For my Spring Break 2018 I decided that I wanted to do a little bit of traveling in order to experience something new and different.
School was severely stressing me out and desperately needed a break. So, I began to plan a trip to Niagara Falls. Since my freshman year of college I've been wanting to go there. I would plan trips with my friends that would, of course, fall through, and I was tired of it.
I thought to myself, "Why am I letting people hold me back from what I want to do?"
I took a page out of my favorite YouTubers Damon and Jo's book and decided to Shut Up and Go.
I booked the hostel, did a brief survey of things to do in the area and went.
In the days approaching my trip, people were buzzing asking each other "what are you going to do over spring break?" Me, overly excited that I was taking action and doing something I wanted to do, told them, "I'm going to Niagara Falls, by myself!"
The whole room gasped, well not really, but people were extremely curious as to why I would go by myself, and was telling me that I should invite someone to come with me. Especially when I told my mom that I was going to be going by myself, she said, "Don't you want to take a friend with you?"
I did take into consideration her and others advice to bring someone with me and, the thing is that I did invite some people to come with me, but they were busy or didn't want to come.
I'm a very independent, strong willed person, which I can probably attribute to me being an only child, so being alone and going places by myself doesn't deter me.
I was determined to go and I was going to go whether someone joined me or not. What do I look like not doing what I want to do or going where I want to go because it's "taboo"?
This is honestly not the first time I went somewhere by myself, and it probably won't be the last time.
Don't be scared to take some time by yourself and go somewhere. Make new friends, eat good food, go new places. You'll learn more about yourself, I guarantee it.
A Morning In Niagara
Crust in my eyes, morning on my breath, I wake up in a chill room with a bunk bed above me. I look around. Usually when waking up in a strange place one might feel anxious. I was calm. This place is home. I step on the old creaking floor and tip toe across the room to open the window. The sun, is just starting to rise and its beams begin to make their way in to the room. I change out my PJ's, put on some socks to warm my feet and head downstairs to the common room. Each stair step had its own unique creaking sound as I put my weight on each one, slowly descending them. The hostel is quiet. I am the first one awake. I grab a blanket off the chair, sit down on the couch and begin to write. The birds are chirping loudly outside as they start their day, and the heater is humming on and off. Today is going to be a great. I hear the floor creaking, someone else is up. It's my host Josie, who says "Good morning" in her Brazilian accent and turns on the skillet to make pancakes. Time to start my day.
Going to Niagara Falls during the off season does mean that it will be cold, and you will need a coat. But, you are able to get cheaper prices and even do somethings for free. This also means that some of the warmer weather activities like getting really close to the falls, or going on a boat to see the falls, are closed.
I was often told that the Canadian view of Niagara Falls is better than the American view, and I can pretty much confirm this. The Canadian side is also a bit more touristy than the American side, so if you have a passport just cross Rainbow Bridge same as I did, and with in about 5 minutes you'll be in Canada. That day when I actually saw Niagara Falls walking, and exploring my surroundings, I reached 18,361 steps so definitely wear comfortable shoes.
Even though it was an off season I was surprised at the amount of tourists there were, I could only imagine what it would be like when it isn't an off season.
Viewing the falls literally took my breath away, I kid you not, when I say my heart skipped a beat. It was a beautiful sight. The power of the falls, the speed of the water it was awe-inspiring.
I would say more about my experience but, words cannot effectively describe my feelings, so you are just going to have to experience it for yourself!!
Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? If so, what was your experience like? If you have never been to the falls do you plan on going?