SSAB - September 1, 2026

Welcome to the America!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. China visa video doing okay, 500+ views so far. Keep the stories a coming, Stevie!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!And, I’m soaked!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comTranscript and more available on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1om1Geup1o6Adi-A8kTAnCf12Zo7nDkAt?usp=sharingNewsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!!  00:00 Raw Niagara Intro00:37 Soaked at Cave of the Winds02:45 Park Side Prices and Thirst03:46 What to Do on US Side05:12 Hostel Check In Debacle Setup08:00 Border Politics and City Reality09:38 Food Portions and Daily Costs11:14 China Visa Video Backlash14:03 Crossing the Rainbow Bridge14:57 US Transit Shock and Itinerary19:19 Maps Confusion and Locked Hostel21:39 Phone Plan Fails22:29 Seeking Help Nearby23:31 Gas Station Lifeline26:37 Tracking Down Jeff29:56 Bar Encounter Check In31:30 Hostel Life And Fees35:35 Next Stop Buffalo38:10 Niagara History Lesson46:31 Wrap Up And Links