Niagra Falls

Hey everyone and anyone, I know I haven't posted in a while. Now's when I say the generic excuse of "I've been so busy," when in reality I've only been moderately busy and have had plenty of time to blog, but nothing really of note to talk about.

Recently however, I decided to take a solo road-trip to Niagra Falls. I never take vacation at work, and since I was reaching the limit of paid vacation hours I was allowed to have, I took a week off. I knew that I wanted to do something different and exciting instead of just laying around the house, so I decided to go on an adventure.

At first I wasn't sure where to go. I only knew a vague direction, which was North East. I decided Niagra Falls would be an excellent destination because it was only six hours away, which was plenty for me, it was a national landmark, and it was something that not everybody got to see. So, this past Wednesday, I headed out.

The wide and open road...

Many people didn't understand why I went on this sojourn, especially by myself. After all, it would be cheaper if I brought a friend, and it would also not be as lonely.

But that was just it: I wanted to be alone.

For along time in my life, I honestly thought about running away a lot. I can remember being on my way to work many times, and looking at the road headed west... I thought of California, and the amazing new life I'd build there. I'd start over and be the person who I wanted to be, free of any chains.

I had never actually been on a trip alone before, far away from family and friends entirely. This was an experience that I wanted... no needed to have. I could see what it was like to be really be on my own.

The trip to Niagra was a pleasant, albeit long one, save for the bloodsucking toll roads. I made the mistake of bringing little cash with me on this trip. Not a good idea. Although one toll booth operator was kind enough to accept my handful of pennies. Thank you, ma'am.

Much to my dismay however, Niagra Falls was nothing like I thought it would be. Where I imagined a small, secluded town huddled around a national landmark, I found a smog infested dying tourist trap of a city. I was disillusioned and disappointed.

Despite this however, the falls themselves were beautiful, and once I actually got to them, I knew my trip had been well worth it.

As I stood leaning on the guardrail, surrounded by tons of other people, I noticed how alone I felt. How truly alone I really was. I was six hours from anyone I knew. I began thinking of family and friends as the sun set.

The Falls

Like the city of Niagra Falls, I had romanticized running away for years to carve a new path for myself. I thought it would be a beautiful new life with no problems, but beneath my dream was the smoggy, dilapidated truth... I had everything I needed and wanted at home... I had just never appreciated it.

As night fell, I left the observation area of the falls and went to my car. I had planned to spend the night, but I decided to go back to Buffalo, NY to stay. I had dinner at a pub called "The Founding Fathers," a patriotic-colonial themed pub. If you ever get the opportunity in Buffalo, GO THERE. Best. Burgers. Ever.

I sat there eating my burger as 10 PM was nearing, and I decided to make the six hour trip home instead of wasting money at a motel. I'd rather sleep in my own bed anyone. It was a caffeine and 5-hour energy infused trip, but I made it, even though there were times I feared I wouldn't.

People didn't understand my motives when I got back. It didn't make sense that I'd go somewhere, and return the same evening. But that's fine... this trip was for me, not for them. And I learned a lot about myself when I took it.

If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend an extended solo road-trip sometime. It really is a journey that's more important than the destination.

All I know is, I'm happy to be home again.

Greetings from Niagra Falls!