The Smallest Chapel

One more ticked off the bucket list. The Niagara falls is actually the collective name of three waterfalls. Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls. One fifth of the world's fresh water flows through the great Lakes and tumbles over Niagara Falls. 

Unfortunately it was a wet and rainy day (the first half) but it was worth the visit. We decided to skip the boat ride. The view from up was better and gives you a better perspective of the falls. 

Couldn't resist clicking this double decker bus which was parked close by.

A statue erected in remembrance of the men who fell in WW-I & WW-II

The world's smallest chapel is not far from the Niagara falls. Our tour bus did not have a scheduled stop at this place,  but slowed down by which I could get it in my video. (the picture below is from the internet) 

It is said that it can accommodate only 6 people, so if the pastor is in, then only five can get in.

Source : Internet

On the way back to Toronto there was a stop over at a small town known as Niagara on the Lake. There was something British about the whole place. 

It was not yet Fall, but the colours were showing, especially against the white.

This plaque gives a short description of the Town. Interesting to know that the Americans had captured it in May 1813 and had burned it down during their withdrawal 

Also found a cross road where the Kings St and the Queens St intersect. 

Saw these decorated horse carts waiting to give customers an interesting buggy ride. 

And some enjoying the ride 

This Hotel seems to be holding on well especially when its been standing there for more than one and half century. 

Some shops had some unique names like "The Owl and the Pussycat at the sign of the Pineapple" I walked in and asked the shop owner if there was any significance to the name, but she was not in a position to give me a plausible answer. 

A word of appreciation to the Queen Tour, the tour bus that we took. Very prompt, with a cheerful and witty driver. Wish they could add that stop at the smallest Chapel in their itinerary.

Saw this store of Ten Thousand villages on the same road.

The history of this store is very interesting. It all began with one woman (Edna Ruth Byler) 

In 1946 when Byler travelled with her husband to Puerto Rico, she met women in La Plata Valley who were struggling to feed their children. Having to live through hard times through the depression, she knew the face of poverty. She also knew the importance of dignity and people wanting to help themselves.

Byler was moved to do something. She saw the pieces of fine embroidery the women of La Plata created, but had no place to sell.  
If she, an American, was so struck by these unique textiles, perhaps other Americans too would appreciate their beauty. With no clear plan, but with a sense of purpose, Byler brought the pieces home and began to sell to the neighbours and friends.

Mennonite Central Committee, an aid and relief agency, saw the long term value that sustainable income opportunities would bring to impoverished villages. They supported Byler's endeavours and facilitated her travels abroad including India and Jordan.  

 pic courtesy "Ten Thousand Village"

It was a simple idea. But a pioneering one that would launch Ten Thousand Villages and blossom into a global fair trade movement.

I saw another outlet at the Amish village in Lancaster. 

More on the Lancaster village in the next blog. 

While we waited for the bus in the morning at Toronto, saw this church. A good example of the old against the new.