Commentary: From dawn to dusk on both sides of the border in Niagara Falls
Commentary: From dawn to dusk on both sides of the border in Niagara Falls
Walking along Niagara Boulevard and the surrounding area on a crisp, spring dawn in mid-April reveals scenes infused with both revitalization and abandonment.
The street is clear and there is an almost hollow characteristic to the air. The Grand Hotel Niagara exists in all its grandeur, yet within, it lays empty and gutted.
Continuing my walk I recognize this empty feeling echoed in other places, and also, within myself.
On the Rainbow Bridge I pass a small group of tourists wheeling luggage. On the entirety of the bridge, it’s only them and me. I stand looking out over the river for several minutes before making my way into Canada. After I answer the compulsory questions at the Canadian border, I enter Canada for the first time.
Looking northeast on Rainbow International Bridge. The Canadian Flag is on the left and the American flag is to the right.
Both sides of Niagara Falls just before dusk.
As I walk into the city, I recognize that an uneasiness has befallen me, perhaps because my car is parked at a meter on the American side, and I return to Rainbow Bridge. Re-entering the pathway to the bridge I note the turnstiles request a dollar to pass. Not having cash, I jump the stile, heightening my uneasiness. Not noticed, I make my way slowly across the bridge once more, stopping again to watch the water and to photograph. My uneasiness has passed in watching the water and it’s an hour later that I return to the United States, re-answering the compulsory questions: Where are you from? How long were you in Canada? What is your citizenship? Who are you with? What were you doing?
The Haunted House of Wax on Niagara Boulevard, Niagara Falls, New York
Looking up in Niagara Falls, New York, the birds are no doubt oblivious to the international border they cross as they fly about.
