Paragliding
Trip Start
Jun 30, 2008
1
14
15
Trip End
Jul 28, 2008
Manali,
India
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I figured I had time for one more adventure before leaving for home, so yesterday I went paragliding. Not that adrenaline sports are usually my thing, but I guess I had something I wanted to prove to myself. And I was right. The fear of crashing into trees or making a big hole in the ground was pretty much gone.
I hired a horse and rode up the mountain to the take-off area. Sounds romantic, doesn't it? Well, the truth is that my horse was a very sad pony with a death-wish. Also, he was tied to five of his brethren carrying a Korean tour group, while being beaten by a pony driver with a big stick. At first I named my animal Shadowfaxe but towards the end I secretly called him Eeyore which seemed much more fitting. He accomplished the mission though, and I wish that he finds the happiness he so obviously lacks. Also, I hope the pony driver finds a different outlet for his rage.
Arrived safely at the take-off area, all the Koreans wanted a photo session with the giant from the North. Kind of funny posing next to real-life hobbits. I felt a bit like Gandalf just then. I know, I should cut down on Lord of the Rings metaphors.
I was third in line. The first girl took off like a rocket, going almost straight up. I was expecting a bit of running and horizontal gliding, but she was halfway into orbit before I got my camera out. The second girl was a bit heavier so she took off the normal way, at least until she crashed to the ground a second later. That's when I began saying my mantra and doing reiki protection symbols on everything around me. Which made me feel even more like Gandalf.
Then it was my turn. I was resolved on filming the whole deal on video which was a good idea, also because it took my mind off those trees. Not many people know this, but running down a mountain with a 50 kg Indian and a parachute tied on your back isn't easy. The first two times we failed to take off although I struggled with everything I had in me. The third time it happened.
Oh my God! How could I possibly describe the view and the feeling? We soared in circles, picking up altitude and I was amazed to see the take-off site way down below me when we came around. I'm not going to waste time trying to explain the view. I have it all on video and I'll post it when I get back home.
I can spare a few words on the landing though. I have often found it odd that we humans still have tail-bones. It may have some hidden purpose, but using it as a landing gear on a hard dirt field is not it. All this time I was afraid of dying, and the thought never occurred to me that breaking my tail-bone would be a lot worse. For those readers who are spiritually inclined, I want to advise against this method of inducing a Kundalini awakening. In fact I'm sure mine was knocked unconscious by the beating. This is also a very bad way of balancing the root chakra.
This is the insight I gained, and I hope these words of wisdom will help someone some day. Don't go on a 16-hour bus drive through the Himalayas with a broken butt. It's not as funny as it sounds. Also, if you do end up with a pulverized tail-bone, avoid sneezing at all costs. And chairs. And don't fly halfway around the world on monkey class either. Just stay flat on your stomach and pray for mercy with your palms resting on your butt cheeks (yes it does look funny and it's hard to do on a bus).
I've been more or less sitting on my healing hands ever since, but I've come to the conclusion that maybe I should augment the treatment with some painkillers. I guess reiki and paracetamol is what I need. And a donut-shaped cushion if I can find one.
Morten
