A Whirlwind Trip Across Three Time Zones

We draw strength from our members when they jet across continents and come back with tales about distant lands. Here, Dr I. Sarkar recalls the disparate sights on her recent trip to the USA and Canada: snow mountains, the desert, rivers, waterfalls, and the sea.

In February 2026, my daughter and I embarked on a whirlwind two-week journey through the United States and Canada.
Our first stop was San Francisco. Among the highlights was a visit to the Vedanta Society of Northern California, established through the influence of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. We also explored Fisherman’s Wharf, where we saw the famous sea lion colony at Pier 39. We then crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and travelled in the city’s historic cable cars, bringing our memorable stay in California to a close.
Tucson, Arizona, is a city surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. The towering saguaro cacti was unlike anything I had seen before. Among the many creatures we spotted were several species of birds and even the desert bighorn sheep. The resilience of wildlife in such a barren landscape left a lasting impression on me. Our final destination was Toronto, Canada, from where we visited the magnificent Niagara Falls. We were fortunate to stay in a hotel overlooking the falls. At night, the scene was magical as the cascading waters were illuminated in brilliant shades of blue, green, pink, orange, and violet. The following morning, we witnessed the falls in daylight and were amazed by the sheer volume and power of the water as it thundered into the river below.
The journey took us from the Pacific coast to the desert and finally to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Though brief, it was a trip filled with unforgettable sights and experiences that will remain with me for years to come.


photo courtesy: Dr I. Sarkar

(as narrated to Support Elders by our member)