Adventure Sports in India?

OK- I guess I like adventure sports :)  Yes, it may have taken a little coaxing from Dan but the important thing is that it only took 'a little’ coaxing.  I didn’t anticipate that I would be strapped to a random dude, who didn’t speak a word of English, while flying over Dharamsala, nor did I picture myself on a raft with some Hindu guys paddling my way through rapids in Rishikesh.  Hospitals are good in India- right?
When we arrived in Dharamsala, on our scary bus ride through the freaky ass narrow roads, I had noticed some parasailers in the distance.  In an effort to keep my mind off the fact that at any moment I may roll off a huge cliff, I pointed them out to Dan- mistake.  That was it- we were going.  Since I am a super awesome, supportive wife and because it was fairly cheap, I said I would accompany him but under one condition:  if I were to break both of my legs in a botched landing, he would cater to all my needs while I healed.  Fair, right?
So, we drove the short distance out of Mcleodganj, to Dharamsala to Parasail.  I know people do these things all the time but something about doing them in India freaks me out- it is totally unfair because India is safe and the people know what they are doing- but thats that, I’m freaked.  So, we met our two pilots and made our way down the mountain to a cliff.  When I am freakin’ out, I usually go first- this allows me to keep my cool but I had a slightly harder time on this particular endeavour.  Once I was all strapped in, I stood there- why I don’t know- on the edge of a cliff, just waiting.  My legs were shaking and I wasn’t sure if the guy said don’t touch the buckles when flying or do touch the buckles when flying.  Language barriers add a small danger factor.  Then they yelled run- I ran and I was in the air, just like that!  Once I was up- I was in heaven and it was totally worth it.  I am pretty sure I want to do this as a hobby- who doesn't like flying?  My pilot was super awesome- language barrier or none, we still had a great time.

A birds eye view- Yep- that's my shadow



Dan in the air!

Another lovely view of Mcleodganj :)

OK.  Yeah Elise!  Tick one scary adventure off the list. Now for the next one. 
Unfortunately, we had to leave Mcleodganj, and we made our way to Rishikesh to see the famed Ganges river!  Of course Dan wanted to go river rafting.  Now I can swim, but the idea of paddling through rapids freaks me out.  It kinda doesn’t seem right but again I didn’t want to look back and wish I would have done it- so I pushed all fear aside and we signed up.  We joined our crew of 6 in a jeep, the raft strapped to the roof and we started our ascent up the mountain to our drop spot.  I thought the bus rides were scary- nothing prepared me for this crazy driver.  Fuck- sorry, I said it- it needed to be said!  He was INSANE.  I am pretty sure it was a race to get to the top- alive or not, it didn’t matter.  There was absolutely no way I was keeping my attention anywhere but ahead; in my mind I went over possible scenarios…. would it be worse to be in a head on collision?  We were in the back but didn’t have seat belts on.  Or, would it be worse to roll off a cliff?  We did have a rather large raft on the roof that would act as an airbag- I crossed my fingers for the roll.
Once we made it to the river- in one piece- I suddenly wasn’t afraid to raft anymore.  Funny how that works- when you see your life flash before your eyes, things like smashing your head on a rock don’t seem all that bad :)  We had a lovely group of guys, beautiful hot weather and an AMAZING river to float down.  Yes, there were times I was scared, mostly when our guide asked us to check that our helmets and lifejackets were tight enough before we hit a rapid.  Other than that, it was totally worth it.  The Ganges is cool and clean and all it’s worked up to be.  
Next- bungee jumping :)

Enjoying some sun on a beach beside the Ganges

The view of the Ganges at dinner