I had to come down to the American side of Niagara Falls to get some decent weather. Ok, this is the same person who loves temperatures ranging from -23 to -40. But recently, I’ve been yearning for some warm weather. And it hasn’t been happening for me in Toronto, where things are chilly even for Spring standards.

It’s always great to get back to the States. No matter how convinced I am that Canada is very similar to the US, every time I come back I’m stunned at how different it feels. Today, in the hotel elevator, some guy jumped in and we chatted for a few seconds. On the way out, his reply to my “takideasy” was, “have a good one.” That’s gotta be an ultra-American expression. No?

From the Canadian side of Niagara, the American side looks very dull. Actually, it looks like there isn’t anything worth visiting over here. And that’s almost the case. But, believe it or not, the falls over on this side are amazing. The town isn’t great at all by the way. Walked into their “Seneca Casino” today. Totally unappealing. Actually, I can see the Casino from my tenth-floor hotel room. Couldn’t they have hired someone from Atlantic City to design this thing?

Looking at the Canadian side from over here, however, is way different. Looks beautiful. And the city itself is really nice. It’s more extravagant, more colorful.

Let me get back to describing my hotel room. I’m staying at a Travelodge. Now, my memory had registered this hotel as being ok, on the same level with the Holiday and Comfort Inns. It’s not. In fact, it’s the crummiest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in. It’s tiny, old, the walls are stained, the bathroom is tiny, it has FLUORESCENT lighting, and the air conditioning comes in two modes: “off” and “arctic.”

The hotel itself looked beautiful on expedia. But it’s just horrible. And I’ll bet it’s haunted. If any hotel, anywhere, were haunted, it would be this one here.

Let me change the subject to something more positive.

I shot about an hour of great nerdy sightseeing video today. Took about 150 pictures. Got bit by a trillion mosquitoes.

Tried desperately to find an Internet café, asking for information at five hotels, the disgraceful casino, and the Hard Rock Cafe.

Where I ended up having dinner. Montreal Strip Steak (this is New York state, so I guess New York Strip Steak is just too unexceptional), Strawberry Cheese Cake and some Merlot. To knock me out, helping to negate the hotel room. Of course I’m wide awake typing away here.

Which brings me back to the hotel. I was downstairs waiting for the elevator. I watch the panel light up with it’s position, blinking as it shifts to the next floor. It’s at the 12th floor. 11. 10. 9. Lobby.

It jumped eight floors, just like that. Instantly. Ok, so I think, “I must be seeing things.” So, later, it does it again, just this time from the 11th to the Lobby. Now every time I’m riding in that thing I pray for no sudden drops…

So it’s eleven o’clock and I’m listening to “I Want You” (Beatles), and before that, Sting’s “Secret Marriage.” I need a portable mp3 player bad. So bad. It’s drivin’ me mad. I mean, I actually considered hauling my laptop to my sightseeing walk (which ended up lasting 4 hours) just to listen to music. Thank goodness I came to my senses. Just imagine me lugging around a backpack with a lumpy laptop, while wearing my enormous mdr7506 headphones over my head. Wouldn’t that be cool… the weight alone would have me back at Hotel Creepy in twenty minutes.

So, that pretty much sums up this little adventure of mine. Lamb’s “Small” is putting me to sleep. Goodnight.