By Paul Topping

Our Sri Lankan physio and gym teacher, Curly, decides it’s time to get off the island of Sri Lanka and heads to Buffalo, north-east New York State. I ask why there? He says, “Cheapest place to start a new life in NY State. 600 kilometres from New York City.”

We are in a Best Western Plus hotel, in the state of New York, very basic, very expensive and packed.  Right opposite the “celebrity motel” is an old DC-10 plane which is part of a museum. It doesn’t open for a couple of hours, however. We don’t have time.

The Whinging Pome Random Rule 335: “Walk about as soon as possible when in a new town/location”.There is always something you don’t expect, mainly good, but no guarantees.”

We have to hit the road, however, to Buffalo city ASAP, as there is a naval military museum/park to visit.

Buffalo was founded in 1789 but burned down by the British in 1812. Buffalo came into its own when the Erie Canal, 363 miles long, was created in 1825. This shipping route from the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and the Atlantic resulted in a major inland harbour. Buffalo flourished. 

We head to the first naval museum I’ve been to in the USA. As we cross the car park to enter, we meet two ladies in leather on a big three-wheel Harley. A long chat follows. They are touring the southern states for six months. Sounds exciting.

The walk along the riverfront gets us to the museum entrance.

There are memorials to all the citizens of Buffalo who lost their lives in overseas conflicts. Different memorials for each war, e.g. Vietnam, the First and Second World Wars, Korea. All heavily endorsed with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I like the fact they are in a prime location.

There is a submarine called USS Croaker from 1944, with a wooden deck you can walk across; no access into the sub, however. We are met on the deck of the USS The Sullivans from 1953. It was named after six brothers who were all killed in action on USS Juneau. After this incident, family members could not serve on the same ship. My Uncle joined the Royal Navy near the end of WW2, sailed around the world and was present at the Japanese surrender; he didn’t see any other  “action". On both ships, ex-naval gents of a certain age are there to explain more about the history and action undertaken. 

We tour the light cruiser called “Little Rock”, 610 feet in length.

“Take me to the bridge,” our German friend keeps saying. Fortunately, he is part Sri Lankan.

Immensely detailed, room-by-room tour, following the red line.

We lunch at Pearl Street, an amazing large pub/brewery near the harbour. You can tell you’re in a seaport, with photos, artwork and other amazing memorabilia.

Our tour is focused on naval history, so exploring this city is not a priority. We have better places to visit. So, if you are a ship/navy buff, visiting Buffalo is worthwhile.

We don’t see much of the city, but don’t think we have missed much other than the canal.