Initially, Switzerland wasn't on my "to-do" list of places I wanted to visit during my time abroad, as I don't ski or snowboard. I thought it was a place only avid winter sports fans visited to fulfill their dreams of conquering the Swiss Alps. However, after many convincing reviews from friends and seeing the picturesque scenery via Instagram, I decided to tag along with some friends on a weekend getaway to Interlaken, Switzerland.

A small town fueled by tourism, Interlaken lives up to the highest of expectations in terms of natural beauty. The Swiss Alps are even more majestic in person, with snow covering the tips and some so tall they poke through clouds. Lake Brienz at the base of the mountains has such clear blue/green water, the reflections are breathtakingly vivid and detailed. I could not believe my eyes as I walked around the town, admiring the natural wonders amidst bustling tourism and commotion.

As I knew I wasn't going to ski or snowboard, I found myself signing up for paragliding; an activity I never dreamed of doing. When I was younger, I chickened out of a zip line at a water park and ever since then, I have plotted my revenge. This was my chance. I signed my name on the paragliding form and trudged to the top of a hill overlooking all of Interlaken. It was not until my paragliding instructor nudged me to start running that I realized what I had gotten myself into. However, I took the leap of faith (literally and figuratively) and my feet were soon dangling thousands of feet above the ground. There was no sensation of free falling, but a strange calm feeling as if I was simply sitting in a chair gliding on a slippery floor. The day was crystal clear, and I had the most perfect view of both the snowy mountains and the village down below. We smoothly passed over houses, lakes, and small forests. I truly found myself at a loss for words when the instructor asked if I was doing okay. A simple "yes" did not suffice for the intense feeling of amazement that was engulfing me. Never had I ever thought I would get to paraglide over Switzerland and view the Swiss Alps from high above, but here I am in one piece to tell the tale. The ride lasted about 15 minutes in its entirety, however I could have stayed up there for hours taking in all the sights and nature (this is coming from someone who is afraid of heights).

Although going abroad in and of itself was a step outside of my comfort zone, this truly was a challenge I overcame on my own and proved to myself that I am capable of great things. This world has so much to offer, and if we allow it to guide us, we will find ourselves doing things we never imagined. For anyone considering a journey to the land of mouth-watering cheese fondue and chocolate, I promise you it will not disappoint.