Niagara Falls - Reality Shock

I did not have a burning desire to visit Niagara falls, but when my housemates planned a day trip I was happy to join. I had heard word that the area around the falls was quite built-up, but none of these warnings prepared me for the devastating truth... While the falls themselves are stunning, the mash of empty hotels, over-sized casinos, games arcades, cheesey advertising and transparent tourist-grabs that crowd the viewing platforms were enough to ruin any hope of truly appreciating this natural wonder.

I was left feeling saddened by the reality of how nature can be exploited for the sake of making a buck. Poor Niagara, such majestic beauty should not be ridiculed by becoming a drive-through destination, to be ticked off a list with the click of a camera. But I suppose I reinforced this whole cycle by being one of those tourists myself... ah...
Here's some clicks I took, trying to cut out the encroaching buildings. 

This is the Whirlpool, a point further down the river, where water rushes down the rapids and circles around before turning a tight corner. I think I liked this view better than the actual falls! The colour of the water was mesmerising. 

It was pretty cool seeing the falls semi-frozen and snow covered...

 In other news, my uni over here has been on strike for almost a month now... Not sure what this is going to mean for finishing the semester on time... All rather frustrating, but made better by the evidence of spring! Snow in the city has melted and the temperature seems to be on a steady incline. Fingers crossed!