Western Europe: Switzerland (part 2)

Hey kids!

Still in Switzerland. The tour I'm on is almost over, and I'm saddened a little. Although I'll be still traveling after this tour (London and Amsterdam), I'll miss hanging out with the peeps here. I promised myself I wouldn't cry (*sniff* *sniff*), but I just get so dang sentimental when it comes to goodbyes. I'll definately miss Chris and Michelle 'cause we've been hella tight, like the Three Musketeers, but way more cooler.



  


Today was a banner day. We took the gondola from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, to Murren to Birg, and then all the way up to Schiltorn. For you James Bond fans, Schiltorn is where Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed. Anywho, when you're up at 10,000 feet in Schiltorn, the view is breath taking. Literally. Simply walking in air that thin will make you feel like a fat, out of shape, 58 year old man. While I enjoyed the view, I was glad to eventually make it down to 5,000 feet, where oxygen actually exists.



  


After our jaunt to Schiltorn, we went back down to Murren, where one of the tour guides, Trina, and I left the rest of the group to have a nice little picnic while waiting for our 1pm appointment to go paragliding.



  


Ok folks. Paragliding in the Swiss Alps.....FLIPPIN' AWESOME!!!! Its basically the closest thing you can get to feeling like a bird. Flying without any form of propulsion or engine at 4,000 feet above ground in an aircraft resembling a parachute is the most gratifying experience in the world. We flew around in the valley for 24 minutes while enjoying some of the most gorgeous mountains scenery in the world. When Trina and I landed, all we could do is smile and screem at each other. I was so high from the experience that I still couldn't believe I did it. Everyone in the group was jelous that they weren't brave enough to try it. To be honest, I was barely brave enough to do it, but once in the air all worries are set aside to enjoy this most unique flying experience.