13,000 feet and 250 kmph later

Three... two... one... I leaped from the airplane, strapped to an instructor, hurtling towards the earth at an exhilarating speed of 250 km/h. The wind whipped against my face, and I felt weightless, adrenaline surging through me as I intorspected. Here’s how this unforgettable adventure unfolded.

Ever since arriving here, I yearned to push the limits. During my first trip to Switzerland, fellow travelers floated the idea of skydiving: a plunge from thousands of feet with a parachute that offers no guarantees! That's when I knew I had to experience it, no matter the cost. Well, actually, the cost was quite significant, so I had to save up the funds.

I began pestering Nihal, hoping he knew the perfect place to jump. We meticulously planned, considering drop zones, weather conditions, and feasibility. Until the last week, we were stressed over weather forecasts and suitable locations.

With high spirits, we settled on Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland for their stunning views. What’s the point of skydiving if you can’t soak in breathtaking landscapes? There were other drop zones across Germany, but they offered mediocre views of sprawling greenery, not the majestic mountains we desired.

Weeks passed as we scoured hundreds of drop zones across Europe. Sometimes the cost was prohibitive (thanks, Switzerland!), other times the weather was unsuitable. I had to rearrange my plans to squeeze in this adventure before Nihal left for Nikitha’s birthday trip.

With just five days left, we hadn't finalized a location. This was my only window, having already scheduled off the next two weekends, and Nihal & Nikitha being unavailable. Amidst the challenges, heavy rains in the Alpine region further complicated our plans. Despite the odds, we remained hopeful.

Suddenly, a Reddit post mentioned Texel Island off the coast of the Netherlands: a priceless view with a slight cloud cover over the entire island. In a flurry of calls and bookings, we secured a beautiful Airbnb in nearby Hurn. Despite the fluctuating North Sea weather and tidal influence on the island, we aimed for a sunny afternoon with moderate cloud - ideal conditions for a safe and scenic jump.

Arriving in Hannover on Friday night, I savored delicious rasam prepared by Nihal, a taste of home I sorely missed. The next day, after devouring croissants filled with whipped cream and strawberries, we picked up our Volkswagen Polo, our trusty steed for the journey.

Racing at 200 km/h on the German Autobahn (where there's no speed limit!), we marveled at cars whizzing by at 350 km/h. As we entered the Netherlands, speeds moderated for fuel efficiency, but the drive was no less thrilling. At Giethoorn, we hopped onto boats, navigating canals amidst initial mishaps with Nihal at the helm. Eventually, we glided through clean waters, finding serenity in the peaceful surroundings.

After extending our boat ride by an hour to capture countless photos of the scenic vistas included, we enjoyed a Dutch brunch before driving through the countryside to Hurn.

We marveled at the sunset over the North Sea, as windmills turning majestically in the breeze.

Our Airbnb host shared stories of his life: a construction worker turned collector of antique cars, reflecting Dutch warmth and openness. After a restful night, we boarded the ferry to Texel Island, accompanied by thousands of seagulls mocking our impending adventure.

Arriving at Paracentrum Texel, we opted for the deluxe skydiving package, including a secondary jumper and a handcam to capture every moment. As we waited nervously, watching others take the plunge, anticipation mounted. Finally, conditions aligned perfectly, comprising of moderate cloud cover promising bright weather.

Strapped in with my instructor and handcam, we ascended, feeling the air pressure change as we gained altitude. Anxiety mixed with excitement as we approached 13,000 feet. The plane door opened, revealing a breathtaking view: a confirmation that we had chosen well.

Three, two, one... we jumped! Free-falling for a heart-pounding minute, I felt the rush of air, my senses heightened, grateful for the journey that brought me here. As the parachute opened, slowing our descent, I marveled at the beauty below, feeling humbled by nature's vastness.

Back on solid ground, I reflected on the experience: thankful for Nihal and Nikitha's support, each finding their own way through the nerves and excitement. We celebrated with a hearty Dutch meal, then raced back on the Autobahn to Germany, the sky darkening with heavy rain.

A wholesome dinner capped off our adventure, leaving me with cherished memories and reaffirming that this skydiving escapade was the highlight of my time in Germany.