Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland, is known for its better connectivity to various regions and is situated at the edge of 3 regions: Jungfrau, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz. The view from this place is spectacular, especially during good weather.

We, all our friends, decided to go for the famous adventure sport Paragliding, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But that day, to our dismay, the weather condition was not suitable to do so. It was a little drizzling that day, which resulted in all the activities being called off.

I was very disappointed for not being able to do it. The rest of the friends were initially sad but were ok after a couple of hours. But I couldn’t think of anything else except paragliding. We spent a couple of hours here thinking the drizzle would stop, and the activity would resume. Although the rain stopped, the weather conditions were still not good for gliding.

So, finally, I decided to enjoy the weather and scenic beauty. The entire place was so beautiful, clean, and serene. The nature had shown its best side that day. Finally, we went back to our hotel.

The next day morning, one of my friends asked me whether I was still interested in paragliding.  All the members of the group were planning to go shopping. And there I was, confused about making a choice. My mind was conflicted between paragliding and shopping.

One thought I should go shopping and buy things for my loved ones – mom, dad, relatives, friends -as I was the first person in the family to go abroad back then. And the other mind was stuck to do paragliding, saying – I may not get this opportunity again. Finally, I decided to choose lifetime experience over short-term pleasure. Yes, I choose paragliding over shopping.

So, both of us (me & my friend) went to Interlaken for my dream to glide. The rest of the folks went shopping. Again, the weather was not so good, but the paragliding was open. Without wasting any time, I quickly booked for my turn. Although it was expensive for a student, it was nothing in front of the experience I was getting.

The two people came, and I went with them on a bus. I was the only person for whom the entire bus was going. After 30 minutes, we reached the gliding spot. My guide started preparing the glide to take off – laying the parachute in a certain way, tying the safety equipment…etc. , the feeling I had watching him that time is hard to describe. Finally, it was time. The moment I jumped from the mountain, which was 4,400ft above ground, I felt like a free spirit, on top of the world.

The only thought I had at that point was, ” Thank God I chose to follow my dream; otherwise, I would have regretted it all the time later. It was the best thing ever that happened to me. “

My glide lasted for about 20 Minutes. My guide took the parachute as close to the mountains as possible for us to remain safe. And he also made the chute fly like a roller coaster ride. It was just awesome. I was enjoying every moment of it – the breathtaking views of the mountain, lakes, valley cool air ..etc..

Upon landing, I learned that all gliding activities had been stopped due to bad weather. I was lucky to book at the right time.

When I reached the hotel in the evening, I made everyone jealous by showing my gliding pictures. And my regret for not going shopping with them had gone forever.

This is my short story about making one of my dreams come true. Paragliding at Interlaken, Switzerland, one of the best places to do this adventure sport. And yes, I will have to give credit to my friend who came with me that day; otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to go alone.