it’s independence day, I’m free

July 4

All American Day. The flight was late, so I spent an hour reading through the history of the American flag – simply fascinating.

From the gates I could see a 12 seater propeller plane. There was a family of 4 nearby, the mother was very afraid to walk into the small plane and was causing a small commotion – it turns out that the 12 seater was not her plane; hers was a 8 seater propeller plane behind it.

Buffalo is an all American kind of town. Old, established in its ways but cognizant of inevitable changes.

Independence Day Party – too much fun – hours of fireworks. I met artist Margaret Harte. She is 85, feisty, has, “proud to be a Democrat” sticker on her car, and had lots of truths to espouse. Bought a first original painting from her.

July 5

Niagara Falls. Maid of the Mist (boat trip to the edge of the Falls)! Simply spectacular! We had to wear hooded blue raincoats - very fashnionable but I opted for the wet hair look - it's the water off the Niagara Falls after all!

July 6

Boating on Lake Erie/ Niagara River. And yes, yours truly captained the boat over waves, through the International Bridge, Peace Bridge, and Grand Island Bridges. Had the best time! Oh and given that we were next to the Canadian border, someone made the ‘joke’ to the effect, “Oh Nazli, they are looking out for terrorists/ illegal immigrants”. Mmmmhh, I am still deciding on whether or not to find that funny.

Nonetheless, in the evening we went to the Blue Room Bar – a local Buffalo joint. I was warned that the locals were not very open-minded, but actually it was a lovely place; I was with my good friends, made new friends, and felt welcome as a local myself. I would describe the place as the "Cheers" of Buffalo where everybody knows your name ;-)

Can’t wait to visit the second largest city in NY state again.

July 7

Drove up for the university reunion with my best pal, singing to a mixed tape made 10 years ago (“i gotta a man”, “rhythm of love”, “all cried out”, spanish version of "i'm too sexy" …). Laughably out of tune but priceless!

Thousand Islands, New York. There is an island called Heart Island on which is the unfinished Boldt Castle. George Boldt was having it built for his wife, Louise. But she died and he had all construction stopped, heart broken. Personally, I will settle for emeralds for now ;-).

Class picnic next to the building where I had senior Engineering lab with people I had known when they had been as green as me (ok, I was the greenest of the bunch).

And then downtown – acquainting, reacquainting – I’ll leave it at that

July 8
Oh Zizou, we still love you! Campus, downtown, bicentennial fair celebration by the river, bubble tea, stocked up on alumni gear. Too much fun.

While at a store I saw a lady with 3 small children. She looked familiar. She left the store and then came back to exchange her purchase while I was waiting at the register.

“You look so familiar”, I started
“I know, so do you. I know you. I cut your hair while you were at school”, she responded
“Oh – 11 years ago! I am so excited to see you! How are you? I remember you were just married then”, exclaimed I in excitement
“Yes! I recognized your voice and I knew I knew you. I am good! These are my kids”, the lovely lady offered

My heart was so touched. We took pictures and her 10 year old daughter and I are now pen pals.

Downtown for another night out. There was a girl with a particular Arabic tattoo. I asked her if she knew what it meant and was curious as to why she had it marked on her neck. Her response; "yes and because it's cool". I would have settled for, "it's my prerogative to have a bulls eye on my neck".

July 9

Back to sunny Buffalo. Went boating again on Lake Erie/ Niagara River again, captained through waves while listening to sirius and turned 2 shades tanner. Great company and a host with the most.

Birthday party in the evening, old friends, chatted with the best pal till 2:30 AM and up at 5:00 AM for 8:00 AM flight.