Well here I am writing the beginning of my next post in the middle of a sidewalk in a town I don't even know the name of (I will explain the fun details later).
This weekend I decided to venture to the south of Spain to see the city of Granada. I am a huge history nerd (I mean hello future teacher here), and seeing the Alhambra and the art influence the Muslims had on the palace completely excited me. Not to mention... this was the palace that Christopher Columbus was commissioned by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to sail and make some amazing discoveries. Okay. I will stop. You get the point.
But of course me being the way that I am I had to step the "epicness" of my trip up a notch. I booked a paragliding trip in Granada over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Why you may ask? Well, I already went skydiving for my 20th, bungee jumping for my 21st, so why not paragliding in Spain for my 22nd (Happy early Birthday to ME).
Although, it's not really the paragliding itself that made this experience so memorable, but rather getting to my destination. You see in my short 21 (Almost 22) years of my life I have learned that it's all about the climb--yes thank you for that Miley Cyrus. And in the climb, there are a million stories that make for an entertaining blog. And like many of you, I am full of crazy stupid adventures worth sharing. Many of mine just happen to take place while I am abroad.
So here I am sitting in the middle of a sidewalk, and through a series of unfortunate events I am debating whether I am going to cry or laugh.
1) I have no idea where I am
2) The bus driver, after showing her the address of where I was headed, dropped me off at the wrong stop.
3) No one speaks ANY English
4) My phone is dead, but who could I call anyways?
5) Once I found the paragliding office I discovered...No one is at the office
6) It's getting dark outside
7) I am sitting next to a staircase that has the words rape and kill in graffiti on it (This better not be foreshadowing).
Well clearly, this was not foreshadowing. After an hour of sitting and thinking what the hell am I doing just sitting here I began walking to find a bus. And go figure, the paragliding duo pulled up in their car right as I made up my mind on leaving. They both yelled after me "Rebecca.."!-- And of course they knew it was me because clearly I was the only person on the street who didn't look Spanish.
When we got to the top of the Mountains where we could over look the city (That I still don't know the name of) and Granada, I was in awe. And in that moment I felt free of any worry and stress. I was able to sit back and enjoy the view, and be thankful that I was here in this moment. Because nothing else mattered right now
When the paragliding adventure began I ran towards the edge of the cliff to jump and fly away. I couldn't help but feel so at ease. Here I am in this beautiful moment flying like a bird. This meant so much to me metaphorically because I was learning how to spread my wings and fly in this moment and in my personal life as well. Embracing this journey of self discovery, and becoming a brave, independent, and strong woman. So all of the fear I experienced today was worth this moment of soaring into the sunset.
When my instructor and I reached the ground we shared our excitement for soaring over the mountains, and after I proceeded to ask him about how I was supposed to get back to my hotel. Should I take a Taxi? I don't want another bad bus experience, you know? I even asked... Would you wait with me until my bus comes?
He looked at me with a smile on his face and said:
"Rebecca, do not worry for you are a strong and brave young woman. You can do anything, and you will make it back just fine. You are smart, you just need to believe in yourself. You will take the bus".
Little does he know, those words will have an impact on my life forever.
And guess what this girl did?
She took the bus.
