Daniel Cann

For me the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat trip was the highlight of the day and this particular leg of the trip. Not only were passengers able to view the spectacular falls up close but also the noise was deafening and the rapids at their most awesomely impressive. Arthur, one of the Brazilians I had befriended introduced me to Gloria a friend of his and his wife. Apparently she had taken a shine to me and loved my English accent. There’s a first! It also helped that Gloria was very attractive and easy to get on with. I was fascinated as she told me about her life in Sao Paulo, Brazil and her plans to travel around Canada and the States. She was eager to learn what I had seen on my journey and I noticed that I sounded like a backpacker ‘veteran’ as I told her about Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. It was dawning on me just what I had achieved and experienced.

Later Ben and I crossed the toll bridge into the US side of the falls allowing us to technically claim that we had visited America and Canada twice as well as being in New York State as well! After the splendour of the falls our group visited a winery and a small old-fashioned town Niagara on the Lake. I had found the main part of Niagara Falls to be surprisingly commercial and a little garish to be quite honest, but the falls themselves were a fantastic display of nature so it was a fitting end to the World trip where the modern and the old met.

After saying goodbye to Gloria, Arthur, his wife and the other passengers Ben and I arrived back at the hostel tired but in high spirits. We had seen everything we had set out to! That evening was a little bittersweet as the realization hit us both that our great adventure was nearing the end.

Our last day of the World trip was a quiet if not slightly subdued one. We just walked around Toronto and went for a few quiet drinks at a local bar. We both agreed that it had surpassed all our expectations. Reality was beginning to set in and soon we would be thinking about home, work and careers.

The following day we caught the bus to the airport. It took quite a long time but I was not bothered as it was nice to see Toronto for one last time. The airport was pristine and we were soon up in the air for the return flight. After a final glimpse of the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline, just as the sun was setting on the day and on our trip we settled back in our seats reflecting on what we had left behind.

A few hours and an uneven sleep later and we were flying over England! It was a surprisingly exciting and moving sight to see the familiar patchwork quilt of English fields below us.

After a smooth landing Ben reached into the overhead luggage compartment and produced the huge brown sombrero and red bandana that had caused so much merriment to so many people. ‘Oh no,’ I thought. ‘He isn’t?’ ‘He is!’

As he put the sombrero and bandana on I must have rolled my eyes heavenwards. Either he was trying to be ironic by looking like a cross between a Mexican bandit and a Caribbean pirate or just being exhibitionist. It was not long before the other passengers stared to nudge each other and point and snigger at Ben. Did he not notice them?

After walking through customs and the security gate and walking the gauntlet of people cracking up at my friend’s bizarre choice of clothing we spotted our families waiting to meet us. It had been well over six months since we last saw them.

Ben’s Mum took one disparaging look at him before saying firmly ‘That beard is coming off and you’re getting a hair cut!’ Back to Earth with a thump!

I embraced my parents who were relieved to see me in one piece (and not sporting ridiculous attire). ‘Great to have you back.’

‘Great to be back.’

We headed home in a convoy and stopped off at a service station for one last goodbye before splitting up to our final respective destinations. In the car park Ben and I shook hands.

‘See you at my sister’s wedding on Saturday mate.’

‘Yeah, see you there.’

We both smiled a knowing smile. We had done it. Travelled around the World and returned home safely to tell the tale. Off he went, back to his Dad’s car a real ‘free spirit.’ It had been great fun travelling together.

As my parents car travelled further South and West it was not long before I saw that familiar and welcome sight: Beautiful red Devonshire soil. It was good to be home once more.

Today it still brings a smile, that time when I was a backpacker.