There is an hourly No. 40 bus service to Niagara Falls.  But I shall be there tomorrow anyway. 

After a “dithering” type of morning, during which my main suitcase fell from its inadequate stand and emptied itself, at least, carefully repacking means less to do tomorrow.  I was more careful with what I had for breakfast this morning.  The only dodgy item was a kind of hideous pink blancmange(?) which in quantity would hasten a leg amputation.   The oatmeal is excellent, hot, and plentiful, and I do allow myself brown toast and a mix of decaf and real coffee. 

At the despicable hour of around 11.30, I made it out of the hotel and chose to retrace my steps to the correct train-stop where I just saw what  wasowever wanting disappearing towards the Erie Canal Harbour. It seems the service is far less frequent midday on a  (I think – I have loi st track of the days) Wednesday.  Actually, it’s Tuesday!  But that doesn’t change the fact that in 10 days, I’m on my home!  Supposedly, the shuttle train is every seven minutes. I must need an optician; I waited 45 minutes!  However, I am now partaking of authentic American cuisine.

I have chosen to go on another river cruise this afternoon at 2.30.  I think that there are just 19 of us on this two-deck vessel. This is the History cruise.

The boat trip was worth taking and provided via the tour guide, an interesting insight into the history of Buffalo.  While not a scenic trip, we were shown what was once a busy industrial area dealing with the storage and export of grain and other products.  The guide had been himself in the industry for much of his life, and thus, his presentation was from a personal viewpoint. 

I can’t keep blaming jetlag after 13 days!  The trouble is, I was having difficulty staying awake while on the river trip.  I walked a little where the “train” runs down Main Street.  There was a fascinating mix of architecture and some flamboyant corporate and local authority buildings exhibiting the “can-do” optimism, so characteristic of the one-time New World. 

Yesterday, an attractive building caught my eye. Well done to my neighbour who took the challenge to help me out and correctly identify the building as Buffalo’s Brisbane Building. 

Eventually, I walked back to my hotel to catch up on some rest.  The brief power nap did the trick, and I decided to have a celebratory (more healthy) dinner al fresco over the road from the hotel.  The day became quite hot, and I felt that dinner outside would make for a special treat.  Their pasta soup is worth travelling across the Pond for!  I don’t want tonight to end, so finished up adding Italian ice cream and to what was originally to a simple healthy dinner. 

Tomorrow, I have the morning to myself.  There is far more to see, and maybe tomorrow, I may visit a museum or church. What I would really like to do is visit City Hall.  To be continued.

14/8/24 (8/14/24 over here) 07.22 hrs (over here) 12.22 hrs (over there!)

When I finished my “special treat” dinner, I ambled back the few yards to my hotel.  When my travels are complete, I will have visited three “ordinary” towns or cities in New York State, Buffalo (1969, 2024), Syracuse (2024),  and Schenectady (2014).  My curiosity is at long last satisfied.  This morning, my plan is to visit the massive City Hall whose observation deck is open to the public.  Brilliant!  There’s an 80-minute guided tour of City Hall at noon. My train is at 15.32 hrs. (Day 14)

To be continued.