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Published: June 20th 2010
On Friday, we were on our way back to Pittsburgh from Florida.It was Orlando - Atlanta - Pitts flight.As we landed at Atlanta, we were bit excited.Reason!! Prakashkaka & Anukaki had their Atlanta - Pitts flight scheduled the same evening.They didnt know that we were in USA too. We have told them that we were in HOngkong.All this lie was part of the surprise that we were cooking for them.Me, Nam & Amey. In fact all from Nam's familiy were told that we were going to Hongkong for holiday.So at arrival, we checked on the indicators if their flight has left.Our flight was scheduled at 9.30 pm with slated arrival at 11.30 pm in Pitts.We roam around the Atlanta airport.Its considered as one of the busiest airports in the world.
The Air Trans flight left & arrieved on time.On arrival, we have to manage one thing. The last bus from Airport to Downtown Pitts was at 11.45 pm.On arrival, we literally ran thru the crowd & ensured that we reach the bus stop on time.And we did ;-) But then the unexpected happened. We saw the bus approaching.We thought it will stop so we didnt waived our hand.So the bus
came & went.We ran after it but no use!!How unfortunate!!We unnecessarily had to shell out $ 50. By bus it would have been mere $ 4.But anyway, we reached the same place.5th on Morewood, opposite CMU Campus. Amey came a few minutes after we reached there. he meeting us was part of the Surprise Plan.We pick up the local bus & reached home.
Prakash kaka & Kaki have reached & were sleeping.It was long journey from Mumbai to US for them afterall.In few minutes after we reached, kaki woke up slightly, hearing we talk.She came out & when she saw Nam, she exclaimed.She couldnot believe her eyes. She was in sleep mode but when she saw Nam, I think her eyes popped up.The surprise was so good, that she asked us atleast 3-4 times, how come we come to US from Hongkong.After we convince her with true story, she went back to her bed. Iam sure her head was spinning though. After some time, kaka woke up to use bathroom. Sensing that, Amey called him to meet his Friends ie us.Kaka's reaction was no different than that of Kaki.He was equaly astonished to see us.Asked the same question. How
come we come to Pitts from Hongkong & when? When we were able to convince him with true story, he went back. Our efforts paid.We got the reactions from both of them, the way we anticipated.And the best thing is, we have got it all captured on camera.
Next day morning we all got up.And then surprised discussion continued.All of us were very happy to be together at one place in USA.Nam & Kaki cooked some nice breakfast.It was Saturday morning.Next day we have planned visit to Niagara Falls.So that day we decided to visit some local places.We left by noon after having some good food.First halt was downtown.Fort Pitt,The fountains etc. In few days, G20 was about to take place in Pitts.Pitts was gearing up for that & we could see signs of their readiness everywhere.After some time, we went to the riverside.They have Kayaking facility available by the riverside.I have done it once in the past & since Kayak has only 2 slots, Amay & Nam decided to go.Nam occupied slot in the front & Amey was sitting in the back.It was great fun for them to ride & for us to watch.Nam was frightened thruout especially
when a big boat/ship would passby & create some ripples in the water.Some half an hour but truly one of the best experience in Pitts.We have hired the car since morning so moving around for us was easy.A it was weekend & that day there was a local baseball game in Pitts stadium.So Downtown area was full of colour & vigour.From there we went on to visit Mt.Washington.We deliberatley timed it such that we can be on top by sunset.Mt.Wahington is considered among top 5 romantic places in US & it lives us to its reputation. You enjoy it more & more with each visit. Few days back we visited it at night. This time in evening.Both times it offered fantastic views of the city.After spending some time there, we went back home.Next morning, we need to leave really early so we decided not to stay away too late.
Next day morning, we got up early by 6.30 am. Nam & Kaku looked after breakfast and Me And Amey after stuff to carry.On the way we stopped at one of the usperstores & bought some snax to eat on the way.It was fairly long distance.From Pensylvania to upstate New
York.I dont recall the distance but then who cares, when you have as good company as what we had that day!!I know driving but could not drive as I was not carring necessary licences so there was no respite for Amey, but I think he was enjoying the long drive.On the way as usual we had lot of fun.One of the funniest moments were, when we called Anuja on her cell.Amey had connected his I phone to car speakers so it has eased all of us to talk to her.The typical tone in which Anuja laughs was a added flavour!!On the way we stopped at one of the rest areas to eat/drink/rest.What was interesting about that place was the overhead bridge that takes you across the highway.If you stand in the middle of that & let a container truck pass by, you feel as if you will be swept away with that.Quiet Amazing!!After that break, we resumed our travel.It took us another couple of hours from there to reach the Niagara National Park. By the time,we reached there it was close to noon.We parked the car & straight went on for Maid of The Mist - Signature ride at the
Arrival @ The Niagara National Park
From Left - Amey, Nam, Prakash kaka & Anu Kakifalls.For Nam, she always had a childhood dream to visit Niagara Falls in her life.She had learned about it in her 8th Standard high school about this place beauty.So when we boarded the ride, her excitement was obvious.You have the boarding point on both US & Canada side.We boarded on US side ofcourse.The boat takes you past the American Falls, Bridal Falls & then closer to the Horseshoe Falls.The last point is the highlight of the ride for me.Some 6 Millon Gallons of water falling down each second.You can imagine the mist & noise it would create.Simply a moment to remember.There must be very few experiences like riding on Maid of the Mist & being in the middle of the Horseshoe falls.Obviously you get completely wet but then they give complimentary raincoats to protect you.Some of the video clips that we recorded while on boat are quiet funny, speciall those which are attached here.
After alighting from the ride, we went up the Observation Deck & surrounding areas to enjoy the Falls & its beauty.From every angle, it appears more & more beautiful!!By now we all were hungry.So we went back to where the car was parked.It was our
make shift restaurant.We unpacked the food brought from home & ate stomochful lunch.Post Lunch, Amey introduced us to yet another exhilirating experience.Cave of the Wind.When I visited here last time on Aug 2004, i didnt knew about it.Good I didnt else I would not enjoyed it as much as I did that day.In Cave of the Wind, they take you some 100 meters down to the foothills of the falls & then allow you to be feets away from the falling waters.Ofcourse being dangerous, they have selected one of the smaller streams of the fall, called Bridal falls & have erected wooden platform with steps, on which you can walk up & down.Those with brave hearts (Amey & Me) dare to walk up the highest & closest point.There you are like only few feets away from where the water hits the floor.Defeaning noise & fear that one of the water stream will sweep you down!!If Maid of the Mist is for all, this is for the youngsters.The best experience at the Falls!!
All the area around the falls, has been declared as National Park with nice little paths for pedestrians, cars & cyclist.So after that exhilirating experience, we cooled
down in those lanes.One of those trails takes you towards the Horseshoe Falls.Again here, onecan walk upto feets away from where the water falls down.One of the things that I observed while walking there, is majority of the visitors there were Indians & among those Maharashtrians.I remember hearing people speaking Marathi at each step.I felt proud!!By now it was 4 pm.Return journey was 3-4 hours back home.So we decided to wind up.By now we have everything worth seeing in Niagara National Park.Return journey was as enjoyable as in morning except all of us were sleeping by rotation except Amey b'use he was on wheels & he could not!!I remember Prakash Kaka being awake as entered Pittsburgh carefully watching over Amey & his eyes!!We reached home by around 8 pm.Safely & with lot of memories of our first family outing abroad ;-)
How to Travel -
Greyhound has routes from almost all major cities for Niagara.Is cheaper option but those with reasonably big group, hiring a car can be fun & wont cost too much.
Food -
Restaurants with wide variety of food nearby , including some indian joints.Usual choices ranging from Cheese Stakes to Burgers, soda.If you
have hired a car, you can also carry food from home.Few packets of wafers, soft drinks will be useful in the journey.
Must See -
Cave of The Wind - Watch out for your step as its all very slippery.Carry home the complimentary sleepers as souveniers.
Maid of The Mist - Signature Ride.
What to Shop -
Lot of Souvenier shops.Choice of everything from Niagara T shirts to Mugs to stationary.But if you want take something to cherish. it would be the snaps/videos of you walking up to Cave of The wind & view of the Falls from Maid
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Alghamdi
Ahmed A Alghamdi
very interesting trip
visiting Niagara Falls is one of the most interesting trips that I've ever made. i like the way that you described the park,falls,restaurants and even Souvenir shops. my advise here is to take care of your camera cause all the memories of that good time there well be inside. fortunately, i lost my camera in the hotel room.they didn't give it back.!!not their fault.......