Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps

"Something has changed within me.

Something is not the same.

I'm through with playing by the rules

Of someone else's game.

Too late for second-guessing.

Too late to go back to sleep.
It's time to trust my instincts,

Close my eyes: and leap!"

All my life, I've been totally complacent with following the rules, with accepting that I'm just an average girl who happens to be very passionate about lots of things. I would never do anything crazy, I would always be on my very best behavior, and let's be honest...

I am a straight up rule-follower.

The last day we were in the Switzerland, Natalie (Em's sister who has been with us) decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and sign up to go paragliding. 6,000 feet above the ground.

Of course, the moment I heard she was going, I was a little jealous for two reasons:

1) That she is the type of person who can just spontaneously decide to do something like this.

2) That she can afford it!

She then proceeded to invite me to go along with her, but like always, my decision was already made. There is no way. I, me, play-by-the-rules Ali Monsen could never do something like that.

Then I got thinking, and something totally dawned on me! I had this crazy epiphany that maybe these "rules" I've been following aren't even rules. Maybe they are merely my own benighted ideas. Maybe they are limitations that I have made for my own self... think about it! No one can limit me unless I let them, no circumstance can be too much for me unless I let it be, right?!

Well those days are over!! That is NOT who I want to be! I am only gonna be 18 and in the Swiss Alps once, and I wasn't about to pass this one up. I was soofreakingscared. I told Nat and Emily that I really truly knew I was going to die. I had written up letters to my family and closest friends in case I didn't make it...

But I was going to do this.

"I'm through accepting limits

'Cause someone says they're so.

Some things I cannot change

But till I try, I'll never know!"

We got up to the top of the mountain

and met our pilots/flying partners. My guy was named Ulli, he grew up in the Alps and had been flying for 25 years. I told him that if I died, my dad would hunt him down. He said, "Don't worry, Ali. You will be just fine. Just don't stop running when we take off. Run as fast as you can down the mountain, and do not hinder. GO FOR IT!"

I trusted Ulli; I had no choice but to trust him because it was too late to go back now!

We started to run. We ran faster and faster. My heart was a ticking bomb about to burst. Tears of complete fright streamed down, across my face, and into Ulli's.

And then it happened.

We majestically lifted off the ground and into the air! My tears of horror and fear suddenly turned into tears of overwhelming emotion rushing through my body. I was literally speechless. It was the first time in my life that I truly couldn't speak no matter how hard I tried. I was in awe at the beauty and at my own courage. It was almost a spiritual, ambrosial experience, unlike anything I've ever done. Ulli was a little worried because I wasn't responding to his questions, but after a little while, words came back to me and I had FUN!!!

The ride lasted about 20 minutes and I have to say...

I am so glad I didn't pass this one up.

Never again will I accept limits or take the time/chances I have for granted.

No matter what age or stage we are in at this point in our lives, may we remember to never limit ourselves, to live life to the fullest, and to defy gravity.

Mountains of Faith

Well, we made it! We are here in Switzerland and are absolutely loving the Swiss Alps. It is so weird to think that just five days ago, I was back home in Sandy, Utah! It is a different world here. I feel so foreign and outlandish as everywhere I turn, a new language is being spoken. It has been really neat and interesting for me to meet so many people from lands I didn't even know existed. Although everyone has such different stories and backgrounds, everyone here seems to be happy and content about where they're at in life right now. There is something about this mystic place that it magically inspiring. It makes me believe that there IS some good in our confusing and shaken-up world. There IS a little bit of peace, and there CAN be joy found all around us.

Upon arrival, we were surrounded by gargantuan waterfalls. Everywhere we look, there is a new one to see; there are broad ones, narrow ones, enormous ones, and trickling ones. Even from sitting out on our little balcony in the apartment, I can count five within my view. Yesterday, Emily's sister Natalie and I took Emma Claire up to one of the biggest within walking distance. We hiked up a long, pathway, went through a "mysterious, solve-a-mystery tunnel" (quote by Claire), and up the slick stairway to the most beautiful waterfall of all! We were right underneath it and were getting soaked! Claire loved the adventure, and we had a blast too!

Today was absolutely incredible. We took a hike that pretty much took all day. We had to take two cable cars to get there, and we were almost to the very tip top of the Alps! Claire was complaining that her ears kept popping, but once we got there, everything was ok. This hike was unlike any I'd ever been on. First of all, with how many people are here in the Alps, you'd think there'd be lots of other hikers all around you, but that was certainly not the case. I guess there are just soo many different things to do, see, and experience here, so no one is ever on the same trail. These mountains are HUGE!!! At one point, I literally had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually experiencing what I thought I was. We turned around a corner and this whole GREEN valley opened up! Everything was so open and green and beautiful! Random cows and sheep are just hangin' out wherever they feel so inclined to! The wildflowers were gorgeous, and there are fun little stops around every corner for kids to stop and take a break. There were things like old churches to explore and learn about, playgrounds, and restaurants overlooking the unbelievable view. Claire, Nat, and I especially enjoyed a little, secluded zip-line, all set up and ready-to-go for us.

It has been so wonderful in Switzerland so far. It is a new beauty I've yet to experience, even in Utah's famous Rocky Mountains. Although I'm a bit homesick and miss all of you family and friends, there is so much more I know I need to explore and experience. Every once in a while, I catch myself having some fear or even doubting my own capabilities, but with all of the support, prayers, and the fascination of this new world around me, I know I could

NEVER STOP BELIEVING!

P.S. Uploading those pics took FOREVER, and I just ate an ENTIRE German chocolate bar during this blogging session (Whoopsies! Good thing we'll be hikin' tomorrow!), so I hope ya'll like these pics! ;o

Here at last!

I am finally here in Germany, and it is soo worth the long, lonely flights. Everything is so green and alive here in a different way than it is in Utah. It is a whole new world. My eyes are already being opened to the beauty of experiencing new things I'm not accustomed to, and it is only the first day!

As my sweet daddy took me to the airport yesterday for my flight to Chicago, I was undeniably emotional! I tried to hide my tears with my sunglasses, but there's no foolin' daddy-o. He simply said to me, "You know, Ali, you're gonna have to take off those glasses in a few seconds anyways..."! All I could do was nod in agreement. I still don't know why I was crying... I was so excited and ready for this! Deep down inside though, I was nervous and wasn't sure if I was ready to do this, to go out into the real world (literally). I knew that from the moment he left, everything was up to me. I was adult-Ali now. I had made this choice, and now I would follow through with it.

Sure enough, I was able to calm my ridiculous self down, and I got on the flight to Chicago just fine. I daydreamed of running into a special someone there but of course knew it would never happen! Once in Chi-Town, I occupied myself with a book recommended by my fabulous motha', some tunes from my iPod, and a nasty burrito from an overpriced Mexican joint. After calling every member of my family one last time, it was time to board. But this time... I was ready!

The chica I sat next to on the plane seemed super nice! She smiled, said hello, and sat down next to me. I introduced myself to her and asked how she was doing. She smiled, laughed, and that was all. I didn't understand why on Earth the girl didn't respond!!!? How rude she was being! It wasn't until the flight attendant asked what she'd like for dinner and the girl answered in German, that I realized I am a complete idiot! lol

Other than that though, the flight went smoothly (except for the turbulance in the middle of the night). I tried to sleep but ended up just walking around to stretch out the legs and back. I swear, sometimes I feel like a ninety year-old granny. After they fed us a frozen breakfast roll (it still had the frost on it) in the morning, we landed in Germany! Hooray!!! I, so adultlike, got off the plane, strolled over to customs/baggage claim, and all went well! I even had time to exchange $10 for Euros and call Em before she got there!

Emily was so wonderful and made me feel at home from the moment I set foot in her beautiful home! It has been an awesome first day spent with the kids. Claire and I have already gone bug-catching, painted nails, and gone to the park. She even gave my "cinnamon skin" (as she calls it) an eyeshadow makeover! ;) We leave for Switzerland this Sunday. No more sad or scared Ali here. Just excited-and-eager-to-see-the-world-Ali, so bring on the day, baby! Bring it on!