conditioned hotel into the street. We bought food and went back to the hostel to prepare a meal, but walking into a smoky environment of the lounge come dining room with filthy chairs, I couldn't bring myself to eat in there, so my husband ate in the kitchen and I stood out in the street, although by then all thoughts of eating were not that appealing.
Later that day, we spent a good couple of hours in TJ Maxx looking for shoes and trousers. I must have tried on at least 50 pairs until finally I worked out which shoe size I was, so that I could buy a pair of trainers, and my husband a pair of trousers. Pleased with our purchases which would see us through more weeks of our trip, we decided to explore more of the area. We wandered down each of the streets in all directions, and there were a lot, taking in all of the sights especially a pub with a pitcher and free nachos for US$6..but we were really good,,and walked on past!
Once we'd seen the sights, we rounded a corner and needing to eat and not fancying the idea of eating in the hostel, a sign for a double cheeseburger for US$1 from McDonalds, was the answer!
Back at the hostel, we ventured into the dining room but seeing more strange characters, we returned to the safety of our room - watching this way and that with eyes wide open - perhaps it's because it is Halloween that we are so spooked or maybe it's this hostel. Needless to say tomorrow we were set to journey from Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I was actually surprised how close the Greyhound station was to Sears Tower but the Customer Service lady who told us the hostel was close to the station was surely lying - by the time we reached there our backs and feet were killing. The hostel come college was clean, spacious, if a little studenty. Our room was ready, but not having had the chance to check the price with the Niagra hostel we nearly keeled over on having to pay US$90! So a bit less money in the bank, a couple of mild heart attacks, and we collapsed on the bed amidst leaflets of the area and promptly fell asleep for a few hours absolutely exhausted.
Waking, we showered and made our way to the local Tourist Information centre to find some cheaper accommodation. Twenty minutes later a sprightly woman had booked us into another hostel a short bus ride away. Convinced we could still get a better deal, we trooped to the Greyhound again to discuss where to stay, what to do, and whether to stay or move onto Milwaukee. Reading this your probably wondering why we contemplate money so much, but being on such a limited budget and only on day 24 of a very long round the world trip, we needed to be careful. Eventually after another phone call to the same hostel and a negotiated reduction in price, we decided we'd stay in Chicago. By this stage, we'd spent hours walking and discussing, and both with headaches we headed back to the hostel to collapse, for me, with a mild migraine - cursing the light and the noise from the incessant hammering as people worked on the hostel.
Chicago at that stage, to me, wasn't the Chicago I'd come to love. We were staying in a student neighbourhood away from the tourist area, and although everything was easily within walking distance, we were amongst the locals, trying desperately not to look like tourists.
We walked down to Madison Avenue and saw the Art Gallery, the Wrigley Building, Millenium Park with the most amazing arena lit up and intriguing sculptures. This was the Chicago I knew and loved. It was late, but the streets were still a hive of activity. We had to stop ourselves from walking too far and reducing our feet to bare bones. The night had made the day forgettable, and to top it off we saw the most beautiful eclipse of the moon. We weren't sure if we were imagining it at first as neither of us had ever seen an eclipse quite like it. This was the highlight of the day, and really served to put the ups and downs into perspective. A good night sleep was due, as the city awaited our adventures the next day.
Our backpacks ready for the onward journey to the hostel in Lincoln Park, we headed eastbound for two blocks towards Michigan Avenue, then north to the magnificent mile where we picked up signs for our first destination Navy Pier. I recalled Navy Pier on a hot summer's day with families enjoying the activities and entertainment - this time, it wasn't quite like that - the weather was not sunny and everywhere looked a little grey. We did visit an interesting museum in the centre of the pier with a huge collection of stained glass depictions collected by the people of Chicago over the years. The conservatory filled with giant plants and mesmerising fountains was also worth a visit.
Onwards to the blustery magnificent mile, we visited Marshall Fields, the second largest Department store in the world; Saks on 5th Avenue, located on 8 floors and very expensive to two travellers; and Bloomingdales, a department store and shopping centre. This area of Chicago is stylish, bustling and happening! We promised ourselves, that like New York, we would return to Chicago one day adjorned with money and a desire to spend it!!
Our visit to the Cheesecake Factory finally stopped us in our tracks, a willy wonka style outlet with more goodies than you can shake a stick at.
Later, we hailed the number 22 bus to Lincoln Park, the driver interested in where we were going carrying our heavy loads, and wanting to chat to us about the nature of Halloween in Chicago's society. Our ride, seemingly a short one, took us to the trendy area of Lincoln Park, which reminded my husband of East Didsbury in Manchester, England. An area where student meets professional, a heady mix of restaurants, bars and shops. It looked promising! We said our goodbyes to the driver, then crossed the road to check directions to the hostel with the owner of an ice cream parlour, who immediately told us we were miles away from our intended destination. Thankfully, a minor misunderstanding - it was just around the corner from his shop!
Arlington House International hostel seemed quite nice on first inspection - an old Victorian style building typical of those in the neighbourhood. With our key in hand we headed into our private room, to be greeted by two single beds. Now you may be thinking, well that's fine, but a trip of so far 25 days, and plenty of bunk beds, we really wanted to find a private double room with a double bed. After all, we were newly married - I'm not sure I mentioned that earlier in my blog. Surely this travelling malarky would be a test to any marriage let alone a new one!
My husband returned to reception to ask for a change of room to be given two new sets of keys - but the receptionist had mis-read his calendar and the poor people we walked in on were surely not too happy!! Two more keys later, this time no guests were present, but the shocking state of the rooms made us cringe in disgust. Maybe we were asking for too much - a private room with a double bed and a floor you could walk across without feeling you were going to contract some deadly disease from the infestations in the carpet. Needless to say we settled on our original room - thank you Arlington House - you marriage wreckers!!!
It was only when we had to navigate around the long corridors to find the toilets did we realise the building reminded us of somewhere - the hotel in The Shining, the place where Jack Nicholson goes mad! It was as spooky as that - long dark corridors dimly lit and empty. No signs of life in the living quarters only freaky looking people (sorry to anyone we may have offended) in the communal areas. The bathroom was even worse - deftly silent, eerie, brightly lit, horror movie shower curtains, swing door cubicles with no locks and a giant mirror that you were convinced you were going to see a person behind you wielding an axe! We almost sprinted back to our room, relieved to have made it...and ready to...sleep tight!!!
The next morning, a fresh start, we realised we were in quite a vibrant and classy area. Everyone was busy - going to work, shopping or eating. Even the roadworks and the massive craters in the road were fascinating - later we found a car had driven down one of them - not so clever!
The temperature was tropical, after a night full of storms. It cast our minds back to Singapore and the heat that had hit us as we walked out of the air conditioned hotel into the street. We bought food and went back to the hostel to prepare a meal, but walking into a smoky environment of the lounge come dining room with filthy chairs, I couldn't bring myself to eat in there, so my husband ate in the kitchen and I stood out in the street, although by then all thoughts of eating were not that appealing.
Later that day, we spent a good couple of hours in TJ Maxx looking for shoes and trousers. I must have tried on at least 50 pairs until finally I worked out which shoe size I was, so that I could buy a pair of trainers, and my husband a pair of trousers. Pleased with our purchases which would see us through more weeks of our trip, we decided to explore more of the area. We wandered down each of the streets in all directions, and there were a lot, taking in all of the sights especially a pub with a pitcher and free nachos for US$6..but we were really good,,and walked on past!
Once we'd seen the sights, we rounded a corner and needing to eat and not fancying the idea of eating in the hostel, a sign for a double cheeseburger for US$1 from McDonalds, was the answer!
Back at the hostel, we ventured into the dining room but seeing more strange characters, we returned to the safety of our room - watching this way and that with eyes wide open - perhaps it's because it is Halloween that we are so spooked or maybe it's this hostel. Needless to say tomorrow we were set to journey from Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Monday, 24 June 2013
visited Niagra Falls
Niagra Falls was to me a childhood dream - I remember the time my Mum and Dad laid out brochures on our lounge floor and asked my sister and I to pick where we would like to visit - my choice was Niagra Falls. It seemed so majestic. I was finally fulfilling that desire to visit the Falls and with my husband in tow it couldn't have been better.
So at 7:30am we left the Greyhound terminal and headed for our hostel. When we arrived, the door was locked, there was no sound when we rang the doorbell apart from the occasional shuffling. Just as we thought we would have to head back to the terminal, a man appeared at the door, he opened and closed it without a sideways glance at us, and we weren't quick enough to keep the door from closing. My husband and I just looked at each other completely disheartened. Then turning back toward the hostel, you would not believe the relief in our eyes as we were greeted by a wave from the lovely gentleman we had met in Quebec!! He let us in and greeted us warmly - it was so nice to see a friendly familiar face. We asked him what the hostel was like and he answered 'what this place - oh it's a dump', but instead of worrying we just laughed and laughed...we were completely exhausted and knowing our friend was here, everything seemed okay - if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for us.
The gentleman made us laugh some more as he became quite irate with an Italian man, whom we had also met in Toronto - that saying of 'it's a small world' is just so true. The Italian man just wanted to make himself a fresh coffee before heading out to watch the fun run in Niagra.
Saying our goodbyes, the receptionist let us have our room early as noone had been in it the night before. The room was not great, but it was livable - we made the bed, had showers then set off to see the Falls - no rest for us!!!
We walked in the direction our friend had told us the Falls were in, about a half hour journey and saw a sign for Downtown, we took a detour to find a supermarket, but then changed our minds as I became more and more excited about seeing the Falls. The supermarket could wait!
We continued along the river road, and caught a glimpse of the Falls - all I can say is 'magical'. I was trying not to look until I reached the main Falls but I couldn't help it.
When I saw the full extent of the Falls I could not believe my eyes - we saw the US side first, which stretched in a straight line, water billowing down and spraying high into the air...but my favourite by far, were the Horseshoe Falls. In the shape of a horseshoe, the water thundered down at an amazing pace...the sunlight reflecting off the water - the green from the trees emphasising the white and blue of the water. For me, this was a dream come true, a place I'd always longed to visit and the sound, the spray, the colours, everything, just made it that bit more special.
We walked a long distance past both falls to ensure we didn't miss a thing, and we remained snap happy with our camera. I finally felt at peace - and stress and worry just seemed to lift away from me and be replaced with a sense of belonging.
Once we'd spent a few hours exploring the falls, hunger got the better of us so we wandered up Clifton Hill to find a place to eat. What a contrast, it reminded me of Blackpool in England - arcades, take outs, Imax Cinemas, haunted houses, neon signs. It seemed unbelievable, but clever all the same...for at least they had kept it away from the beauty of the Falls.
We wandered up the hill and found a Chinese restaurant at the top with a lunch special on, it was nothing special but it filled us up. As we finished the Chinese lady emphasised 'no tip included', so we left the equivalent of about 5 pence annoyed that she'd hinted so much for a tip and made a quick exit in search of a supermarket.
By this time, our feet were killing so we gave up the search for a supermarket, but instead of heading back to the hostel we opted to cross over to the US side of the Falls. We walked over Rainbow Bridge, paying the 50c to get there and once Immigration had finally let me through, we wandered through the park and saw the Falls from a close up angle from behind them.
This is just my opinion, but I don't feel that the US really have as good a view as the Canadian side, and this is probably reflected in the fact that there's nothing really on that side - no great hotels or shops. The park was nice though and we spent time taking silly shots with the camera pretending to be swimming away from the Falls.
By that time, it was getting dark so again we tried our best to find a supermarket, but had no joy - they do seem to like to hide them! We passed the viewing bridge which earlier in the day, they had wanted to charge us for, but now, being no longer manned, we could get through for nothing. We then headed back toward the Canadian side, and waited on the Bridge until 7pm when the Falls were illuminated with beautiful colours.
This time, we were really heading back to the hostel, but again via Downtown to find that mysterious supermarket - we walked and walked, everything was closed, shut down and old looking. People were hanging around on street corners, and so I started to sing to stop myself from feeling so scared, then drifted into silence as I concentrated on making sure we weren't being followed. Eventually we turned back, and went into a small local shop where we could buy bread and bacon for the morning.
Back at the hostel, we spent time catching up with our friend, and finally retired to bed in the knowledge that this day - day 20 - had been the best day since we had started our trip!!
It was inevitable that the next day we would wake up late, and so it was not til early afternoon that we left the hostel to return to the Falls. The weather was quite overcast so we were pleased we had had the opportunity the day before to take some great photographs. We had been told last night by our friend, that today was the last day of the season that the Maid of the Mist would be running. This was fortunate as we would have been gutted if we had missed this opportunity. We were in no rush though - it was about time we started to chill a bit on this trip, so we arrived in the queue about 2pm, paid our money then descended down to the river level and the waiting boat.
On the boat trip we positioned ourselved on the top deck, and at first we visited the US side of the Falls - just to give us a taster of what was to come but still impressive nonetheless. With our ponchos now christened, the boat edged towards the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Within minutes we were in the eye of the storm and absolutely soaked. It's a surreal moment watching the shear load of water cascading down into the 50 foot pool below. The sound is immense - like a continual rumble of thunder.
We were completely enthralled by what we had seen, but it staggers belief when you turn and look at other people and they are obviously not in the least bit happy that they are soaked to the bone...but isn't that part of the exhiliration and the experience - do some people not understand the wonders of the world and how lucky they are to be experiencing something like this?
Onshore, we trekked for three miles to a no frills
supermarket which a friendly hotel receptionist had told us about. We loaded up on supplies for the next couple of days and then headed back to the hostel.
We booked ourselves into the hostel for another evening, having decided to take a trip somewhere different the next day. We cooked a meal of jacket potatoes and lasagne, and then sat at the kitchen table and were joined by our friend who had that day completed his third marathon. He made a really nice gesture to us by offering, actually insisting we have 2 cans of his Milwaukee beer, which we gladly accepted. We finished cooking our meals at the same time, so sat together at the table returning the kind gesture by offering our friend cheese for his chilli. The night was great we sat chatting to our friend, and his room mate who was also on a tour around the world - our discussions ranged from marathon running, to travelling to marriage and all things inbetween - it was great to just sit back and relax with like minded people. Before we knew it, it was late, and we had all been fighting back the yawns, so we said our goodnights and looked forward to the next days explorations.
We woke early the next morning, gobbled down a bacon sandwich and met Chris, a retired school teacher in the hostel reception - our local guide for the following four hours. We said our goodbyes to our friend who was returning to Toronto today, then followed Chris to his car. Within minutes, we had reached the gorge and whirlpool - where our friend had told us many people who had tried to raft down it had unfortunately (not in all cases) lost their lives. It was stunning nonetheless, surrounded by trees and their autumn colours.
Further down the river, Chris took us to the power plant which controls the Falls and creates electricity. It was fascinating to find out that the falls were only ever at 50% when people were visiting so as to control the amount of water travelling over the Falls and to restrict land degradation.
Chris told us about the US Falls and how at one time they had turned them off, to find out why the land was eroding so much. Experts investigated and tried to fix the issue but they realised that no amount of human involvement could help and instead they would have to live with the knowledge that the Fall will continue to erode.
Onwards, Chris told us about the English and French invasions, the war against the Americans with the Canadian and English forces united, and then he told us about the Americans wanting to reduce the loyalty to the English Monarchy, which meant many Monarch supporters had to move to Canada, which is why there is such a strong influence of English particularly in the Niagra Falls area.
It was an interesting drive not only through the
viewings of some amazing sights but also listening to a local. Chris showed us where an English General had been shot and then we travelled on to Niagra on the Lake. Here Chris left us for an hour so we could explore the area - we wandered up and down both sides of the main street and enjoyed the lovely shops. Interestingly we found one specialising in English produce such as Heinz Baked Beans, jaffa cakes, maltesers etc. We opted for free jam and crackers and free fudge on offer at some of the other shops.
It would have been good to stay for longer to visit some of the many restaurants, cafes and local pubs, but for us our journey moved on. The houses surrounding the town were gorgeous and we spent some time at a local real estate shop realising that if we sold our house in England we could afford to live there.
Meeting back up with Chris we visited wineries. The first was called the Peller Estate - it had a beautiful building surrounded by the vineyard. I imagined a summer, sitting enjoying a meal there in the award winning restaurant and staying in the
Riverbend Inn nearby which had caught my eye earlier.
Inside the Peller building, we were greeted with a roaring fire and a friendly face. We spent the next half an hour on a winery tour given by a lovely lady who seemed really pleased to have met an English couple. During the tasting, we learnt how to try the wines properly and whilst we could not afford to buy anything we insisted that they really should consider exporting!!
We visited the German Reiff Estate winery - which was nice but not quite as nice as the Peller Estate. Then we visited an orchard where we were able to sample many jams and spreads, and a Fruit Market where we learnt about ornamental sweetcorn. We were sure Chris was trying to get us to buy some of the produce but we couldn't justify spending any money.
The final winery was again good, but I think I had been spoilt by the Peller Ice Wine. Our trip which had cost us C$16 was well worth the money. Feeling a little tipsy by this point, we ate and planned to relax in our room for a bit, but us being us, decided instead to walk the distance back to the Falls to watch the illuminations again.
The next day we checked out of the hostel, left our rucksack in a locker in the basement and made ourselves some breakfast. It was today that reminded us of our student days, when we realised a tin of our Campbells Tomato soup had been taken by another traveller. It was not what it was, or how much it cost, but the fact that that would have made another meal for us. We cast our eyes over the people in the kitchen, and then feeling frustrated we made our final journey back to the Falls. The temperature today was noticeably higher and the crowds had swelled making it seem like a busy summer's day. We spent time relaxing, watching the wonder of the Falls, then returned to the hostel via an incredible ice cream parlour. We had our final meal of the trip in the hostel and in broken Italian, French and English we said our goodbyes to our Italian friend who was travelling onto Washington DC. Then asked the Hostel to book our next accommodation in Chicago...this was no mean feat and so we had to leave to catch our bus not knowing whether we would have anywhere to stay.
We arrived at the Bus Terminal to be greeted by the Italian man - he was on the same bus as us to Buffalo. The Canadian driver was a funny chap and with only four of us on the bus, the journey was relaxed and friendly. Arriving into Buffalo we said our goodbyes for a final time to the Italian, called back to the Hostel who confirmed that they had managed to book our first night's accommodation in Chicago, and then boarded the bus to Cleveland. By now Buffalo and Cleveland terminals were familiar places. Our final trip of the night was to Chicago - a 7 hour journey - we hoped we would get a good night sleep but must have had the worst seat on the bus, next to the wheelchair exit which would not close, so we spent the first half of the journey freezing to death and the second part of the journey once some people had left the bus, thawing out!!
We finally arrived into Chicago at 6:30am...for me a familiar city as I had lived there during a summer when I was at University, and I was looking forward to sharing the sights with my husband.
So at 7:30am we left the Greyhound terminal and headed for our hostel. When we arrived, the door was locked, there was no sound when we rang the doorbell apart from the occasional shuffling. Just as we thought we would have to head back to the terminal, a man appeared at the door, he opened and closed it without a sideways glance at us, and we weren't quick enough to keep the door from closing. My husband and I just looked at each other completely disheartened. Then turning back toward the hostel, you would not believe the relief in our eyes as we were greeted by a wave from the lovely gentleman we had met in Quebec!! He let us in and greeted us warmly - it was so nice to see a friendly familiar face. We asked him what the hostel was like and he answered 'what this place - oh it's a dump', but instead of worrying we just laughed and laughed...we were completely exhausted and knowing our friend was here, everything seemed okay - if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for us.
The gentleman made us laugh some more as he became quite irate with an Italian man, whom we had also met in Toronto - that saying of 'it's a small world' is just so true. The Italian man just wanted to make himself a fresh coffee before heading out to watch the fun run in Niagra.
Saying our goodbyes, the receptionist let us have our room early as noone had been in it the night before. The room was not great, but it was livable - we made the bed, had showers then set off to see the Falls - no rest for us!!!
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
We continued along the river road, and caught a glimpse of the Falls - all I can say is 'magical'. I was trying not to look until I reached the main Falls but I couldn't help it.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
We wandered up the hill and found a Chinese restaurant at the top with a lunch special on, it was nothing special but it filled us up. As we finished the Chinese lady emphasised 'no tip included', so we left the equivalent of about 5 pence annoyed that she'd hinted so much for a tip and made a quick exit in search of a supermarket.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
By that time, it was getting dark so again we tried our best to find a supermarket, but had no joy - they do seem to like to hide them! We passed the viewing bridge which earlier in the day, they had wanted to charge us for, but now, being no longer manned, we could get through for nothing. We then headed back toward the Canadian side, and waited on the Bridge until 7pm when the Falls were illuminated with beautiful colours.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
Back at the hostel, we spent time catching up with our friend, and finally retired to bed in the knowledge that this day - day 20 - had been the best day since we had started our trip!!
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
Onshore, we trekked for three miles to a no frills
supermarket which a friendly hotel receptionist had told us about. We loaded up on supplies for the next couple of days and then headed back to the hostel.
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| Peller Estate © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra on the Lake © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra © Orrell 2004-2005 |
Further down the river, Chris took us to the power plant which controls the Falls and creates electricity. It was fascinating to find out that the falls were only ever at 50% when people were visiting so as to control the amount of water travelling over the Falls and to restrict land degradation.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
Onwards, Chris told us about the English and French invasions, the war against the Americans with the Canadian and English forces united, and then he told us about the Americans wanting to reduce the loyalty to the English Monarchy, which meant many Monarch supporters had to move to Canada, which is why there is such a strong influence of English particularly in the Niagra Falls area.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
viewings of some amazing sights but also listening to a local. Chris showed us where an English General had been shot and then we travelled on to Niagra on the Lake. Here Chris left us for an hour so we could explore the area - we wandered up and down both sides of the main street and enjoyed the lovely shops. Interestingly we found one specialising in English produce such as Heinz Baked Beans, jaffa cakes, maltesers etc. We opted for free jam and crackers and free fudge on offer at some of the other shops.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
Meeting back up with Chris we visited wineries. The first was called the Peller Estate - it had a beautiful building surrounded by the vineyard. I imagined a summer, sitting enjoying a meal there in the award winning restaurant and staying in the
Riverbend Inn nearby which had caught my eye earlier.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
The final winery was again good, but I think I had been spoilt by the Peller Ice Wine. Our trip which had cost us C$16 was well worth the money. Feeling a little tipsy by this point, we ate and planned to relax in our room for a bit, but us being us, decided instead to walk the distance back to the Falls to watch the illuminations again.
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
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| Niagra Falls © Orrell 2004-2005 |
We arrived at the Bus Terminal to be greeted by the Italian man - he was on the same bus as us to Buffalo. The Canadian driver was a funny chap and with only four of us on the bus, the journey was relaxed and friendly. Arriving into Buffalo we said our goodbyes for a final time to the Italian, called back to the Hostel who confirmed that they had managed to book our first night's accommodation in Chicago, and then boarded the bus to Cleveland. By now Buffalo and Cleveland terminals were familiar places. Our final trip of the night was to Chicago - a 7 hour journey - we hoped we would get a good night sleep but must have had the worst seat on the bus, next to the wheelchair exit which would not close, so we spent the first half of the journey freezing to death and the second part of the journey once some people had left the bus, thawing out!!
We finally arrived into Chicago at 6:30am...for me a familiar city as I had lived there during a summer when I was at University, and I was looking forward to sharing the sights with my husband.
visited Buffalo, Detroit and Cleveland
To be honest, the main reason we were visiting Buffalo, Detroit and Cleveland was not because we had an overriding urge to see these places or Lake Erie, but because we were trying to save money. A couple of nights sleeping on a Greyhound bus meant we avoided accommodation costs, saving us a fortune and helping us to stay on target with our money spend.
So from Toronto, we boarded the 11:15pm bus to Buffalo, and travelled for approximately an hour through Niagra Falls Imigration to the Buffalo terminal, where we waited for two hours for our onward bus to Cleveland. That was the extent of our visit to Buffalo apart from a later return trip to catch our connecting bus to Niagra. I wish in a way we had seen more of the place, but time did not really allow this. It will just have to be somewhere we visit in the future.
Eventually we arrived into Cleveland at around 8:30am - tired...actually probably more exhausted than tired, with aching limbs from being scrunched up on a bus for far too long. We headed for the lockers to keep our backpacks safe whilst we explored the area, but we were limited to 6 hours and they were $5 each, which might not sound a lot now, but to two travellers that was a lot!! Instead we decided to lug our bags around with us. We asked a woman at the Station Cafe where the Visitor Information Centre was located, and the blank look told us everything - this probably was not a tourist destination!!
We trekked down to the waterfront to enjoy a breakfast picnic on a park bench, next to the Rock n Roll Museum and the Cleveland Browns Stadium. We must have looked odd with our backpacks on and our travelling attire, as each passerby stared at us as if we were from another planet. I think by this stage we were just so tired, thinking of where to go and visit whilst hoisting our backpacks was just too hard, and so we took the easy option, and decided to take an earlier bus to Detroit.
By 4:10pm we were in Detroit - it had been a good trip chatting to a lovely guy from Cleveland who was heading to Detroit to do the marathon - we discussed our travel plans with him and he was more than happy to share some inspiration. We now had renewed vigour and so with our bags safely locked away this time, we left the station. Our thoughts of Detroit before arriving were of a city with its heritage in cars and music. We were welcomed openly by the people of Detroit and they seemed happy and jovial.
As we wandered toward what we hoped was the centre of the city, we were looking for somewhere, anywhere to eat, but we were struggling. The city seemed to have seen better days although it did look like it was being rejuvenated. It seemed strange there were no people around and most places seemed to be closed or in a state of disrepair. In amongst all this though, we found a running exhibition which seemed to be at odds with the rest of the city - it was modern, forward thinking and attracted people. They were offering all sorts of free samples, which was fortitious for two weary travellers. In return we appeared interested in their stalls for a few minutes then made a swift exit.
Back at the station, we caught the 8:10pm bus back to Cleveland - and settled down for our second consecutive night on the road!
At just after midnight we arrived into Cleveland and endured a two hour wait for our bus back to Buffalo. We people watched...it ceases to amaze us how many people travel on the Greyhound at night - obviously there are our fellow traveller type folk, but 'normal' people also travel at night too from all walks of life. We rushed to get our connecting bus to Niagra being overtaken by a bus load of New Yorkers - luckily for us the driver seemed to like us and had saved a 'couple' seat for us on the bus knowing we would be the last ones to board - what a lovely gesture!
Finally at 7:30am the next day we arrived into Niagra having completed our own 'marathon' - a tour of the south shore of Lake Erie and a fleeting explore of Cleveland and Detroit.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
visited Toronto
So on another Greyhound, grasping at what little sleep we could manage during the night, we arrived as scheduled into Toronto at 6am, and immediately sorted our onward tickets to Niagra Falls.
Toronto
Then, exhausted we trod the streets of Toronto to our hostel. Luckily for us they let us in, and let us sleep on the sofa and use their kitchen to cook our breakfast. Then whilst we waited for hostel check-in time, we decided to find a library to email our family. Again we had our friend from Quebec to thank for telling us about the free internet services in libraries.
On the way to the library, we strolled along the front, and just as we reached the CN Tower, the sky cleared to give us just enough time to take a photograph. A small ladder stood next to the Tower and I felt an urge to tell the workers that their ladder really wouldn't reach anywhere near the top...but refrained and laughed to myself instead.
Back at the hostel, we checked into our room - all I can say is it was basic, dirty and obviously hadn't been cleaned in a very long time. My husband seeing my distressed, downbeaten look, took it upon himself to complain to reception, and they sent a young lad to clean it whilst we retreated to the laundry room to do some washing. When we returned, apart from smelling of disinfectant from the toilet, it really was no cleaner. Someone appeared and asked if we wanted the floor mopping - I said yes then looked at the state of the mop - when was the last time the mop itself was cleaned!!! As the mop glided over the floor surface more and more hairs were strewn everywhere - as he left, I got down on hands and knees and started trying to clean the hairs from the floor - but after one too many wretches, my husband asked me to leave the room to get the washing, whilst he cleaned it best he could.
We cooked dinner that night, and surprisingly I managed to eat it ignoring the dirt by eating out of a smoked mackerel container, and by focusing on a couple next to us, with the guy slurping his food like he'd never eaten before.
Despite our surroundings, we slept well that night - 13 hours in total. By now we had been travelling for two weeks, and were both mentally and physically exhausted. So after a brunch / lunch, we left the hostel and headed west towards Chinatown, believed to be the biggest in the world outside of China itself. We loved the buzz of the 'mini China' and the feel of walking from Western to Eastern cultures within a couple of blocks.
From Chinatown, we continued our journey to Kensington Market - an ecclectic mix of exotic Afro-Carribean 'coffee-shop' emporiums. It reminded us of London's Camden Market and for two cagool wearing travellers who stuck out like two sore thumbs, it was time for a sharp exit.
Onwards to the Portugese Quarter where we were met with cafes, a fishmongers and Samba music, then onto the slightly more civilised Little Italy which oozed style and sophistication. Trendy looking eateries, boutiques and coffee shops lined each side of the road, with every street displaying individuals who would have been ideal characters for The Sopranos!
From here, we headed back towards the city and Yonge Street, famed for being the world's longest street! I think both of us secretly wanted to see how far the street really was, and when we had walked to Davenport which was the turn off for Casa Loma, I'm sure we must have been nearly at the end. Casa Loma, my husband argued was the site of Canada's first Castle - I wasn't too sure, but what I do now know is that it was once the home of the Canadian Financier Sir Henry Pellatt. I also researched it whilst I was there and found that it was designed by E J Lennox, and was built by 300 men over a 3 year period being finally completed in 1914. Casa Loma and an old style Castle nearby which housed the city's festival music interests, were both stunning.
The walk back to the City was arduous - our legs and feet swollen and painful, and our bodies chilled to the bone by the cold biting wind. Our minds drifted back to our home in England, and images of a roaring fire in our lounge kept us going until we reached a coffee house to re-fuel. Opposite we noticed a Bookstore, and spent a relaxing time reading through travel guides in the comfortable surroundings.
The next day we were suffering from shin splints, and so opted for a few leisurely walks followed by a pint (just the one) in a local pub. I plonked myself next to the fire and sighed into my beer - I was finally starting to get used to this travelling way of life and actually starting to properly enjoy myself. I guess the barriers of work and professionalism had finally come down, and I could start to be myself again and enjoy the less material things in life, and instead appreciate the beautiful things around me - including at that moment, the heat from the fire and the beer that coursed my lips.
What we had found out about Toronto was that there were some very interesting characters there...
We encountered a crazy cab driver who became very irate with us as we waited at the side of the road for him to go past. Whilst we knew as pedestrians we had priority over the crossing, we did not want to take any chances, but as he approached the crossing, he beeped his horn at us, gesticulated with his hands and we managed to delay him by a meer two seconds. We crossed the road infront of him, as he seemed to want us to do, starring at him as we did - he shyed away from looking at us.
The second incident was as we were walking to the library. A man was walking with huge and I mean huge strides across the road following a very concerned woman. He was preaching something to her at the top of his voice and kept bounding infront of her so she would listen. He looked like Crocodile Dundee in a dark raincoat. Even a homeless man at the side of the road was laughing uncontrollably as he watched.
The next day after visiting the bus station to organise our onward journey, we ventured towards Cabbagetown famed for Irish people who had settled there and planted cabbages as ornamental features in their gardens. We never quite made it there though as the neighbourhood became decidely rougher - we opted for the safer option and walked back towards the centre. As we turned a woman shouted something in our ears - I couldn't understand what she said but she looked a bit like a witch. Moving away we continued down the road, and spotted a man darting in and out, hiding behind lampposts - we weren't entirely sure what he was doing but it was as if he thought he was being chased.
We decided to retreat to the safety of the CN Tower. We spent a long time reading about the history of the tower, how it was opened in 1976 to the public, how it can withstand enormous lightning strikes by channeling the energy down the centre of the buiding and how on a clear day you can see as far as Niagra Falls.
We took the lift to the top and the views from up there were really 'wow'. It was then that we realised how far we had actually walked! We spent hours in the tower relaxing and taking in the views. Then with food for our onward journey and a large take-away pizza in our tummies, we walked with backpacks to the Bus Station for our onward trip which would involve two nights on a bus travelling around Lake Erie and taking in the sights of Cleveland and Detroit, before our next destination of Niagra Falls.
Toronto
Then, exhausted we trod the streets of Toronto to our hostel. Luckily for us they let us in, and let us sleep on the sofa and use their kitchen to cook our breakfast. Then whilst we waited for hostel check-in time, we decided to find a library to email our family. Again we had our friend from Quebec to thank for telling us about the free internet services in libraries.
On the way to the library, we strolled along the front, and just as we reached the CN Tower, the sky cleared to give us just enough time to take a photograph. A small ladder stood next to the Tower and I felt an urge to tell the workers that their ladder really wouldn't reach anywhere near the top...but refrained and laughed to myself instead.
Back at the hostel, we checked into our room - all I can say is it was basic, dirty and obviously hadn't been cleaned in a very long time. My husband seeing my distressed, downbeaten look, took it upon himself to complain to reception, and they sent a young lad to clean it whilst we retreated to the laundry room to do some washing. When we returned, apart from smelling of disinfectant from the toilet, it really was no cleaner. Someone appeared and asked if we wanted the floor mopping - I said yes then looked at the state of the mop - when was the last time the mop itself was cleaned!!! As the mop glided over the floor surface more and more hairs were strewn everywhere - as he left, I got down on hands and knees and started trying to clean the hairs from the floor - but after one too many wretches, my husband asked me to leave the room to get the washing, whilst he cleaned it best he could.
We cooked dinner that night, and surprisingly I managed to eat it ignoring the dirt by eating out of a smoked mackerel container, and by focusing on a couple next to us, with the guy slurping his food like he'd never eaten before.
From Chinatown, we continued our journey to Kensington Market - an ecclectic mix of exotic Afro-Carribean 'coffee-shop' emporiums. It reminded us of London's Camden Market and for two cagool wearing travellers who stuck out like two sore thumbs, it was time for a sharp exit.
Onwards to the Portugese Quarter where we were met with cafes, a fishmongers and Samba music, then onto the slightly more civilised Little Italy which oozed style and sophistication. Trendy looking eateries, boutiques and coffee shops lined each side of the road, with every street displaying individuals who would have been ideal characters for The Sopranos!
From here, we headed back towards the city and Yonge Street, famed for being the world's longest street! I think both of us secretly wanted to see how far the street really was, and when we had walked to Davenport which was the turn off for Casa Loma, I'm sure we must have been nearly at the end. Casa Loma, my husband argued was the site of Canada's first Castle - I wasn't too sure, but what I do now know is that it was once the home of the Canadian Financier Sir Henry Pellatt. I also researched it whilst I was there and found that it was designed by E J Lennox, and was built by 300 men over a 3 year period being finally completed in 1914. Casa Loma and an old style Castle nearby which housed the city's festival music interests, were both stunning.
The walk back to the City was arduous - our legs and feet swollen and painful, and our bodies chilled to the bone by the cold biting wind. Our minds drifted back to our home in England, and images of a roaring fire in our lounge kept us going until we reached a coffee house to re-fuel. Opposite we noticed a Bookstore, and spent a relaxing time reading through travel guides in the comfortable surroundings.
The next day we were suffering from shin splints, and so opted for a few leisurely walks followed by a pint (just the one) in a local pub. I plonked myself next to the fire and sighed into my beer - I was finally starting to get used to this travelling way of life and actually starting to properly enjoy myself. I guess the barriers of work and professionalism had finally come down, and I could start to be myself again and enjoy the less material things in life, and instead appreciate the beautiful things around me - including at that moment, the heat from the fire and the beer that coursed my lips.
What we had found out about Toronto was that there were some very interesting characters there...
We encountered a crazy cab driver who became very irate with us as we waited at the side of the road for him to go past. Whilst we knew as pedestrians we had priority over the crossing, we did not want to take any chances, but as he approached the crossing, he beeped his horn at us, gesticulated with his hands and we managed to delay him by a meer two seconds. We crossed the road infront of him, as he seemed to want us to do, starring at him as we did - he shyed away from looking at us.
The second incident was as we were walking to the library. A man was walking with huge and I mean huge strides across the road following a very concerned woman. He was preaching something to her at the top of his voice and kept bounding infront of her so she would listen. He looked like Crocodile Dundee in a dark raincoat. Even a homeless man at the side of the road was laughing uncontrollably as he watched.The next day after visiting the bus station to organise our onward journey, we ventured towards Cabbagetown famed for Irish people who had settled there and planted cabbages as ornamental features in their gardens. We never quite made it there though as the neighbourhood became decidely rougher - we opted for the safer option and walked back towards the centre. As we turned a woman shouted something in our ears - I couldn't understand what she said but she looked a bit like a witch. Moving away we continued down the road, and spotted a man darting in and out, hiding behind lampposts - we weren't entirely sure what he was doing but it was as if he thought he was being chased.
We decided to retreat to the safety of the CN Tower. We spent a long time reading about the history of the tower, how it was opened in 1976 to the public, how it can withstand enormous lightning strikes by channeling the energy down the centre of the buiding and how on a clear day you can see as far as Niagra Falls.We took the lift to the top and the views from up there were really 'wow'. It was then that we realised how far we had actually walked! We spent hours in the tower relaxing and taking in the views. Then with food for our onward journey and a large take-away pizza in our tummies, we walked with backpacks to the Bus Station for our onward trip which would involve two nights on a bus travelling around Lake Erie and taking in the sights of Cleveland and Detroit, before our next destination of Niagra Falls.
visited Ottawa
By contrast to Montreal, we found Ottawa to be a beautiful city - clean, spacious and full of culture.
Ottawa
Our first task as we arrived into Ottawa was to find a room for the night - I spent what seemed like ages phoning as many places as I could - and just when I thought I'd found a 'nice' hotel for the same price as a hostel my hopes were dashed as they told me the last room had been taken. We gave it up and walked the long distance into Ottawa to the Visitor Information Centre. I don't know what made me call the same hotel again but our luck changed and this time they had a room available. This time, we were able to enjoy a swimming pool, hot shower, large comfortable bed, and we dressed for an evening of delicious food and each other's company.
The next day we awoke slightly worse for wear having consumed a litre of fine house red. We had forgotten the potency of red wine and the prospect of raising our heads from our pillows was not pleasant. However, being travellers we had to make the most of the facilities and so by 9am we were blasting off a few lengths of the pool before relaxing in the jacuzzi. We checked out at 11 and left our backpacks with the hotel for safekeeping, then began to explore the city.
We were impressed by the large government buildings: the House of Commons and the House of
Senates within the Houses of Parliament. The British influence was visible everywhere - the building, the customs...and all because of our Queen Victoria who helped founder Canada back in 1867. It was Queen Victoria, so we were told, that chose Ottawa as the nation's capital, a surprise apparently to many Canadians. Our Queen Elizabeth II remains the Queen of Canada, so we felt proud to be the sole representatives of England on the tour.
The Peace Tower with it's clock and spire was based on Big Ben in London, and from there the views over the city were amazing. We used the view to help us to choose where else we wanted to visit in Ottawa.
So leaving the Parliament buildings, we crossed a bridge over the River Ontario and temporarily left Ontario state and revisited Quebec, where we entered an art museum but the fee for two travellers was far too high so we moved on towards the Museum of Civilisation, in which we relaxed on their comfy chairs and enjoyed a few minutes of respite. The rest of the afternoon and evening we wandered around the city, and then late into the evening we picked up our backpacks from the hotel and returned to the Bus Station to catch the overnight bus to Toronto.
Ottawa
Our first task as we arrived into Ottawa was to find a room for the night - I spent what seemed like ages phoning as many places as I could - and just when I thought I'd found a 'nice' hotel for the same price as a hostel my hopes were dashed as they told me the last room had been taken. We gave it up and walked the long distance into Ottawa to the Visitor Information Centre. I don't know what made me call the same hotel again but our luck changed and this time they had a room available. This time, we were able to enjoy a swimming pool, hot shower, large comfortable bed, and we dressed for an evening of delicious food and each other's company.
The next day we awoke slightly worse for wear having consumed a litre of fine house red. We had forgotten the potency of red wine and the prospect of raising our heads from our pillows was not pleasant. However, being travellers we had to make the most of the facilities and so by 9am we were blasting off a few lengths of the pool before relaxing in the jacuzzi. We checked out at 11 and left our backpacks with the hotel for safekeeping, then began to explore the city.
We were impressed by the large government buildings: the House of Commons and the House of Senates within the Houses of Parliament. The British influence was visible everywhere - the building, the customs...and all because of our Queen Victoria who helped founder Canada back in 1867. It was Queen Victoria, so we were told, that chose Ottawa as the nation's capital, a surprise apparently to many Canadians. Our Queen Elizabeth II remains the Queen of Canada, so we felt proud to be the sole representatives of England on the tour.
The Peace Tower with it's clock and spire was based on Big Ben in London, and from there the views over the city were amazing. We used the view to help us to choose where else we wanted to visit in Ottawa.So leaving the Parliament buildings, we crossed a bridge over the River Ontario and temporarily left Ontario state and revisited Quebec, where we entered an art museum but the fee for two travellers was far too high so we moved on towards the Museum of Civilisation, in which we relaxed on their comfy chairs and enjoyed a few minutes of respite. The rest of the afternoon and evening we wandered around the city, and then late into the evening we picked up our backpacks from the hotel and returned to the Bus Station to catch the overnight bus to Toronto.
visited Halifax in Canada
We spent our final day in Quebec visiting markets selling delicious produce and sampling as much as we could, then marvelling at two cruise liners the 'Deutchland' and the 'Rotterdam' both of which stood proud as two men were tasked with painting them. By late afternoon, we were exhausted and returned to the hostel for our evening meal and to retrieve our backpacks for the next journey at again just after midnight, to Halifax.
Halifax
It was a long trek on the Greyhound from Quebec to Halifax - for the first leg of the journey to Riviere de Loup we slept as much as possible as there were very few people riding with us. On the second leg of the journey the bus was crowded and so our only saving grace was the view from the window and the display of Autumn colours. By the time we arrived into Halifax the weather had closed in, the grey skies of the Atlantic coast welcoming us. We walked the short distance to our hostel and said our goodnights as we retreated to our same sex bunk areas, where my husband had to cope with the stench from the guy on the top bunk, and I had to try for sleep inbetween the fog horn snores of the girl in the next bunk.
Early morning we met each other back in the kitchen, and outside we were greeted with glorious weather both sunny and warm. We spent a fun day visiting the sights of Halifax - there were boats everywhere, historic buildings, markets, small boutiques and such friendly people.
We caught a ferry across to Dartmouth and a number 60 bus to Fisherman's Cove. We'd asked the bus driver to nod to us when we had arrived, which he did then as we left the bus he said to us 'good luck' - we were a little perturbed as to why we would need luck and when at first we couldn't
see anything except a road and deserted land I was disappointed. I'd seen a picture of Fisherman's Cove and I'd been so looking forward to visiting it. But as we turned the corner, there infront of us lay the most beautiful fishing village. We followed a pathway through the waterways, and weren't in the slightest bit put out when an old Gentleman overtook us twice as he did his morning exercise.
We wandered through the fishing village, visiting a few gift shops and then stopped in a sheltered spot to bask in the sunshine and eat some fruit. This was the first time on our trip that I'd actually properly relaxed, and that moment and that feeling of contentedness will forever stay with me.
On route back to the bus, we saw fishermen lounging around next to a river full of mussels. What a beautiful existence. The moment broken only for a second by a car driving down the wrong side of the road narrowly missing the oncoming cars and our bus by driving onto the pavement, seemingly with not a care in the world!
Back on the bus for our return to the ferry, we sat amongst all sorts of characters with interesting names such as Gandolph. When the young lad got on the bus wearing a woolen hat and a baseball cap cocked to one side, my husband and I had to exchange smiles.
The ferry took us back to Halifax, where we visited the Citadel 5 minutes before closing...we had just enough time to run around the British fort, take photographs and admire the views before leaving and starting the long walk to Pleasure Point Park on the edge of Halifax, passing through salubrious neighbourhoods where we argued about which house we would like to live in.
Finally when the feet had almost given up, we stopped at a supermarket to buy food and then headed back to cook and to read, and for my husband to be talked to by a young besotted lady who seemed to have the inability to come up for air! Not that I minded really - it was interesting learning all about her travels. Later when we had returned to England, my husband told me about the mice he saw in the lounge area of this hostel - as all of us fellow travellers either read, chatted or watched television, the mice scurried around enjoying the crumbs on the floor. I'd not noticed, and my husband thought it best not to tell me at that time - probably wise, but at least I was on the top bunk!!
The next morning, we had planned to take in a few final sights before heading to the bus, but this was cut short by torrents of rain and us having to dart between shelters. So seeing as much as we could, we picked up our backpacks and headed for the Greyhound terminal. It was now just after lunch, and with rain soaked clothes we travelled the 19 hours or so back through Quebec to Montreal.
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Arriving into Montreal we checked our next bus time to Ottawa, and then leaving our backpacks in lockers we set out to explore the city. It was early morning and every block seemed to be adorned with homeless people and graffiti - we gave up our trek and opted to return to the terminal. Whilst the centre of Montreal may well be worth a visit, we had not seen anything to convince us to stay and we praised the lovely gentlemen and Australian guy who we had met in Quebec and whom had told us it was probably not worth spending 3 days visiting this city, hence our change of plan to take in Halifax. By 9am we were on our connecting trip to Ottawa and by 11am we had arrived at the Capital.
Halifax
It was a long trek on the Greyhound from Quebec to Halifax - for the first leg of the journey to Riviere de Loup we slept as much as possible as there were very few people riding with us. On the second leg of the journey the bus was crowded and so our only saving grace was the view from the window and the display of Autumn colours. By the time we arrived into Halifax the weather had closed in, the grey skies of the Atlantic coast welcoming us. We walked the short distance to our hostel and said our goodnights as we retreated to our same sex bunk areas, where my husband had to cope with the stench from the guy on the top bunk, and I had to try for sleep inbetween the fog horn snores of the girl in the next bunk.
We caught a ferry across to Dartmouth and a number 60 bus to Fisherman's Cove. We'd asked the bus driver to nod to us when we had arrived, which he did then as we left the bus he said to us 'good luck' - we were a little perturbed as to why we would need luck and when at first we couldn't
We wandered through the fishing village, visiting a few gift shops and then stopped in a sheltered spot to bask in the sunshine and eat some fruit. This was the first time on our trip that I'd actually properly relaxed, and that moment and that feeling of contentedness will forever stay with me.
On route back to the bus, we saw fishermen lounging around next to a river full of mussels. What a beautiful existence. The moment broken only for a second by a car driving down the wrong side of the road narrowly missing the oncoming cars and our bus by driving onto the pavement, seemingly with not a care in the world!
Back on the bus for our return to the ferry, we sat amongst all sorts of characters with interesting names such as Gandolph. When the young lad got on the bus wearing a woolen hat and a baseball cap cocked to one side, my husband and I had to exchange smiles.
The ferry took us back to Halifax, where we visited the Citadel 5 minutes before closing...we had just enough time to run around the British fort, take photographs and admire the views before leaving and starting the long walk to Pleasure Point Park on the edge of Halifax, passing through salubrious neighbourhoods where we argued about which house we would like to live in. Finally when the feet had almost given up, we stopped at a supermarket to buy food and then headed back to cook and to read, and for my husband to be talked to by a young besotted lady who seemed to have the inability to come up for air! Not that I minded really - it was interesting learning all about her travels. Later when we had returned to England, my husband told me about the mice he saw in the lounge area of this hostel - as all of us fellow travellers either read, chatted or watched television, the mice scurried around enjoying the crumbs on the floor. I'd not noticed, and my husband thought it best not to tell me at that time - probably wise, but at least I was on the top bunk!!
The next morning, we had planned to take in a few final sights before heading to the bus, but this was cut short by torrents of rain and us having to dart between shelters. So seeing as much as we could, we picked up our backpacks and headed for the Greyhound terminal. It was now just after lunch, and with rain soaked clothes we travelled the 19 hours or so back through Quebec to Montreal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arriving into Montreal we checked our next bus time to Ottawa, and then leaving our backpacks in lockers we set out to explore the city. It was early morning and every block seemed to be adorned with homeless people and graffiti - we gave up our trek and opted to return to the terminal. Whilst the centre of Montreal may well be worth a visit, we had not seen anything to convince us to stay and we praised the lovely gentlemen and Australian guy who we had met in Quebec and whom had told us it was probably not worth spending 3 days visiting this city, hence our change of plan to take in Halifax. By 9am we were on our connecting trip to Ottawa and by 11am we had arrived at the Capital.
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