SSAB - September 1, 2026

<p>Welcome to the America!</p><p><br></p><p>Yes, checked in late to the hostel, much to the chagrin of the owner, Jeff! Found him at the bar down the street! Sounded gruff on the phone but was very nice in person, very knowledgeable. </p><p><br></p><p>China visa video doing okay, 500+ views so far. Keep the stories a coming, Stevie!</p><p><br></p><p>How was the crossover into the US? Not bad, though nerve-racking, border guard was curious how long I was going to be in the country, asked me what I do for work, and how I was going to get around. She looked a little skeptical about my idea to take the bus and train around. Why am I coming here? Because NO ONE is saying anything nice about the country, I gotta see it for myself!</p><p><br></p><p>And, I’m soaked!</p><p><br></p><p>Donate to the show! PayPal link below!</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA</p><p><br></p><p>***</p><p>Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com</p><p><br></p><p>Transcript and more available on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1om1Geup1o6Adi-A8kTAnCf12Zo7nDkAt?usp=sharing</p><p><br></p><p>Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com</p><p><br></p><p>Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog</p><p><br></p><p>Google Stock Tracker Sheet</p><p>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharing</p><p><br></p><p>Hope you have a great one!!  </p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Raw Niagara Intro</p><p>00:37 Soaked at Cave of the Winds</p><p>02:45 Park Side Prices and Thirst</p><p>03:46 What to Do on US Side</p><p>05:12 Hostel Check In Debacle Setup</p><p>08:00 Border Politics and City Reality</p><p>09:38 Food Portions and Daily Costs</p><p>11:14 China Visa Video Backlash</p><p>14:03 Crossing the Rainbow Bridge</p><p>14:57 US Transit Shock and Itinerary</p><p>19:19 Maps Confusion and Locked Hostel</p><p>21:39 Phone Plan Fails</p><p>22:29 Seeking Help Nearby</p><p>23:31 Gas Station Lifeline</p><p>26:37 Tracking Down Jeff</p><p>29:56 Bar Encounter Check In</p><p>31:30 Hostel Life And Fees</p><p>35:35 Next Stop Buffalo</p><p>38:10 Niagara History Lesson</p><p>46:31 Wrap Up And Links</p>