The International Writers Magazine:Travel

A Conquered Fear and a Smile over Bora Bora, French Polynesia • Uri A. Jurist On May 14, 2010, I vanquished my fear of heights.

On that day, 300 meters above the azure, turquoise, and cobalt blue waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, my shoeless feet dangled aimlessly from a parasailing harness.  As the tiny motorboat beneath me steadily plied the crystalline lagoon waters, I clutched the harness nervously, secretly praying that a gust would not carry me off to Mount Otemanu, which stood tall and stout behind me.  Engulfed in fear and teetering on the brink of panic, I spent the first few minutes of my parasailing experience in utter misery.  I began to rue my decision to confront my fear of heights on my final day in Bora Bora.  Then, in a flash, I had a moment of clarity.  I reminded myself that I embarked on a voyage to French Polynesia to seek repose and adventure.  I had chosen to go parasailing not only because it offers an element of adventure, but also the activity has an inescapable airborne requirement.  Accordingly, I closed my eyes and when I reopened them a few seconds later, I looked upon the shimmering lagoon below me and I exhaled.  In the end, a broad smile crept across my face as I realized I was no longer afraid of heights.

© Uri A. Jurist September 2011
Uri Jurist ujurist@gmail.com to me

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