Arts and Entertainment

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most visited falls along with Iguacu Falls in South America and Victoria Falls in Africa. I am sure most New Yorkers have visited the falls at least once. When I was in college in Buffalo, it was a popular ‘first date’ destination. No matter how many times I visit, the falls are always impressive.

Interesting how Destiny is more than a shopping and eating venue; it also has unique entertainment such as racing cars, rope course, mirror maze, and now the Museum of Intrigue. John and I love museums but we had never heard of this one, mainly because it is new. It is also very innovative and a bit hard to explain. The museum is 9,000 square feet with areas set up in a variety of sets: Rain Forest, art gallery, Salem, medieval dining room, archeology, and more – all unique and interesting.

One of the best ways to see the USA is by train. John and I recently took the California Zephyr from Emeryville, Calif., to Syracuse. If you are considering a cross-country train adventure, there are some things to consider.

We were in Las Vegas for our granddaughter’s high school graduation. It was special because her father, our son, was an administrator at the school, so he personally presented her with her diploma. A cruise was her gift from her parents and our son wanted all of us to go along making it a family cruise. The Carnival Cruise sailed from Long Beach, Calif., to Catalina Island then to Ensenada.

Most people know that the Queen Mary was a luxury ocean liner, but forget the important role she played during World War II. The grand ship was converted to a war ship and painted navy grey. The stateroom furniture and decorations were removed and refitted with triple-tiered bunks. The crystal, paintings, and other valuables were put in storage and the fancy woodwork was covered in leather. The Queen Mary became the largest and fastest troopship involved in the war carrying as many as 16,000 men in a single voyage.