Niagara Falls, New York is a place many associate with romance. It’s considered to be an important vacation destination, and it’s regarded by many as a truly impressive spectacle as a natural wonder. Now, yes, it’s particularly impressive from a practical power generation standpoint. But, when I had the chance to beat the crowds and see it for myself with only a few dozen other visitors around, I didn’t feel any of the romantic attraction so many talk about regularly. Honestly, I found myself underwhelmed by the entire experience.
However, besides a t-shirt that shrank to a kids size as soon as it was washed and a couple of other trinkets with no appreciable value beyond pure mementos, there was one major success from the trip. In this case, it happened to be a photo snapped with my smartphone. Occasionally, you will take a shot at the perfect moment of even a commonplace event and make it special. Such a shot inspired me to give it the title of “Awash in the Ecstasy of a Childish Dream.”
The composition of my greatest photo taken that day includes so many notable elements. The falls themselves are not even the focal point, but rather the mists and the rainbow formed within them, with the impressive Toronto, Ontario, Canada skyline (actually several miles away) a feature of the background. Based on this photo alone, Niagara Falls seems to live up to the hype. Still, I can tell you that it is not life changing as a bucket list item or worth choosing as a vacation destination.
On the other hand, the Canadian side of the Falls is said to be much more impressive. But, with the border crossing closed at the time of my visit, there was no way for me to prove the truth of these rumors. Considering how underwhelming the American side of Niagara Falls was for me, hearing that the other side is so much more awesome still gives me pause; it’s not worth acquiring a passport for me to confirm these widespread opinions. However, despite the Falls being rather underwhelming in and of themselves, the natural beauty of the area itself still makes me agree that the Niagara Falls area is prime real estate.
The hidden gems are where the spice of life is really found. Niagara Falls is certainly not one of them once the sheen of romanticism learned from film and marketing propaganda wears off. But if you’re there at the right moment, looking out at the Falls from just the right angle, and early enough in the day, you might just have that breathtaking moment of natural beauty that comes and goes within just a few moments. Be sure to take a picture of it.
~ Artemis Desertsong
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