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By Johnny, July 31, 2010 6:45 pm

The last day of the trip began at the same time like it did the previous day. Early morning wake-up call. We get down by 6:30 and depart towards Niagara Falls once again. The agenda for this morning? Check out Goat Island and experience Maid of the Mist!

We got to Goat Island in no time and was greeted with an empty parking lot. What this meant was that we got to see the Horseshoe Falls with no other tourists and really up close and personal. We were so close that with the change of the wind direction, we were showered with the mist from the crests below. To enhance the beauty of the falls, a rainbow can be found circling the top to the bottom of the fall. A truly beautiful and magnificent sight.

With 15 minutes left until the bus drives off, I quickly made my way over to the Bridal Veil Fall, the smaller of the 3. It was quick jog down to the viewing deck with a bridge running over the fall.

After our viewing from the top of the falls were complete, we once again found ourselves at the Visitor’s Center and made our way to the park. We were the first tour group to get there for the Maid of the Mist attraction. Essentially Maid of the Mist is a boat ride near each of the 3 falls. They gave us plastic raincoats because it is expected that we were going to be drenched. I personally didn’t think we were going to get that wet. I was in for a big surprise.

We boarded the first boat that was out for that day and they packed it in with visitors. I luckily got to one side of the boat leaning up on a railing. As we got closer to the American and Bridal Veil Falls, you gradually got misted on and there was a constant spray of water. It wasn’t so bad. But when we made our way to the biggest fall, Horseshoe, the mist became pelting drops of rain. The next thing you know, everyone was doused in water from head to toe. Truly a refreshing feeling! Nothing like an early morning shower to cool down the already warm morning.

As we doubled back, we passed by the other two falls once again giving the other side of the boat the experience of misting from the falls. We made it back to the dock drenched. Our tour guide tells us to go check out the staircase that is located next to the American Fall. Boy was that crazy! With every step up to the side of falls and every wind blowing against you, the water mercilessly pound everything in it’s way including myself and other tourists who wanted to see the top. I got there. I got soaked!

I finally made it back down and eventually found myself at the top of the fall at the observation deck. I took a couple of pictures from way up top. That was the last time I saw Niagara Falls. We were told to get breakfast / lunch before boarding the bus. The bus ride was LONG! Crying kids, uncomfortable chairs, and people complaining about this and that was all part of this ride back. When we finally made it to New York City, I was so glad to be out of that environment. We were back in Chinatown and I had to find my way back up near Korea Town, where my hostel was booked.

I took the Train N up and got off at 28th Street. I made my way to Latham Hotel. For $120+ a night, it was located conveniently close to the Empire State building and few blocks away from Times Square. So when I got there, I dropped off my stuff in my little room and ventured out to get some dinner and explore Times Square. This “hostel” was nothing you wanted to write home about. Didn’t feel all too safe there but it did have an air conditioner which is awesome! Plus I didn’t have to share this space with anybody else. The next morning, I got breakfast at a near-by deli and waited for my shuttle to come. I made it to JFK with time to spare and enough memories to keep me occupied until I get back into work the following day. Great solo vacation!

Niagara Falls, I’m going to miss you!