The Earth's Release and Fifth Avenue

Korrin B.

August 9, 2009 - 7:00 PM

Yesterday, I saw one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I stood and gazed at the glory that is Niagara Falls. My three coworkers and I walked over to Niagara Falls State Park after eating at an adorable little café. I had a scrumptious strawberry and goat cheese salad - quite a step up from camp food. While walking through "downtown" Niagara Falls, I looked around in astonishment. If ever you wish to see the extent of the recession, visit a U.S. town that relies solely on tourism. There were so many vacant buildings throughout what was supposed to be downtown. There seemed to be a lack of care for what was left. Tourism towns struggle when people are less willing to spend the money to visit them. The café we ate at had just opened in April and was located off in the most vacant area of the city. I really hope that it survives and helps to revitalize the area.

Anyway, once we got into the park, I could not wait. We quickly found our way through the masses of people who were coming from all over the world to see the beauty of the falls. Soon enough, we were standing behind a rail, looking at roaring waterfall. It was so beautiful and such a perfect day to view it. I just looked at it for a long time, taking it all in and trying to feel the space I was in. It's sound was music. It was also fun that right across the river was Canada. I could see people standing in Canada.

Next, we debated whether we should do the total tourist thing and go on the Maid of the Mist, a boat ride that goes into the falls and in which each passenger wear a matching blue poncho that reads "Maid of the Mist." In the end, we decided, when in Niagara Falls, do like the tourists would do! I am so happy that we did.

It wasn't until the boat ride that I felt totally present in my space. We were in a tiny boat staring up at waterfalls so much taller than us. It was gorgeous. The moment that really got me was when we actually began to ride into the falls. The boat moved onward into the raging mist and all of a sudden all of its passengers were in what seemed like a hard rainstorm, only more peaceful. I was laughing and smiling so wide as our boat rocked from side to side and mist from the great Niagara Falls sprayed all over me. Feeling the water was such a spiritual moment for me. I felt like Niagara Falls was the Earth's point of great release. It stores up all of its energy and emotion until it can't hold it anymore and then it thunders it downward through the falls. The falls comes crashing down, making a complete ruckus until they end up traveling just a bit farther into a calm, almost still looking pond. There are moments in life where I feel like I am the falls. I felt so connected and peaceful.

Early this morning we flew out of Buffalo, back to New York City. We have to meet the new campers at the bus terminal at 7:00am tomorrow, so we needed to spend the night nearby. We ended up finding this amazing deal online for a hotel called the Roosevelt. It is in Manhattan and is a very quick walk to Fifth Avenue and Times Square. It is like a mansion! I was so surprised when we walked into it. There are gigantic bouquets of fresh roses in the lobby that is carpeted and full of sparkling chandeliers. It has seven elevators and eighteen floors. It is so fancy, I feel like I am living in a castle. As we got on the elevator up to our room, I smiled with glee and said, "See, I just don't think I was meant to live in the wilderness like we are because I just like this feeling way too much!"

I never thought that I was a big city kind of girl, but I must say, there is a reason why there are so many "I Love NY" t-shirts. I loooove NY! I love the subway and walking around and the hustle and bustle of it all! I definitely think that a portion of my life will be lived in a big city. I like it. It's exciting and vibrant and there is so much to do!

I took my first ride in a yellow taxicab today! It was awesome!! I felt so Sex and the City and we drove by little apartment areas just outside of the main shopping streets. Most of our day was spent walking down Fifth Avenue, drinking iced coffees and walking through elegant stores. Fifth Avenue is full of shops like Armani Exchange, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Prada, and many other designer labels. Basically, it's full of very expensive shops, so we mostly just window-shopped. I found a beautiful pair of high heels in Saks Fifth Avenue. They were $1500. I love NY.

We're going out a little later for dinner. I can't wait! I haven't gotten to even explore much yet, but I already know that I love this city. I'm starting to count down the days until camp is over so that I can just travel! Eleven more!