arrive at the Montreal Bus terminal ‘bout 23:48, just in time to catch the 23:59 to Niagara Falls. I’m still a bit puzzled why this trip is going to take 16 hours so upon my arrival I go and talk to the information booth. Only to be informed that the bus I’m here to catch is taking a super long route to my destination. The bus leaves Montreal and then travels to Ottawa at 02:00 and then I have to catch a connecting bus from there at 07:00 and no, this is not a misprint, nor mistype. Of course I had to confirm it when I got to Ottawa and I took a look around, talked to security and found out where’s the best place in this bus station to sleep and I made my way to steel mesh benches. I tossed left, right, sat up and did it all over again…please don’t ask me what order…lol. Rethinking, maybe I should have called one of my girlfriends in the area and slept in a bed for a few hours, but then I quickly changed my mind and hit the wired benchs. Out of the 5 hours till my next bus I slept for about 2 and tried to get some work done.
It’s September 21st at 07:00 and I pick up my 70lbs worth of gear, oh! For those don’t know pounds, it’s about 5 stones and make my journey to my next connection which will be Toronto. That’s right, if you guessed that I had to wait for another bus while in Toronto then you get a cookie…ask me for one when you see me. But this time I phoned a friend to meet me, I didn’t want to have another few hours pass and not have a woman to talk too, eat with nor laugh with. The famous Roxanne whom is a local graphic artist, artist and just a sweet person hung out with me till my next departure to my final destination…Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Its 14:00 that same day and I’m finally off to Niagara Falls to meet 4 of the properties that we work with, I’ll start of first with Lyons House Hostel. After some technical difficulties with our Greyhound bus…wheelchair ramp wouldn’t get back in at the St. Catherine’s terminal. But I finally arrive ‘bout 16:30 and inform Mr. Joseph Lyons that I’ve arrived and that I’ll be taking a taxi to his property, but he was having none of that and my instincts told me not to argue with him, so he came and picked me up at the Niagara Falls bus terminal. On the way back he gave me a tour of some of the other properties that I’ll be visiting and their proximity to the tourist area.
How, when, where, why and what
17:00 at Lyons Hostel House we sit in the office and start chatting away, I’ve found out so much about the character of how, when, where, why and what brings Mr. Joseph Lyons here today. Traveled from England to St. Catherine’s and finally finding a home in Niagara Falls. Well, I’m glad I didn’t argue with him earlier ‘bout picking him up because I met some of his acquaintances and friends from pictures…see Joseph was a middle weight fighter and his friends are Muhammad Ali, Floyd Patterson, Tree Williams, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, George Chuvalo, Billy Conn, Kid Gavilan…I could just go on and on, so if your familiar with boxing, then this you’ll be MORE THAN DELIGHTED TO SIT DOWN AND CONVERSE ‘BOUT SOME OF THE GREAT FIGHTS. Now we know he was a past boxer, well at the Lyons Hostel House you get what you pay for and a no stress atmosphere so if your looking for pretty, this isn’t your place. But if you’re looking for simple, clean, affordable and the freedom of maneuvering around the tourist district, especially the falls which are only a 5 minute walk away, well with my long legs then this is the place. The reception is open from 08:00 till 22:00 come on this is a husband and wife team and they need to sleep too…lol, but they will make arrangements with all late arrivals. Rachael Lyons is the wife of Joseph and I haven’t seen her much but she has left an impact. I have to thank her for my ummm…so COMFORTABLE BED. Honestly, this is the best sleep I’ve had in weeks…well the best sleep I have had by myself in weeks…lol. You have shared bathroom and kitchen facilities for your floor, there are 3 floors plus a basement. There is FREE internet in the lounge area with a 27’ TV and sofa, also downstairs in the basement. Each room has its own key and closet but if you still have too much luggage Mr. Joseph Lyons can place it in the office for you for no charge, which is the same fee for parking…FREE. This place is very affordable for its location but at this time they don’t accept any form of plastic, it’s all about the cash till further notice. There are safety deposit boxes so your valuables are safe and so will your wallet be after staying here.
September 22nd at 8:55 and I better go check those 24 hour hot shower that I was told ‘bout…talk to you later and I’ll let you know how that was and the complimentary breakfast of bread, bagels, jams and the constantly served coffee and tea. Oh! Yes I like to procrastinate, but the Lyons accept all groups here and have a total of 40 beds, so if you’re coming down for educational reasons or to have your last single party before you say I do…then call the Lyons. Okay I’m off to take my shower…lol
It’s still September 22nd at 09:25…Just had my shower and there was plenty hot water, sweet especially after knowing it’s been nippy both mornings and night here…well, I better go enjoy some breakfast and off to my next meeting.
A great centrally located place to get a good nights sleep!