.Part 1- Niagara Falls,ON.

Part 1: Niagara Falls, ON

The day where MK and I reunited, after 4mths of separation. And so happened, it fell on my 21st Birthday … Possibly, the best gift I could ever received.    Off we head towards Niagara Falls, Ontario whereas my family remained in Boston for a couple of days of sight-seeing before we join them at Barrie.

Day 1
21st Birthday dinner at Rainforest Cafe … Once a favourite restaurant of mine, I was devastated upon hearing that the Sg branch of the cafe was closed down… for good. Rainforest cafe recreates a scene right out of a tropical rainforest with its indigenous animals such as the gorillas, snakes and elephants. Keep a lookout out for its sudden rain storms that never fail to keep all its patrons entertained. 

We initially wanted to head for the “Candle Light Stroll” event at the City Hall and so, enquired about the directions to get to there. Immediately, the waitress exclaimed, “Why would you wanna head to the City Hall? Are you both going to get married? ” LOL. In case if you don’t know, couples are required to head over to the City Hall to get the paperwork done in order to obtain their wedding license. That remark got baby and I pretty much blushing from embarrassment. Elope to Niagara Falls,eh? Doesn’t sound too shabby an idea. :p Nevertheless, we figured out that we were too late for the event anyway and opted to take a stroll along Clifton Hill.

A stroll along the stretch of Clifton Hill and its neighbouring streets to bask in the sparkling bright neon lightings. To some, Clifton Hill might seem a lil’ tacky with its many touristy attractions (haunted houses, wax museums, tourist shops, etc) but to us, it kinda reminded us of a tiny “Las Vegas Strip”. Wanted to try the “Nightmares Fear Factory” haunted attraction, which claimed in its website that over 95,000 pple had chickened out. But well, being the coward that I am, I decided not to go ahead with it cz somehow I have a feeling that I might end up getting half-paralysed in the midst of getting frightened. Instead, we had a ball of fun playing the good-old fashioned arcade games (air-hockey!!) over at Canadian Midway. That being said, Clifton Hill is probably your one-stop entertainment district to all leisure things … the rest of the town seemed laid-back and quiet in comparison.

Such a tourist trap but yea, we went ahead with the “Niagara Sky Wheel” which honestly offers scenic views of not only the illuminated falls but also of the brightly-lit Clifton Hill. With relaxing music playing at the back, you can say that it’s a romantic ride that overlooks the falls and its busy touristy-streets. Go with a loved one and it’s one of the best place for a romantic kiss. A great way to end a fantastic first day of our trip!

DAY 2

Niagara Falls. Needless to say, that’s the only reason why we decided to head to the town of Niagara Falls. As such, we spent both morning and sunset/evening taking a lovely stroll along the pathway. Here are some spectacular views of the massive, illuminated falls in the evening (Well, if you consider 4-5pm evening since sun sets at around that time during winter).

With Christmas just round the corner, Niagara Falls and its parkway was transformed ”into a winter wonderland of shimmering lights”. Display lightings of winter activities, candy canes, Disney characters … all of which that truly brought out the Christmas spirits in us. My favourite being the Enchantment of Disney animated displays - As childish as it might sound, I truly believe that Disney brings out the kid in *Almost each and every one of us. My next destination for Christmas? Florida’s Walt DisneyWorld.

Incredible views of the lightings that sparkle and twinkle when night falls.
 



If I didn’t know better, I definitely would have thought of this beautifully-decorated building to be that of a shopping mall or something commercial. But get this, it is a police station. On the stroke of 9pm, the building ‘magically’ came to life with a dazzling performance – whereby the snowflakes danced in accordance to the tune of “Carol of the Bells”. Well, seeing that Saks 5th Aveune has the exact same performance, only in a larger-scale, im sure that this one at the falls was inspired by the one over at NYC. Still, one would have never associated a christmas lighting performance with the law. !!

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Part 2: Done with the Falls and upward to Toronto!