Fall-tastic!

Part Five - December 26th & 27th - Christmas 2019 - Canada

No sooner was Christmas over than we headed north on a grand sightseeing expedition, stopping en route at Junius for refreshments. 

With temperatures hovering around ten degrees Centigrade, the snow had melted leaving the landscape looking rather winter weary, with damp dead grass and bare trees. Few places look at their best at this time of year, unless their minor imperfections are hidden beneath a covering of snow.

We crossed the border into Canada and headed for the tourist mecca of Niagara - a town geared towards the bright lights, burger bars and slot machines of tourism. 

Having found a suitable parking space we set off to be stunned by the incredible sight and sound of vast amounts of water flowing over a cliff. We knew it would be impressive, but nothing had really prepared us for how absolutely magnificent it was. Moisture hung heavy in the air from the spray and there was a constant roar of water cascading over the falls. 

We paused to take a photo of the KHT posing with these colour-changing wings.

Crowds jostled politely for the best camera angles. As soon as someone moved on, having taken a thousand impressive shots, their place was seamlessly taken by another, equally keen to acquire incriminating evidence of their visit to upload to social media. Dusk fell and massive floodlights illuminated the whole area.

We were booked into the Embassy Suites hotel, which seemed to have sufficient accommodation to accommodate a whole town. Once we had unloaded our cases from the car, the keys were handed over and the car whisked away to some mystery location. 

Having checked in we made our way to the floor where our room was situated. The view did not disappoint!

Later we went out to eat in a bar situated a couple of miles away from the falls, more the sort of place where local locals gather than the noisy places closer to the falls. A minibus took us to a carpark a few blocks away to collect our car. As we drove around the town we were struck by the towering developments interspersed with older, sometimes almost derelict homes.

Later we returned to our suite to watch the apparently endless loop of water flowing over the waterfall far below. I think we were only on about the 10th floor of this towering block

Next morning we had to be up bright and early to beat the worst of the queues for breakfast. The view from the dining area was absolutely stunning

Most people were in family groups, so the tables for two remained unoccupied, allowing us an uninterrupted view of the falls. As we left the dining area the queue zigzagged across the waiting area, and we were very glad that we got up early and avoided a long and frustrating wait.

Having checked out of the hotel we headed along the river, stoping to appreciate views of the turbulent waters below

At one view point we discovered a plaque to Hudson Taylor marking the beginning of mission to China.

We continued our way along the river towards Niagara on the Lake, enjoying views across Lake Ontario.

We had come expecting snow, but the temperatures were well above freezing, which was a nice surprise.

Niagara on the lake was a pleasant little town with a good selection of gift shops, where we did our Christmas shopping - having decided that family back home would get souvenirs of our trip - even if it meant that they all got an 'I Love New York' t-shirt each. Despite the temptations of this window Dawn did not get a Canadian cow as a Christmas present...

Next stop was Tim Horton's, which appeared to be located in a residential district. Having never visited a branch of this Canadian chain it seemed an opportune moment to do so. As it was past lunchtime we selected snacks from the menu to accompany our drinks and sat back to watch Canadian adverts - everything is a novelty at the first encounter. The humour of the staff behind the counter just made the visit even more entertaining.

Late afternoon we headed back over the border, getting grilled by the guard on the checkpoint, who wanted to know how long we had been in Canada, where we had stayed and other details of our trip that I can no longer recall.

We then headed to the American side of the falls for more sightseeing. The boats only run in the warmer months, but we were able to go on to the viewing platform normally reserved for poncho coated thrill seekers and see the falls from the other side. The noise and movement of water were mesmerising.

Abi used a telescope to get a closer view of the falls. The hotel we stayed in is the one partly hidden by Paul - to the right of the building that resembles a rattle...

We wandered further up river, admiring the path of the unsuspecting river just before it encountered the falls. By now it was getting rather gloomy so we headed by to the car and the drive back to Hamilton.

Carols and Lottery Tickets

Part Four  - Hamilton 24th & 25th December, 2019

The previous week there had been a cold snap, so although the temperatures were above freezing, we arrived in Colgate to a good covering of snow.

 

On the morning of Christmas Eve we were taken on a tour of the University. 

Unsurprisingly most of the buildings were closed. We did get to see the layout of the campus and were able to go inside the Department where Paul and Danny work and admire their offices, with decor that reflected their different personalities. 

In previous years I had watched Paul sing in carol services streamed via the internet from the University Chapel. The outer doors were open, so we could peep through the glass in the internal doors. However, the main part of the chapel was firmly locked, as it was holiday time and most students were off campus.

Chapel and university buildings

Peeping inside the chapel

Where Colgate University began

Views from the university campus across the surrounding countryside, where the recent snow still lingered, were stunning.

We walked down the hillside, across the stream, past the fields where during term time rugby is played . Close by is a golf course where alumni can gather to reminisce.

Close to the green is a bookshop selling sweatshirts, hats and other items proudly bearing the Colgate name. We visited the adjacent coffee shop, where staff and students from the university congregate. At the time of our visit there was another member of the faculty enjoying a pre-Christmas coffee. 

Our final stop of the retail offerings available in Hamilton was the chocolate shop, where I purchased everything-free chocolate for Barry and some goodies for the grandchildren.

I was still missing some small presents for the KHT, so Paul took me to a neighbouring town so I could experience the cultural highlight of Walmart. I had brought only the minimum with me present-wise, to avoid exceeding our baggage allowance.  It also gave me the opportunity to see a bit more of the surrounding countryside, as it was dark when we arrived yesterday evening, which meant that the most noticeable features were Christmas lights.

In a receptacle in the middle of an aisle I noticed some throws. Most were illustrations of animals, but the design that caught my attention bore the unmistakeable image of the Virgin Mary, whom I did not anticipate discovering in a supermarket in upstate New York. I purchased some toiletries and books for the KHT and the Virgin Mary as a souvenir of our holiday - as I knew that if I hadn't I would always regret it...

Revealing the Virgin Mary in all her glory

Late afternoon we headed over to the Episcopal church for the evening carol service. We had been advised to get there early and sure enough the seats filled up quickly and they were soon searching for seats to accommodate the capacity crowd. 

Outside the church looks miniscule. Maybe the dark wood exterior makes it appear smaller than it actually is. Inside it was surprisingly spacious. A veritable Tardis!

 

The windows were more like paintings than the chunky leaded windows found in many churches in the UK.

On the way there we just had to find the centre of the town and take one turn, Paul walked with us to ensure we reached our destination.  However, by the time the service was over, it was dark and we had no guide to rely on. The congregation got in cars and drove off to nearby farms or out of town accommodation or hurried away to get on with their Christmas Eve celebrations. The streets were soon empty as we retraced our steps, quickly realising that things look rather different in reverse. 

We had to pause several times to ensure that we did not take a wrong turning. Getting lost in a town so small would have been truly embarrassing! We were rather relieved when we reached the correct street.

In the evening Paul and the KHT made the customary gingerbread house.

On Christmas morning we headed back to the church for the morning service. This time there were only about a dozen attendees, so we were invited up to the Sanctuary to take Communion around the Table.

The rest of the day was very relaxed. The KHT thoroughly enjoyed the splendid spread Paul and Danny produced for Christmas Dinner, with lots of different foodstuffs to sample - thereby setting a standard I am not even going to attempt to compete with in future years.

In the evening one of Paul and Danny's Jewish friends came to visit. We were rather amused to be brought a Christmas gift, especially as it was a scratch card each. Fortune favoured Danny, who won $2. The rest of us failed to win a thing. 

How gloriously ironic it would have been had one of the tickets provided us with a fortune!

KHT's Happy Christmas slipper Socks

Chill Christmas

The KHT exploring the back yard of Paul & Danny's home

When we broke the news to the family that we would not be able to host the customary Christmas gathering I remember stating with great confidence

"Don't worry, this is just one year. Everything will be back to normal next year...!"

Little did I know what 2020 had in store for us!

What state are we in?

 Part Three

December 23rd 2019 and another stunningly beautiful day. We bid farewell to the Brooklyn brownstones and headed south to Lambertville in New Jersey. 

Brooklyn brownstones

We took the Staten Island route, with great views from the bridges. I don't think that we took the New Jersey Turnpike, which would have enabled a 'Simon and Garfunkel' moment, but as we travelled south I sang 'America' in my head anyway. We didn't need to look for America, we had found it!

Our son was delighted to be able to use the High Occupancy Vehicle lane, designed to increase car sharing. With five of us in the car he was safely over the three person minimum requirement. 

Arriving in Lambertville we walked across the Delaware River, pausing for the obligatory photo shot on the state boundary, allowing the KHT to have a foot in both states.

What state are we in?

The views up and down the river were a joy to behold, the still river providing near perfect reflections.

Our destination was the New Hope Steam Railway and the Santa Special. I purchased a small bell from the railway gift shop that now hangs on the noticeboard above my desk - a souvenir of our visit

I was fascinated to hear that the whistle on American trains is different to British trains.

Paul and Danny went off for a quick visit the nearby brewery, while we were content to sit outside in a sheltered spot, enjoying the surprising warmth of December sunshine despite the low temperatures and  observing families dressed up in matching Christmas outfits, in a way that no English families ever would. 

So far our views had been of distant communities and worryingly named 'strip malls', which apparently had nothing to do with scantily clad persons. 

From the train we got as closer view of some American homes, through the winter-bare vegetation, allowing us to see a more relaxed way of life. 

In sheltered places snow lingered and we could see ice on smaller streams.

On the train we were serenaded with snippets of suitably seasonal songs as Santa made the rounds, handing out goodies and wishing everyone a merry Christmas. 

Back in New Hope, further explorations took us to a retail centre with a variety of stalls selling food. We made our selections only to find they had sold out, but there were plenty more counters to try. 

By now it was dark. We headed back across the Delaware River, admiring the reflections of the lights upon the relatively still water. Beside the path, a Menorah was being lit, as a rabbi looked out for lapsed Jews, eager to welcome them back to the fold.

We headed back north, towards Hamilton, pausing for a very welcome coffee at South Abingdon, appreciating the Christmas decorations that enlivened our route as we carolled through the night.

Arriving in Hamilton, it was good to finally see our son's new home, complete with Christmas lights 

The end of another fantastic day.

When the bells didn't ring out for Christmas

Part Two of our adventures December 2019, which I never got round to chronicalling at the time. Sunday 22nd December

After bagels for breakfast in Brooklyn we begin the day by catching the first of many subway trains as we were introduced to New York. I recorded the moment for posterity, in case we ever decide to release an album and need a suitable photo...

First stop Fort Stirling Park with panoramic views. It may look like a virtual backdrop, but it really is the iconic view of New York. The KHT was delighted to see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

Virtual background or iconic view?

"Ferry or subway?" asked our personal guides

"Ferry!" I replied, knowing the KHT would adore the boat and we had plenty more subway rides to come before the day was done. As it was Sunday we had an hour wait - time for a coffee then...

Ticket to ride

From the ferry we walked up Wall Street, past Holy Trinity church (12 bells) dwarfed by the neighbouring buildings. The bellringers had hoped that they could ring for Christmas, but the church was undergoing major renovations so it was not possible. We will just have to return then!

There were various statues to pose besides,including this one 'Fearless Girl'. Tourists politely waited their turn to have their photo taken as a virtual souvenir of their visit.

Fearless KHT

George Washington also found himself in a Humphrey sandwich...

The KHT had requested to visit Ground Zero - a vast open space amidst the architectural giants. Despite the crowds there was a respectful hush that contrasted with the noise and busyness of the rest of the city. Visitors lined the perimeters of the vast pools, reading the names of strangers they will never meet, feeling a connection with the images imprinted in their brains of that September day, when blue skies were turned to grey as violence tore into and wounded the heart of this city.

Next we passed through the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub - a stunningly beautiful  building and one of my favourite in New York. It may be designed for retail use and to provide access to the subway network but has both  the atmosphere and dimensions of a cathedral. 

On Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, New York's Transit Museum runs trains with carriages from 1920's onwards - an opportunity too good to miss and to gain the envy of our train geek friends back home.

As we hurtled through subterranean New York in our vintage carriage, the sliding door at the end of the carriage had a tendency to slide open, revealing the gap between the carriages where a few chains  rattled in the hope of preventing a catastrophe! I found myself praying that no-one slipped. 

Time for lunch, we decided to visit an Irish pub. On the Sunday before Christmas it was busy and we had to wait for a table, but it was interesting just to stand and watch, particularly as the Catholic priest greeted his flock. There was clearly a regular clientele as well as tourists such as ourselves. 

The food was well worth the wait :)

Confession time

Our visit to America was to see our son and his partner, to see their house, where they live and work and to experience a little of America. I was not particularly interested in New York (other than the opportunity to ring some American bells - which we were not able to do. ) 

"It is just a city full of tower blocks - how can it possibly be interesting?" I would say, and those who had visited New York would just smile. 

I have to admit that I was fascinated by the architecture, especially the iron staircases with pull up ladders that were fixed to many of the older buildings. 

What was it like to be behind that strange kink in that wall of glass? Did the people in lower part look up at the sky more and did those behind the upper angled section feel as if they were about to fall into the street? 

I could have wandered the streets for hours just looking and taking photographs, admiring the architectural quirks, such as ancient water tanks on roof tops.

I found the reflections of buildings upon buildings fascinating. 

A reminder that nothing exists in isolation, everything has an impact on its surrounding.

We visited the Grand Central Station  - sorry Birmingham, yours is nice, but doesn't quite have the grandure of its name sake

Off the station was a train shop with extensive train layout

A guy tried to spin us a yarn about the nuns in the model...

Then we did a whistle stop tour of New York Public Library, housed in another impressive building, which I think was close to the church we didn't ring at earlier...

By now it was getting dark so we joined half of New York in trying to admire the stunning computerised display at Macy's, complete with interactive windows if you could get near the shop frontage.

"Can we go and see the Rockefeller tree?" requested the KHT and so we did. 

This seasonal arboreal delight was not really on my radar, but the KHT had obviously seen some reference to it and it was well worth getting a glimpse of, as was the adjacent angel.

Heading back towards the subway we encountered this model of perpectual motion that the KHT was keen to try out.

We headed back to Brooklyn, detouring via this excellent photo opportunity.

We then had coffee at our son's favourite coffee shop before heading back to the top floor flat.