Davos Diary: Charlie takes the leap

Although most of you know that I got engaged earlier this year which is what most would understand as the beginning of "taking the leap." Well- I did it again but in a different way today... PARAGLIDING! The way I see it sometimes we need to take risks in order to understand limits whether personal, professional, physical or otherwise. What seemed like a huge "leap" from the valley was actually not so bad in practice - in fact it was lovely! From a bird's eye view of the Dschima Valley and surrounding areas - you can really see how vulnerable such a town might be from avalanches and floods and rock falls. OK - so the paragliding trip wasn't exactly part of any conference session or PhD paper, but it did seem a bit odd that this was advertised AND organized through the International Disaster Risk REDUCTION Conference! I have to say that one must try paragliding - what a wonderful experience - running off the side of a mountain and leaping into vast open air - floating at the same altitude as the clouds - catching a thermal and riding high above the peaks! We floated and circled and glided over Davos for nearly 25 minutes. If you haven't done it yet - you must try it. Once I get back I will try to scan the pictures so that you can all see what the birds do!

Charlie Ehle