2000

In the third week of June, I met a man at a birthday party in Edison. He told me he had a valid Canadian visitor visa and was looking for company for a trip to Niagara and Canada.

Coincidentally, I too had been thinking of visiting some of the natural wonders of the world. On the 28th of June, I visited the Canadian Consulate in New York City. Both my wife and I were granted one-month multiple-entry visitor visas.

1st July — A Saturday and Canada Day, a national holiday in the United States.
It was the biggest celebration of the year. We hired a car and left early in the morning, reaching Niagara Falls around 2 PM. The sight was awe-inspiring.

We started with a helicopter ride—our first adventure. The chopper gently lifted off from a building near the riverbank, revealing breathtaking aerial views of Niagara Falls and its historic surroundings. It was a sightseeing experience like no other—pure delight.

Next, we boarded the iconic Maid of the Mist, a double-decker boat. It took us past the base of the American Falls. Water thundered around us, drenching us with mist. The thrill was unforgettable.

We then cleared Canadian immigration and crossed into Canada via the Niagara Suspension Bridge, which spans the natural barrier of the falls.

Afterward, we drove to Toronto—a fabulous city—and reached around 10 PM. We went to the top of the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the world at 1,815 feet. Located in downtown Toronto, the tower offered a stunning bird’s-eye view.

We stayed with Murugavel Janakiraman, the founder and CEO of Matrimony.com. An innovator and a humble human being, his vision continues to inspire. As a leader in online matrimony services, his company touches the lives of millions, spreading hope and happiness. I was privileged to be a part of this corporate journey between 2006 and 2014.

“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.”
— Matthew 6:24