Journey Amongst the Stars

[anat0l]

Tue 26 Oct (Las Vegas)

A short monorail ride later and we found ourselves in a shopping complex. Name brands abound, providing another adequate way to lose a whole lot of money other than the casino tables (and men, if you want to lose it six times faster, bring SWMBO along :mrgreen

Weird and wonderful architecture. Here is slowly melting ice.

And here is another example of unusual architecture. This one is the extension of a bar.

Waterfall wall. No water crisis here...

A set of leaning buildings

With evening rolling in, we went to a Chinese buffet which was not on the Strip for dinner. Only in America, indeed perhaps in Las Vegas, you can sit down for a buffet for less than USD 12 per head with a drink and tips. Now of course Chinese food in Western countries is never great quality unless you seek out select restaurants. But since the price is right, we all didn't mind. They had packets of almond biscuits out as part of the dessert selection. Normally those kinds of delicacies are quite expensive to buy in Australia. Here they were offered in rows and rows. Insane.

After dinner we went to Downtown Las Vegas. This is the older part of Sin City, which not too surprisingly also has the highest concentration of red light establishments. There was beat music resounding all around the place and people dancing in the mall consisted of both the entertainers dancing on stages as well as people who just wanted to show off their skills (or more than that).

Downtown Las Vegas. Strip clubs abound.

One feature of Downtown Las Vegas is the biggest LCD you've ever seen on the roof of the mall. If it isn't the biggest, then it might just be the biggest one that isn't flat.

The eponymous Fremont Casino

Once again, it was a case of right time and right place as the mall started to darken and then light up again to the resounding tune of Don McLean's "(Bye Bye Miss) American Pie" (and not Madonna's forgery of a version). The ten minute show was impressive as many people looked to the sky at the sometimes hypnotising dance of colours, designs and the occasional object that shot from one end of the mall to the other.

Funny enough, I wasn't completely wrecked when we decided to finally head home. My godmother's home is in North Las Vegas, some 30-40 minutes away from the Strip. They have a property in a nice estate which backs onto a golf course.

We arrived home. I finally had a shower (how did I survive that long?) - mind the saline water - got connected and charged up, called the folks (an awkward thing to do when you're in the US but your home is Australia), and went to bed. A real bed.

Now I promise this is the last entry on this TR that you'll see dated "Tuesday 26 October"! :mrgreen:

 

[Happy Trails]

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

A terrific TR, albeit a little late.

 

[Alanslegal]

Meticulous trip report!!

 

[anat0l]

Wed 27 Oct (Las Vegas)

Wednesday 27 October

View from the back yard

I had a good sleep and upon awakening thought about plans for the day before I have to leave on my red-eye that night. Except what was there to do?

Lake Mead and Hoover Dam? Possible, but with at least a 1-3 hr drive each way, probably not worth the time (it was getting late once I had this discussion and packed up).

Shopping (e.g. factory outlets)? No money in the budget - I was here for the sightseeing! (As I found out later in the trip, there wasn't room in the bag either for more trinkets, clothes etc.)

What does my godmother and uncle do these days? Eat, sleep, watch TV and participate in the seniors slot machine competitions at the local casino. Yeah I can do that at home, except the last one, of course.

Finally decided that it was best that I do my own sightseeing walking up the Strip. One place I did want to try was the tall needle tower, which I later found out was called The Stratosphere. Yeah, I know every major city has one of these, but I thought the view would be pretty cool anyway.

First things first - although this is now progressing into a leisurely day - we went to the local casino for brunch. Once again, for a buffet selection that was about the size of a small shopping mall food court (and, in some cases, and then some), the price for the buffet was outrageously cheap. All we had to do was tip our waitresses and the nice chef who prepared omelettes on demand.

I must say it's not everyday you can get a nice omelette made with two kinds of cheese and jalapeno peppers. Delicious. I also managed to try some Texan food (in the BBQ section), which was rather fascinating.

We were there for a while - some time it was actually eating, and in other cases it was waiting for food to settle down before heading back to the buffet. Once we were finally stuffed, it was time to go, although not before my godmother did a quick round on the seniors slot machines.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me about Las Vegas is how a big colourful city thrives in the middle of a desert. The architecture of the houses and some buildings reflected the feeling of being in the climate, whilst the modern buildings and glitter of the casinos against the mountain ranges provided a most interesting juxtaposition.

The Stratosphere

We arrived at The Stratosphere and my godmother bought my ticket since she gets a resident discount. The attraction - like many of its kind around the world - is not cheap, even if in this case you get a couple of food vouchers with the ticket. After getting the ticket we parted ways and I ascended up the tower on my own. Oh, but not before having to pass through a WTMD.

The view at the top was great...

View of the mountain ranges against large expanses of residential

Desert? What desert? Lush greenery abound, green golf courses with water traps no less

The eponymous Las Vegas Strip

The observation level was not teeming with people and was relatively quiet, except for some media function which soon moved away, and the loud video booth advertising dance CDs (i.e. the ones where you mouth the words of a song and your head is superimposed on top of professional dancers' bodies, creating your own personal, very cheesy music video).

There is a bar at the observation level. I saw many people drinking from these rather cool blue bottles which I had only seen come with Skyy vodka (yuck). But on closer inspection, it was actually Bud beer (double yuck!).

I spent quite a while at the top as well as the "open air" observation level at the very top.

Moving on from The Stratosphere, I started walking my way back towards the other end of the Strip.

Since it's day time, it's a great opportunity to take photos (the simple ones), but of course night time is where all the lights and glitter come out of hiding. Still, the pavements on both sides of the road were full of people... and a lot of others (who - without prejudice intended - look like immigrants) who were clicking lots of piles of cards for call girls.

Big bold displays made themselves known. You can get away with a lot of provocative advertising (and displays and what not for that matter) in Las Vegas (or indeed almost anywhere in the Western world besides Australia and New Zealand), and there was no holding back.

This sign is supposed to say "World's Biggest Gift Shop". It certainly is big inside, filled with more tourist junk than you can poke a stick at.

Sahara

Circus Circus, showing the Las Vegas Strip big signs...

...and massive casino / hotel complexes

 

[anat0l]

Wed 27 Oct (Las Vegas)

Twin complexes: Encore...

...and Wynn

I went into a few casinos and hotels, but admittedly apart from slightly different coloured uniforms and displays, everything starts to look the same - the casino tables, the people, the brand name shops, the bars, the restaurants...

Entrance to Encore

A leisurely looking hallway in Encore...

...and a more grandeur looking one

The interface between Encore and Wynn is marked by the meeting of these two theatre entrances

Yet another plush hallway in Wynn

A beautiful garden in Wynn

 

[anat0l]

Wed 27 Oct (Las Vegas)

Next stop was The Palazzo. One interesting pattern I found is that most of the places I went to had a "sister" property. For example, Encore and Wynn, and The Palazzo and Venetian. If you were inside one property, you can find directional signs telling you how to get to the other. Sure, it helps they were side-by-side, although I went to one place and they offered a shuttle to their other property. I guess they are owned by the same person, or it's just a matter of proximity. Beats me.

The Palazzo

Grandeur waterfall, fountain and complex in The Palazzo. Oh yes, it is autumn here, too (or as our American friends would call it, fall).

This fine hallway I believe is in The Venetian. If you've ever been to Rome you'll probably recognise the design concept. I think I saw the floor design somewhere in about two dozen books of illusions.

No visit to The Venetian is complete (supposedly) without checking out the Little Venice complex, which is mostly shopping but is also replete with restaurants and cafes. It's much cleaner than Venice and not the same, but there you go. There's a casino in Johannesburg that I've been to that also has a similar thing.

Little Venice inside The Venetian. Complete with Venetian architectural buildings (shopfronts), fake blue sky...

...gondolas, engineered canal, and...

...female gondoliers (it is traditional and even until now in Venice that women cannot be gondoliers). I don't know if a ride is cheaper here than in Venice, but with the latter pricing at minimum EUR 80, I wouldn't be surprised if it was cheaper in Las Vegas. Then again, what isn't cheaper here compared to Europe (let alone Italy)?

In the Venetian, the ladies who frequent the gambling tables refreshing the drinks for the players wear something which looks reminiscent of what Roman guards would wear (i.e. leather like uniform and skirt). Just to demonstrate how you can get away with a lot in the US compared to Australia, I'd have to say that the skirts are so short that if it were even a mere millimetre (or sixteenth of an inch) shorter, let's just say that might be enough to start proceedings for indecent exposure.

Now why don't more guys think laterally on this, e.g. dropping a chip by accident and having them bend over and pick it up? :mrgreen:

*shakes head vigorously* OK bad thoughts out, good thoughts in ...once I went outside, the imitations continued...

 

[anat0l]

Wed 27 Oct (Las Vegas)

An almost perfect recreation of the Rialto Bridge

Last time I went to Las Vegas 16 years ago, we stayed at The Aladdin, which I found out doesn't exist anymore. Some of the older stalwarts I remember are still here...

Treasure Island

The Mirage

...and some others have just gotten way, way bigger...

Caesar's Palace, complete with faux Roman architecture, Colosseum re-creation...

...and the Forum Shops, with a likeness of the Trevi Fountain. The only thing that's missing is one of those person statues to be holding up a handful of gambling chips, some cash or a drink.

I kept moving along, but with about 2 miles of Strip left, I was no where near able to make my rendezvous on time.

Harrah's. Gambling is no joking matter once you're inside.

Outside Bally's, with the re-creation of the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Once I got to Bally's, I decided to take the Las Vegas monorail to the MGM, since it was the only way I was to have any chance of meeting my godmother at our rendezvous point on time. The monorail is pretty expensive for what turns out to be a short ride, but I guess for those that want to tour the strip up and down (perhaps shopping) and don't have a car, it's not a bad way to go.

Got my ticket for the monorail then made a n00b mistake. Yep, got on the monorail going in the wrong direction ; still, better than getting on the wrong aircraft or the wrong airport. Get off, wait for the other monorail. Now we're talking...

 

[anat0l]

Wed 27 Oct (Las Vegas, LAS-BOS)

Why is it when you're in such a hurry that public transport seems to go slower? Not that the monorail did go slower...

Once I arrived at the MGM stop, I had to negotiate my way through to the front reception, which for someone not familiar with the place or indeed all these big casino / hotel complexes, is no easy feat. It wasn't helped by the fact I was rushing. In the end and between rather harried SMS messages, I eventually found the reception and my godmother, about 15 minutes later than our agreed meeting time.

My uncle picked us up and we thought about some dinner. Now where is good to go in Las Vegas for a simple dinner that wasn't an expansive buffet? (No, don't say McDonalds...) Rather stuck for ideas, my godmother asked me if I would like some food from the Philippines (my father is from the Philippines as are my godmother and uncle). At this point I hadn't made up my mind, so I just said yes. After all, it'd be nice to try something different for a change.

Our hunt went to a small mini-mall a handful of blocks away from the Strip which had a rather modest restaurant featuring - you guessed it - a buffet (!) of a small assortment of Filipino food. It was a very simple offering and equally simple quality of food, but not too surprisingly the restaurant had quite a few people inside who had come to get their fill to satisfy their homesickness. My uncle, who is known to demolish a bowl of cooked fresh prawns within minutes, helped himself to plenty of the fattening, deep fried parts of the pig, common to Filipino cuisine.

Over dinner I thanked my godmother and uncle for taking me in for the night. It was really good to see my godmother again. A new adventure beckoned, starting with a red-eye...


Dinner finished and my packed bag already in the boot (American: trunk) of the car, we were off back to McCarran. The light traffic on the road made what otherwise is a fairly quick commute a little longer, but soon I was at the departures level and at the US Airways counters. US allow *G to use their First Class check-in, which had only one other person at it who was quickly dealt with, leaving me to stroll leisurely up, get checked in, a good seat (5A) and a bag with priority handling routed to BUF. I received my two BPs and both clearly indicated I was in boarding zone 1. Excellent.

My flight was due to depart from a B gate, so after finding the correct security screening point, I went through without trouble or getting nude-o-scoped or rude-o-groped. Thank goodness for airports providing repacking benches away from the security complex. Now if only people were smart enough to grab their stuff and move away from the end of the security belt so stuff doesn't start backing up in the x-ray machine...

At such a late time at night, there wasn't much open at all in the A and B wings of LAS airport. Most I saw were a Burger King, a sports bar, and...

Slots machines (or "pokies" as we call them in Australia) inside LAS airport

My next thoughts go, "Wait a minute, isn't there a CO Presidential Club in LAS?" I think that was the only *A lounge in LAS. My thoughts were soon proven correct as I checked my sources, but it was located in the D wing. This would mean getting out of the A-B wing, going through D wing security, finding the lounge, exiting on time, clearing A-B wing security again and then finally boarding my flight at the B gates.

Worth the effort? Maybe. Did I want to put in the effort? No.

So I decided to wait for my flight loungeless. Luckily, there were options that made the time go rather easier. LAS has these random metal benches which have power outlets in them. Combined with free wifi throughout LAS, one can sit down, plug in their laptop and start working away. Indeed, I found a few people doing this (as were others who plugged in their mobiles and started using those). At least fiddling around on Facebook, Twitter, FT and AFF helped me while away the time before my flight was due to board.

HP plane with HP livery at LAS. No, this wasn't my aircraft, even though my flight was being serviced by an HP plane.


Flight: US Airways US66 Las Vegas McCarran (LAS T1-D) – Boston Logan (BOS TB)
Depart: 2215h Sched; 2214h Actual
Aircraft: N676AW Airbus A320-200
Distance: 2,381 mi (3,827 km)
Class: Economy
Seat: 5A


Red-eyes are almost always uncomfortable, even if you fly premium, and usually because they are too short to get enough "recovery" sleep. When I selected an overnight flight to save on accommodation and get the most out of the following day, I decided to take this option to BOS rather than via the usual US hub of CLT. The latter flight is 1 hour shorter, which means less sleep.

A decent crowd at our gate prior to boarding provided a pocket of rowdiness in an otherwise deserted terminal. Soon enough, zone 1 pax and other special assistance pax were asked to board. I made my way through to my seat and managed to find a spot for my bag in the overhead.

A friend of mine reminded me that flying US would be basically riding on a glorified flying bus. He wasn't wrong. Normally I'm not a fan of leather seats, but at least they were soft and comfy. The legroom was decent, although being rather short at 1.75m height has its advantages.

Looking across row 5 onboard US66. Taken before the rest of the riff-raff could take their seats.

Legroom in 5A.

A little later during the boarding process, a couple of ladies who I assume is a mother and daughter traveling together asked if they could sit together. The mother's seat was 5F, so I didn't think too long before saying 'yes'. After all, it was the same kind of seat, just on the other side of the aircraft. I guess I could end up sitting next to an idiot instead of the good looking daughter who assumed 5B, but oh well. Hopefully the big man upstairs put a tally on my karma count.

The plane filled up completely. My seat mate was a young active business school student studying in BOS. Unfortunately for him, he boarded late and had no choice but to put his backpack under the seat in front of him. He was unfazed however, and we made some good conversation whilst the PA wasn't blaring.

Without a doubt, most FAs love red-eyes. They run a quick service, then turn out the lights until landing. That's pretty much what happened. Once we were in the air, the FAs went quickly through the cabin asking if anyone wanted service. I asked for a cup of water and a cup of orange juice with ice. Thankfully non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary here, especially water. An FA returned to my seat with two very full cups of beverage which she very, very slowly handed over to me and which I very, very, very slowly and carefully took off her hands and placed onto my tray table. The effort of getting the very full cups of beverage onto my tray table without a single drop of spillage could be one of the challenges on Minute to Win It. I personally was really not wanting to spill anything on my seat mate who was still mostly dressed in his best for business.

I consumed my two beverages and not long after the lights were turned off. My seat mate had some rather urgent papers and presentations to read, so he whipped out his laptop which continued to shine through the cabin darkness. Not that it phased me - he was a student like me so having a compressed and "all-day" timetable is normal, if even that means you study when you "should" be sleeping. I simply shut my eyes and went to sleep.

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (LAS-BOS)

Thursday 28 October

I'm pretty sure I woke up at least 2 or 3 times during the flight. Each time I woke up I spent about 5 minutes shaking the legs to get blood flowing as well as staring out the window into the endless sky-plains of clouds, moon and stars (I really wish I could get a photo of something like this), eventually trying to work myself back down into slumber mode.

Our captain woke up most of the cabin with his PA on approach to BOS, even though the cabin lights were still off. Eventually with descent imminent, the rest of the cabin began to stir and the main lights were switched back on.

It was still well and truly dark outside on the rather early morning when we touched down in BOS and taxiied to our gate. We parked at the end of the B concourse of BOS airport, with barely any pax to speak of around the concourse except for those arriving into BOS. A couple of cafes starting to open offered a source of awakening the dead in the form of caffeine. And I was hunting down two things: (a) gate for my next flight, and (b) the US Airways Club, hopefully for entry, peace and quiet, some breakfast and a shower.

BOS Terminal B in the morning

You can tell this is US's side of the terminal

Rocking chairs?

BOS tarmac very early in the morning. The sun hasn't even come out yet.

My early morning navigation senses took me down a couple of halls before I happened upon a wooden door way that marked the entry of the US Airways Club. The entry looks rather imposing and odd, given that there were no windows looking in. It reminded me more of an entrance to a private association club or something like that (except there was no bouncer / greeter at the front door). You even had to buzz to get in through the door. (The password was "Iggy sent me". Alright, I made that part up .)

Entry to the BOS US Club

The kind woman at the entry desk checked my details; once again, my very plain looking and inconspicuous BD*G card claimed another victim of confusion, with the lady not knowing which FFP I belonged to until I said, "bmi"...

...no, actually not until I said, "British Midland"...

...no, actually not until I said, "BD"...

......and then convinced her it was a member of the Star Alliance. Geez, what am I taken for? One of those Asian gangsters involved in one of those credit card copying schemes and now we're forging FFP elite cards?

There are no showers in this lounge. What is it with no showers in lounges in this part of the world? I guess it's a water conservation measure of some broad description. My real refresher will have to wait until I get to the Hilton Fallsview, then.

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (BOS-BUF)

The lounge is quite comfortable and pleasantly fitted out. There weren't many people in the lounge, so I guess the morning rush isn't at around 0630h.

Food is pretty simple, the basic continental breakfast was laid out. Coffee was the modus operandi style of the USA, which is filter-drip brewed for those not in the know. I tell you sometimes in the USA you have to kill someone or pay a little fortune to get a good espresso coffee. Everyone just seems to like the filter brewed stuff, and not awfully strong either.

It took me a bit of extra brain power for this time of the morning to work out how to operate the coffee machine, and liquid creamer (rather than milk) seems to be all the rage in this country as well.

A very quiet BOS US Airways Club

Continental (not the airline CO, I mean the breakfast type) breakfast courtesy of BOS US Airways Club

There is a bar in a secluded part of the lounge, complete with comfy bar stools, but it's obviously too early in the morning to be breaking out the alcohol (or paying for the bartender to serve them up). There is an office section that's also equipped with a printer, but you need to pay to use the printer.

Ate some breakfast, drank some coffee, watched some news on the television screens...and before long, my short transit ended and I started on my way to my next gate and next flight.


Flight: US Airways Express US3569 Boston Logan (BOS TB) – Buffalo Niagara (BUF) (operated by Air Wisconsin)
Depart: 0730h Sched; 0722h Actual
Aircraft: N457AW Canadair CRJ-200
Distance: 396 mi (635 km)
Class: Economy
Seat: 3F


Daylight had just broken in slowly as boarding preparations were being made.

There weren't many people flying this morning on this flight, so it looks like with any luck we might just be able to push back early. Pretty much every pax on this flight was the same (except me), however, all carrying their standard carry-on in one hand and cup of coffee in the other. No, I don't mean everyone had their own travel mug, I'm talking about the cardboard cups from the coffee shop with a thermal sleeve. Seems you just can't trust the coffee on board.

Down the jetway I went, down a set of stairs, across about 5m of tarmac, up the stairs of the CRJ and onto the aircraft. The overheads couldn't accommodate my backpack, so I ended up having to put it under the seat in front of me. When boarding finished, 3D was free so I was able to slide my backpack across to the left and enjoy my legroom all the way to BUF.

Legroom in 3F on the CRJ200

A friendly reminder: if you need to pass gas, please do so in the lavatory and not at your seat. Your life or the life of the next passenger sitting in your seat could depend on it. :mrgreen:

Our taxi and take off were all textbook as our little aircraft soared into the sky and on direct course to BUF. Service was offered on this flight and I decided upon a juice and water like my last flight, and once again as per US's policy, these drinks were free of charge. US Airways Express flights have a smaller selection of items from service compared to regular US Airways flights, but enough to keep most people happy. I had an orange juice on my last flight, so I decided to get a cranberry juice this time. Whilst the juice I had probably wasn't 100% juice, I think I could get quite used to drinking cranberry juice (only that it isn't all that common at all in Australia).

Not much else to say for our short flight. We were informed that the ground temperature in BUF was cold (which I had to decode quickly in my mind, being a degrees Celsius minded person in a country where they talk of degrees Fahrenheit instead). It wasn't long before we descended and landed at the small airport at BUF.

Landscape shots taken from 3F during descent into BUF

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (Niagara Falls)

The Bigger They Are, The Louder They Fall

Airside concourse at BUF

Outside the modern-ish looking BUF terminal

Finding my way through BUF terminal to the arrivals hall was easy and quick, and the baggage followed not long after. But that was the easy part of the journey.

Now to get to Niagara Falls.

For those not in the know, the town of Niagara Falls is split across the US/Canada border, with the US Niagara Falls in the state of New York, and the Canadian Niagara Falls in the state of Ontario. I had booked a room at the Hilton Fallsview, which is on the Canadian side. Although there is a Niagara Falls airport (NGA), there are little commercial flights going to and from it. Most people who go to Niagara Falls head in via Buffalo or Toronto.

I did a little bit of homework in the SFO RCC about getting to Niagara Falls, so I knew there was a bus that goes from Buffalo Airport to Rainbow Bridge (the bridge you can cross to the Canadian side of the Falls). The problem was that it wasn't very frequent, although I had taken part of that into account when I booked my flights from LAS to BUF.

I stopped at the information desk and the kindly old gentleman at the desk offered me a timetable for the Rainbow Bridge bus. It showed that the bus was indeed not frequent at all and it would be at least half an hour before the next bus arrived. At least I knew where the stop was, and the stop had a small "room" equipped with a bar heater for those not quite able to brave the elements outside whilst waiting for the bus. It wasn't furiously cold, but certainly some people would do well to wait in the heated area.

A few more people turned up before the bus finally arrived. Our very kind driver offered assistance for passengers in lifting bags as well as directions. Although infrequent and not operating for certain times of the year (I had managed to travel at a time when it was just near the end of the operating period), for a mere couple of dollars one could travel the non-trivial distance between the convenient Buffalo Airport and Rainbow Bridge.

The bus ride to Rainbow Bridge was relatively fast and picturesque; unfortunately I have no pictures from the ride, simply because taking shots out of the bus window whilst the bus is speeding along is just too awkward!

Once I got off at the Rainbow Bridge stop, it's a matter of crossing a huge car park to reach US Border Control office. Or rather, for those "outbound" travelers, i.e. those going from US to Canada, it's just a walk around the outside of the said office and straight onto the pedestrian walkway of Rainbow Bridge in a straight march towards Canada.

Sign denoting where to go to walk to Canada

Rainbow Bridge looking towards the Canadian side. This Korean father and son traveling were on the same bus as I was, but they were only here for the day. Lucky I was able to help them at the Canadian side, as they spoke little English.

A small plaque on the bridge defining the border between US and Canada. See, it's possible to exist in two countries at once without being morbidly obese.

The US (left) and Canadian (centre) Niagara Falls as seen from Rainbow Bridge

Upon walking the length of the bridge, an inconspicuous door led to a very small waiting area where Canadian immigration asked the usual two random screening questions before sending you on your way.

Canadian border control (taken from the Canadian side after passing control)

So now my long quest to Niagara Falls is almost complete. I've flown to BUF from LAS, got to Rainbow Bridge, crossed into Canada. Now all that's left is to find the Hilton Fallsview. At this point, I was very tired (not helped by dragging my heavy luggage around) but the hotel was a good distance away from Rainbow Bridge. I could've resorted to calling a taxi, but I decided to soldier on; besides, I needed some steps to work off the buffets of LAS.

Some very determined walking up and down hills, with a couple of rest stops, and I finally, very tiredly, arrived at the Hilton Fallsview. That last walk up the hill to the hotel's block was a killer with the heavy luggage I had.

Entry to the Hilton Fallsview

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (Niagara Falls)

I thought there would be a routine walk in, check in and into my room. It wasn't to be. Turns out that - yes, the dreaded words you hear - I was a bit too early to check-in, as I had attempted with some others, and a room was being cleaned for me at that moment. So I had to resign to the fact that my room and awaiting refresher in the substantial form of a shower would have to wait.

Jack-o-Lantern Halloween competition between the various sections of the hotel staff. The section which got the most customer votes won some prize.

Whilst I waited for my room to be made available, I shuffled over to the Concierge and obtained an area map. The main attraction is, of course, the falls themselves. Whilst a full visit of the falls involves both the Canadian and US sides (along with the national park about the falls), I felt I only had enough time to do the Canadian side (you have to remember I was feeling rather buggered!). Since I had just missed out on Maid of the Mist (which had just closed for the season), the next best attraction was the Journey Behind the Falls.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.... within about 15 minutes of my initial inquiry, I returned to check-in to be told that my room was ready. Keys were rather tacky, since the design on them was actually advertisements for the hotel's various eating establishments (which were obviously very, very expensive by design). I was told of where breakfast was being served, and as a Gold member it was complimentary. Enough of all of this - I want to get to my room!


Hotel: Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview
Status: Hilton HHonors Gold
Booked: 2 Queen Beds Both Fallsview
Received: 1 King Jr Suite Premium Fallsview


I have to say that I'm not exactly sure what kind of room I received, except it was a single big bed rather than 2 Queens, a corner room and a view of both falls. It also had a jacuzzi spa bathtub and separate shower. The furnishings of the room were supposed to be a classic type, but for those that are into style it might look too old for their liking.

My room at the Hilton Fallsview

Canadian Horseshoe Falls from my room window

The falls are so large and so loud, you can hear the crashing sounds of water even ever slightly through the room window. Such is the size and fury of the falls.

After checking out the room, the first course of action: shower! (Ed: No prizes for guessing that one) I unpacked my bags and hopped into the shower. Aaaah....what a relief. Water pressure was alright and the temperature gauged shower made it easy to hit the right temperature quickly.

Shower completed and feeling like a new man again, my tiredness had caught up on me a bit. So even though there was quite a bit of sightseeing to be done (relatively), I needed a bit of rest to make it through the rest of the day. I set the alarm and shut the curtains, then flopped onto the soft King sized bed and was soon napping away.

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (Niagara Falls)

View of Niagara Falls city (Ontario) from my corner room

A brief nap later it was time to go exploring. After all, I really only had the rest of the afternoon to enjoy Niagara Falls.

Rainbow Bridge as viewed from the Canadian side

Just another street in Niagara Falls, Ontario

I have to warn the academy and you, esteemed reader, of two things about the rest of this report on Niagara Falls:

• If you don't like nature or descriptions that are warm, fuzzy and work on the mind, you may not like what you read (but I hope you enjoy the pics).
• There are more pictures in my galleries than I can put here; please visit my FT Gallery to find them all.

Moving towards the falls, the sounds of white water crashing down over the falls becomes louder and more resounding. It's not a deafening thing, but if you get reeled into observing the beauty of the falls, then the sounds just seem to keep you there longer.

I could spend a lot of time lazing away admiring the falls and watching the water crash over into the river below. The beauty of the falls and indeed the nature and environment of the area was really something to behold....to reflect....to enjoy....

US falls as viewed from the Canadian side

The Canadian falls (Horseshoe Falls) is bigger than the US falls, but either one becomes spectacular when viewed up close. The Canadian falls usually has a feature attraction called Maid of the Mist, where you can get up close in a small boat, but it only operates seasonally, and I just missed out. The alternative is an attraction which allows you to get up close to the wave of falling, crashing water. That is Journey Behind the Falls.

Entry to Journey Behind the Falls. Even at a point here which seems "far" from the falls, you're being pelted with fall mist.

Niagara Falls as viewed from the ground level concourse outside the Journey Behind the Falls building

Here's a caveat for visitors going to Niagara Falls: nothing is cheap here - attractions, hotels (relatively speaking), restaurants...so budget ahead.

Also, if you intend to view the falls up close, this might sound silly, but you will get wet. When I went to Journey Behind the Falls, you get given a light, plastic poncho / raincoat to wear, which will protect you for most part, but watch out for water / mist caught in the winds. Nothing will protect your lower legs and feet, so you'll probably head back to your hotel with wet feet, socks and shoes, as well as the lower part of your jeans / pants wet as well. If you have a waterproof camera, that would work well, or you can simply risk using your regular camera and see how much water it can put up with (bring a dry cloth to try and wipe it off before each shot is taken).

 

[anat0l]

Thu 28 Oct (Niagara Falls)

Niagara Falls up close, from the lower observation deck of Journey Behind the Falls

People abound at Journey Behind the Falls, decked in light raincoat ponchos and trying to take the best pictures without getting completely soaked. A difficult achievement.

A viewing portal at Journey Behind the Falls. Here you can see a little bit of the falls go over up close without getting very wet, but it's of limited enjoyment because it misses the whole perspective and size of the falls. If you've ever had a fantasy to view a powerful waterfall from inside a cave, this could be partway to satisfying you.

Pay to go down for the fury of the falls, but at the surface you can see the ever eerie misleading calm before the crash.

There are plenty of hotels close to the falls that jockey for the best falls views

Light wire display in a park close to my hotel. These were all wire displays of Disney characters.

Although I didn't move away from the Journey Behind the Falls area until it started getting dark, which meant not much chance to see anything else, I was satisfied. The only thing left to see would be to go up Skylon Tower to see the falls from high up, but it is relatively expensive to do so when I could get just as good a view from my hotel window (one of the advantages of being upgraded!).

A leisurely walk back to my hotel, I settled in for a small dinner and then off to bed. I think these day trips with lots of flying were taking a bit of toll on my strength. And to think I had to do it again tomorrow!

There was good viewing from my falls view window in that at night they light up the falls. Beams of various colours of the spectrum shone through the waves of falling water. It was only one colour at a time, so no spectacular light shows like in Vegas or something. Think a cross between seeing a blonde wig whilst having a psychedelic space out, except on a much larger scale (and the wig "moves"). OK maybe that's a little harder to describe than I thought. (And don't ask me how I came up with that association.)

Sorry - no photos or video. It was a bit too difficult to get a good shot at the falls at night through the hotel window without reflection etc. Otherwise, I would have had to go out back down to the falls to see it, and I hadn't planned on getting soaked again.

 

[anat0l]

Fri 29 Oct (Niagara Falls, BUF-JFK)

Friday 29 October

I forgot to mention before that since I was on the Canadian side of the falls, everything is charged in Canadian dollars. However, in select places (pretty often), US dollars was still accepted. I didn't bother changing any CAD, so luckily I wasn't handing over a lot of USD anyway. Plus the difference due to exchange was almost negligible. (Now since rates do change, YMMV).

Now back to the story.

Not making enough time to have decent sleep - especially when you know the bed is excellent - is a real problem; in my case, I slept a little longer than was comforting. "anat0l, don't you know you still have to pack up, have breakfast, get to Rainbow Bridge, clear US customs and then take the only bus which is going to get you to BUF airport in time for your JetBlue flight?"

Yes, I know... so I bolt out of bed and straight to the shower. Quick shower and change, I start to stuff things back into my bags and a quick check to make sure nothing is left behind. Then it's downstairs for breakfast.

Ugh...don't have time for breakfast. I ask the kind lady at the breakfast reception whether they do take-out. She said, "No problems", and gives me a styrofoam compartmentalised dish container, plastic cutlery and a plastic bag. I head into the restaurant - leaving my luggage and bag in an out-of-the-way place - and go straight for the buffet. A pretty standard full breakfast spread which would be good to partake in with some time, but not this morning. I order an omelette with the lot and grab a few sides whilst I'm at it, plus a tub of yoghurt, a piece of fruit and a fruit juice. The omelette is flipped into the container and I tip the chef as I put everything into the plastic bag and am on my way. The smell of omelette and hot breakfast oozed out of its container and the bag as if it were begging me insistently to stop right now and eat the delicious food.

Check-out would have been quicker had it not been for a small line. At least settling the bill was quick as I was out the main door. Not willing to be in a hurry and carting all my stuff down to the bridge, I hail a taxi to drive me to what is otherwise a fairly short distance.

Arrived at the bridge, paid the taxi driver (a little bit of a handsome tip to go with it) and off to the border control office. No exit control from Canada, but before exiting the building a fee of 50c is levied before you can exit the door and cross the bridge back to the US.

I power walk across the bridge in good time, thinking that I still could make it to the bus. Then another spanner in the works.

I get to US customs and there is only one border officer working the immigration desks. There are others manning an x-ray machine, but that seemed like it. I was first in line and would be processed except there was already someone at the desk, and it seemed like they were taking their sweet, sweet time getting processed. Great - I'm in a hurry and I'm behind someone who has an issue. If one of those border control reality shows was filming right now the action wouldn't be the questioning between the officer and this woman who seemingly can't pass through US customs in under 5 minutes, but rather me in the background with eyes that could kill and screaming, "for the love of small furry animals, you just picked the right day to be a potential immigration threat, didn't you?!" Alright, that's not entirely fair, but I was in a hurry.

Why is it when every second counts, it can feel like hours when you're in such a hurry?

Eventually, another border agent decides to come out of an office and open a second desk. You mean they actually thought it sensible to have another desk open? I look behind me - no, the line so far is just me. Whatever. I front up the newly opened desk, get my credentials checked and I'm on my way. And that woman is still and the desk getting her house in order.

I head out of the customs office and start jogging, which is really hard to do when you're carrying close to 33 kg combined weight. I hope the border control didn't think that I'm a threat that's just managed to slip through and is running for his life before they have a second thought and call me back. Across the empty car park I went towards the first intersection on the US side of Rainbow Bridge. A man is setting up a small corner stall.

"You looking for the bus to the airport?" he yells out.
"Yeah," I reply.
"Catch it over there," he says, pointing to a small sign across the street about 30m away.

At this point I should note that technically I am late for the bus. Buses in rural or less populated areas can be a hit and miss affair. They are either freakishly early or quite late. I was definitely hoping for the latter.

10 minutes pass by. No bus. Did I miss it? If I did, I hope there's a way to get a taxi called to this place. (And I hope the taxi takes credit card, 'cos I don't know if I have enough money for the very, very long trip to the airport). Perhaps it leaves from across the road?

Another 5 minutes passes. I think I counted a few tumbleweeds passing by. I didn't know tumbleweeds could exist in this part of the country. Alright, alright - I made that up.

I was almost resigned to thinking I'd missed the bus and now I need to find a taxi to drive me to the airport, else I'd miss my flight for sure, since the next bus wasn't going to make it in time.

Then I saw a red vehicle coming in from my right. Hey, I didn't know they had vehicles with names. This one was called, "Buffalo Airport". Pretty fancy schmancy owner even got to name his vehicle on an electronic board - none of this painted-on stuff you see on other vehicles.

*snap* Oh wait a minute - that's my bus!

Hail it down!

It stops - it's the same kindly bus driver that operated the bus yesterday. He recognises me as I tiredly drop the money into the fare machine. I lug my heavy bag to the back of the bus and take a seat. Deep sigh out - I'm on my way to the airport.

We picked up a few more pax along the way, but otherwise the bus powers down the highway towards the airport. I pretty much go into stupor mode, slowly recovering whatever adrenalin I expended on rushing for the bus.

Eventually we're at the airport. I thank our bus driver and head into the terminal. I find a spare table and set down my things, then tuck into breakfast. At least it's still lukewarm, even if it looks like it was sort of mish-mashed in a food processor.

Alright, with that done, I figure that I might as well go check-in and clear security. I won't have any lounge access since I'm flying JetBlue, but at least being airside is probably a better place to be.

JetBlue check-in desks at BUF

There aren't many people at the check-in desks, so within minutes I'm being processed.

Check-in agent: "Would you like to go on an earlier flight?"
Me: "How much will it cost?"

Cue the "are you <expletive> serious" look from the agent.

Check-in agent: "Nothing, sir."

Oh...of course.... how silly of me...

Me: "Oh well, in that case, sure."

Baggage is a little on the heavy side of the weight allowance, but it is accepted with a heavy tag attached to it. Boarding pass in hand, it's off to security.

After walking the length of the terminal and having a sticky beak in a couple of shops, I manage to use up enough time so I'm not completely bored waiting at my gate. Looks like the load will be reasonable today, but not packed.

Gate 8 of BUF airport - JetBlue getting into the Halloween spirit

The aircraft scheduled to go to JFK pulls in


Flight: JetBlue B6139 Buffalo Niagara (BUF) – New York John F. Kennedy (JFK T5)
Depart: 1145h Sched; 1141h Actual
Aircraft: N715JB "How's My Flying? Call 1-800-JetBlue" Airbus A320-200
Distance: 301 mi (484 km)
Class: Economy
Seat: 9F


As some of you would have read in my prologue, a friend said to give B6 a try, since the distance is pretty short I wouldn't be getting many BD miles if I went with US. On top of that, it's another carrier to add to experience, and blue chips on board. I should've prefaced that my friend is someone who will try anything and everything in commercial aviation once - new airline, new aircraft...and he's done heaps of them...

Anyway, back to the story. Boarding is an orderly affair; even though I didn't board amongst the first 30% or so, I was able to find overhead space at my row. Legroom is pretty good and very comparable with the competition. Entertainment screens are on the backs of each seat with a credit card slot used to facilitate payment and activation.

Seat-back IFE

Legroom in 9F

The load is so light that I have a spare seat next to me, with another pax in 9D. The door is shut and the safety demo is aired. Then, we are on our way to JFK and, as the crew says many times (including the captain), about to "enjoy the JetBlue experience".

Once we were in the air, we were advised that this was an "express" flight. Which means there are only two choices for complimentary snacks: cookies or chips, but not the blue chips. Upon hearing this, I decide against partaking in more eating and try to have a nap instead. For most part, it was mildly successful, but it's not the first time I've flown on a mere ~400 mi flight before, and my body has gotten to know how long such flights are. Any nap is quick and we're ready to descend again.

Blue sky, blue engine - JetBlue

The cabin is prepared for landing as our pilot proudly-as-punch remarks that we should be able to get to a gate earlier than scheduled arrival.

 

[anat0l]

Fri 29 Oct (BUF-JFK, New York)

Descending past the marshy areas and into JFK

We touch down into JFK and pull up at our gate a bit less than 10 minutes ahead of schedule. That concluded my first JetBlue experience. It's a good airline to fly with, in my opinion. In a world where everything is turning into charges here and charges there, JetBlue do pretty well in giving what ordinary (and seasoned) travelers want - a good fare on a clean aircraft with free refreshments and a checked bag included. Plus, unlike some other airlines which try to do the same thing and be hip about it, the JetBlue staff are actually professional and respect you as an adult.

JFK T5 - it's all JetBlue territory here

T5 was in a bit of a state of repair as I noticed whilst making my way to baggage reclaim. The bags took a while to be delivered onto the belt but once the belt lurched into life they were all deposited nice and quickly. With bag in hand, it was now time to find out how to get to my accommodation.

The most economical way is to take the Airtrain to Jamaica Avenue, then take the E to 42nd

Those were the first words any New Yorker ever said to me.

I knew that my accommodation was near Times Square, but I had no idea how to get there. I'd read it a couple of times on Wikitravel but still didn't quite get the whole Airtrain then connect to the subway thing. So I asked someone who looked like they were either giving transport information or taking bookings for the airport shuttle. Thank goodness my somewhat simple question didn't annoy her. I thanked her for her advice and then I had to find my way to the Airtrain.

It's a long walk to the Airtrain, and then after a short ride to Jamaica Avenue (actually Sutphin Blvd), it's another long-ish walk to the subway platform to catch the E train. Or, as the New Yorkers call it, just "the E".

The whole journey from JFK to 42nd street which is near enough to Times Square takes over an hour. Luckily the train never got crowded during this time. Whilst the subway platforms may look a bit dank and harrowing, and the subway cars rather metallic and plastic without any sort of character, it's all part of a very efficient system. Well, at least where there wasn't any track work being done. Or trains being held up by people running through the doors at the last minute.

Once I arrive at 42nd I struggle a bit with my bag up to the street level. A little bit of walking around and counting street signs and I'm able to eventually find my next accommodation.


Hotel: Candlewood Suites Times Square
Status: Priority Club Platinum
Booked: Points Stay - Points + Cash ($60)
Received: Standard Room (assumed)


Within less than a stone throw away from each other are the Candlewood, a HIX and a Hampton Inn. All of them occupying a narrow frontage and an equally narrow but tall building. Such is the real estate in the crowded megalopolis of New York - you get what you can.

When I arrived the lobby lounge was packed (!) and there was a considerable number standing around! When I finally (!) got to a counter, I was told that there weren't enough rooms ready yet and I was joining a fairly long waiting list. I was pretty tired and not willing to risk the porter service just yet, given that there were so many checking in and quite a few checking out, there just might be a mess up along the way.

So I waited it out in the lobby. The Candlewood cupboard was just nearby so I helped myself to a few cups of the free coffee. Yeah, it's still the average brewed stuff and it ain't all that strong, but it's free. It takes about 35 minutes until I'm called to be able to check-in, but from there it was all nice and quick. Got given my room keys, told about the no cleaning policy and given the wifi password.

My room at Candlewood Suites Times Square

When I opened my room door, I found a small studio-ish like room. It wasn't a big room by any means, but then again this is New York, and I did value a lot being able to get this room less than a month out and for a mere 5,000 points + USD 60 per night. The bathroom looked rather lifeless and was disabled-friendly (i.e. no bathtub or shower area, rather a folding bench and just a big curtain). Not sure if this was like all the rooms or I just happened to get a disabled-friendly room (because there were no other rooms left). In any case, it did the job.

Cheers to a property that offers free unlimited internet

. Jeers to the fact that when I fired up my work email, there staring at me was some urgent work to do

. I guess it wasn't a total let down that I didn't go out that afternoon or evening because I was quite tired of walking around and what not, so I took care of work, processed a few more emails and turned in for an early night.

Whoops - almost forgot. Open up the sheets, do a quick hand check and spot check - good, no bedbugs. Now I can sleep.

 

[anat0l]

Sat 30 Oct (New York)

Saturday 30 October

There's a lot to see in New York. I only had a day and a bit, so I was only going to get a taster. And to make things more complicated....

....I woke up early enough but thanks to me being so tired the night before I had made no time to do a better plan out of where to go, what to do in New York and work email blinked in some unread emails in response to the work I sent. Open up the documents, agree to all modifications, save, resend.

Once I finally got out into the street, it was time to take on the Big Apple.

The streets of New York City

In the urban jungle that is New York (or at least Manhattan), the concepts of spacious or cramped, and dense or sparse, drastically changes.

Although there were people teeming back and forth, it didn't feel as busy as I thought New York might be. Perhaps it's the weekend. Jaywalking is not only rife here, it seems almost mandatory.

Times Square by day

First order of the day was to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, from Brooklyn. I decided to catch the subway from Grand Central Station to Borough Hall. I think I might have read this in a "New York in a Day" guide somewhere, even though it's faster just to take the subway from the PABT. Still, I could use the walk. I think I also heard Grand Central inside is a sight to behold.

Pretty much all the streets in Manhattan are numbered, such as this one, 6th Ave. However, some of the numbered streets or intersections are also given names. In this case, Avenue of the Americas.

Times Square by day

An intersection in New York

Hidden within the trees is the New York Public Library

This Hyatt is quite close to Grand Central. Certainly looks like one of the classier hotel establishments in this area.

The soaring eagle statue marks Grand Central Station

 

[anat0l]

Sat 30 Oct (New York)

And here is the inside of the big rail station. Worth a marvel indeed.

The very large main central concourse of Grand Central Station. Surely a flash mob must have occurred here before.

I headed down to the platform level and caught the 4 down to Borough Hall. There was then a decent walk from Borough Hall station to the Brooklyn end of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a decently windy day today, but the views were great.

The Brooklyn Bridge is upon...beckoning to be crossed...

The Manhattan Bridge in the distance.

Brooklyn Bridge

There were quite a few people on the bridge, both going up and down and stopping to observe the view. You have to watch out for the locals zipping by on their bicycles. Now there's an accident just waiting to happen.

This is definitely set up for sightseeing.

View of lower Manhattan

A woman takes a picture of the traffic on the bridge

More Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge

 

[anat0l]

Sat 30 Oct (New York)

The architecture in New York is so varied. It could be fairly pedestrian...

...old and grandeur...

...or new and unusual.

Once off the Brooklyn Bridge, I headed down Lower Manhattan.

New York City Hall

A fountain near the park near City Hall

No visit to New York could be complete without at least visiting one of the world's most important places of business...

Wall Street

...except there's not much to be had on the street itself. I think they don't do tours of the NYSE any more unless you have social status and/or money (i.e. give us some money, the economy needs it.... just kidding... )

New York Stock Exchange. Boring on the outside, but can't get inside.

Federal Hall

Further South leads to the departure terminal for the Staten Island Ferry.

A (perhaps controversy-embroiled) financial heavyweight at the tip of Lower Manhattan...

 

[anat0l]

Sat 30 Oct (New York)

...and here's another one

This looks like a quieter part of Lower Manhattan, dwarfed by the tall buildings further uptown.

Terminal for the Staten Island Ferry

Once I got inside the terminal, I tried to look around for a fare machine or ticket office. There wasn't one. I went up the escalators to the main boarding area. Geez there's a lot of people here. Looks like I might need to push into the front to make the next ferry. And where do we get tickets???

OK so I finally realised a couple of things:

• The ferry ride is free - you don't need a ticket
• The ferries are pretty big - they can hold a lot of people. Although in order to get a good view on the sides or the back of the ferry, you do need to be near the front of boarding.

Yeah yeah I feel kind of silly not knowing these.

On board the Staten Island Ferry

The ferry ride to Staten Island takes about 30 minutes one-way. I managed to get a spot next to a window, and photography was a little better when I stuck the camera out the window rather than through the slightly dirty window. For some reason there was a speck on either my lens or somewhere else which reared its ugly head especially when I zoomed and focused in. I tried cleaning my front lens to no avail.

Statue of Liberty. Not the best shot due to the smudge on my lens.

We arrived at Staten Island where I disembarked, only to do a 180 degree turn and join the crowds to go back to Manhattan.

Staten Island looks mainly like it's mostly residential, which is a far cry from the urban jungle of Manhattan and even the more moderate Brooklyn.

Leaving Staten Island

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now approaching Lower Manhattan...