Fancy Flying Like A Bird

As a kid, like any other, I've always wanted to fly. I don't remember when and why exactly I dreamed of such but I suspect the picture hanging on the wall near my dad's drafting table did it. http://leefoster.photoshelter.com/image/I0000t88UO0OrPmw It was a simple picture of a colorful hang-glider soaring the sky and a man hanging and balancing himself. But I didn't just see a glider and a gliding man, I saw freedom. I felt the gust of wind on my face, the exhilarating joy and exuberance of flying like a bird. Every time, I'd look at the photo, I can't help but smile. I told myself, one day...when I grow up... Thus started my fascination on flying. That and watching birds soar the skies. Later, I changed my mind. I didn't think I can ever fly that hang-glider. Looking at the photo, I also felt a tinge of fear. I didn't think I could maneuver the thing, it was enormous for my frail body. And it's not exactly safe, I think. But it's the closest thing to flying like a bird. Maybe if I grew some muscles...  Then there was bungee jumping and later, sky diving. I never fancied free falling like a log with my feet tied to a rope to hold me back. I have this crazy idea in my head that if I do, I'd puke my intestines out. Although my lungs and heart might go first before my intestines.  But, the idea of jumping out of a plane thrilled me. And some ten years ago, with some friends, we talked about it no end. There was supposedly this short course program that will teach you the basics in the morning and let you jump in the afternoon. Then we were all pumped up and ready, the program was stopped for safety concerns. So, to this day, none of us have done it yet. Losers.   Good thing man invented planes. It's not as thrilling as the others but soaring the skies just the same, in a secured and comfy seat with movies, music and in-flight service.