We all have that one friend who is a die-hard adrenaline junkie who loves to discover their next greatest adventure. That friend is me…
This feature is all about uncovering Lake Nona and Orlando’s greatest activities, especially if you enjoy living life on the edge!
It was Sunday, March 25, and Andrew and I were on a new continent. We were in Colombia, South America, for our friends’ wedding. We made the trek from the city to the mountains and headed to Sopó, where we soon would be making the leap (off a mountain) and gliding through the air. This month, NonaVentures took me paragliding in South America.
The countryside was breathtaking, and I was finally beginning to realize I’m in South America. Luckily for us, we had to take the backroads that led to these scenic views. Sundays in Colombia are considered exercise days, and some streets are closed as the locals break out their bikes and hit the roads. Boy, do the locals take advantage of this. It looked like a marathon.
The bus ride up the mountain was more terrifying than the actual paragliding. The incline was too steep, and I thought for sure the bus engine was going to give out and we’d be rolling backwards to our imminent deaths. Maybe the ride was a good prep for what was to come, although I wasn’t worried about the paragliding. That’s my kind of fun.
We made it to Parapente Paraiso en Sopó, and the anticipation was growing. Upon arrival, the winds weren’t strong enough for us to fly, but fortunately they picked up (although it took about an hour and a half). We watched as, one by one, people jumped off and took flight. It was my turn, and I couldn’t have been readier. I met my pilot, Juan Sebastian, as he harnessed me up. He told me he’s been a paragliding pilot for 12 years and was an airplane pilot before that. I envied his current job immediately.
I was suited up and ready to take flight. GoPro in hand, the wind filled our chute and after a quick few steps, I was flying. I almost lost a shoe on takeoff, but other than that, it was super peaceful with breathtaking views from a new perspective: soaring among the clouds with the birds. My adrenaline was pumping, and I was on a natural high. I could stay up there and float all day. I seriously think I found my new calling…if only Florida had mountains. I glided through the blue skies with my pilot for about 20 minutes before landing right back where we took flight. I was surprised at how easy the landing was, landing straight up on my feet.
So, there you have it, I soared over the countryside of Colombia, South America, via paragliding and reignited my love for the sky. It’s a sense of adventure that comes with peace and serenity, all while bringing you out of your comfort zone. Paragliding is something so calming to me, and it’s a totally new way of taking in the views. Quite honestly, I prefer it from up there.
Have a suggestion? Send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews.com or fill out our NonaVentures column form at http://nonahood.to/nonaventure. What do you want to see me review next?
