Thursday, June 19, 2008

Why so many tourists from India visit Niagara Falls

As a provider of Niagara Falls limousine tours, I've often wondered why so many there are so many Indian visitors to the Falls. Many days I see that visitors from India out number any other ethnic group at Niagara. I'm not complaining, as we welcome any rupees that may come to the region.
Why so many people from India? I think this entry in a blog by an Indian author may help explain:

When you visit Niagara Falls in USA, you will be left to wonder if you have traveled to India. The only tourists I saw there, were Indians. It was like the entire country was there, except may be Rajinikanth and Bal Thackeray. If there were no Indians visiting Niagara Falls in USA, the place wouldn’t have any funds to support itself. It looks like all the native tourists just drive down to Canada to watch Niagara from there. It is said that Niagara is much more beautiful from Canada.

Perhaps it is a mark that a touring Indian wants to make, He wants to say that he has spent his time in America, by visiting a very popular place in the country. He cannot go back home and claim he has seen Yosemite or Colorado springs without being given empty stares, not many people know about those places. But if you say you saw Niagara, then they can definitely relate it to something back home. Your purpose of the trip will be complete, You saw the most popular place (popular to Indians) in USA.

It appears that Niagara is an icon in eyes of many Indians, a place that they must visit when they come to America. Which is no different than what everybody does when on vacation. When I went to DC, I saw the Washington Monument. San Francisco, I went to Alcatraz. These sites 'brand recognition' to us and we flock to them based on an impression.

Back to the Falls, I've had the opportunity to take several groups of Indian origin on tours. I find that their English is very good and their knowledge of American history is better than most yanks. They tend to travel in extended family groups and make decisions based upon consensus. Once the decision is made, there are no questions asked. I sense there is a reverence for parents and grandparents in this culture.

If you're visiting the Falls from India, consider taking a custom tour from Buffalo Limousine. I know you'll have some great stories to tell about the Falls when you return home.

Monday, June 16, 2008

EA to TO for a most entertaining road trip and birthday party

When I have a birthday party, I'd like to have this group plan it! They really know how to have fun.
The group booked our 18 passenger Limo Bus for an 8 hour trip. When I arrived I was greeted by a thoroughly prepared group who had all the ingredients for a successful party: beverages, food, snacks, cameras, music CDs and pajamas. These people know how to have a good time!


After starting out in East Aurora (EA), we made a few stops in the Chippewa district to pick-up a few more participants. The ladies were sharply dressed in the latest styles. Their hair and make-up was exquisite...turning quite a few heads throughout the evening.

Then it was off to a new and extremely hot night club called Muzik. It is open only on Saturdays and routinely draws more than 5,000 people each week. It occupies the former CNE Horticulture Building. IF you can get in, you'll pay $30 at the door.
Of course getting there was half the fun. We needed several bio-breaks along the QEW where our fancy group made quite a stir. Did I mention this group is prepared? Several of the lady guests brought PJs for the ride home. They were very comfortable for the trip back, puzzling our US Customs Inspector who mentioned that he'd never seen adults in pajamas before, at least not on the job.
We had a great time, especially the brownies that the group brought especially for me. I'm already looking forward to next year's trip. Thanks for choosing Buffalo Limousine!

Friday 13th no Problem for Lancaster Prom

It was extremely hot when we picked-up our group for the Lancaster Central Junior Prom. The pick-up point is so exclusive, so secretive, it isn't on the map! But we found it anyway and had a great time aboard our 20 passenger stretch Hummer.
Before the prom we had a few extra moments so I decided to show the group around the waterfront. Some of our guests had never seen the Naval Park and were impressed by the retired naval ships that are moored there. We met some fishermen and took a moment at the Vietnam Memorial before heading to the prom at the Buffalo Convention Center.

The prom ended at 11:00 PM, and we were loaded by 11:03 PM--and that's exactly when the rain started. A tremendous downpour engulfed downtown. We huddled and assessed our options, deciding to venture on to Niagara Falls despite the rain.
The gamble paid-off, we had a nice view of the Falls and then meandered home. Thank you to the students and parents who chose Buffalo Limousine for their prom transportation.