Coming from you, I consider that high praise! I appreciate you input!
val

Swiss Air does seem to have a decent reputation. And Swiss cheese can be very tasty
Long story short, can't go wrong with either of them, at least for the most part.

While lying outside on clear sky days, I've watched birds as they swore through the air. First they flap their wings to get the momentum I'm guessing the need, then with their wings spread, they glide this way and that. I've thought what an amazing gift to have to be able to move so freely in the direction they choose and then at a moments notice, with little effort, turn and go a different way. I feel as though humans have to much more structured in our movements, watching out where we're going to avoid bump into objects and /or other people. And even when it comes to life, at least for me, being more open to the idea that if one path we've chosen doesn't work it's ok to search for a new one that does, and rather than stressing about it, glide for a bit while searching. The one thing I've found is that tandem skydiving has given me the feeling of flying, if only for a brief time....free falling for 30-60 secs. at 120 miles per hr., then once the chute opens you can take in the view while floating towards the ground...about 5-7 mins. in all. Being strapped to the instructor, with him doing the work, gives me the freedom to revel in the moment. Of course I also have to put all my faith in the idea that the instructor won't screw up but I just don't let my head go there!!!!!!!! Long story short, it'd be surreal to be 'as free as a bird!'...trite as that may sound!
Now as for your dream of flying through a garden trellis gate, yes I can see where that may put a damper on your dreams of flying!
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, and glad you enjoyed!

I'm thrilled that experienced the 'cerebral high' I felt. I also refer to it as my natural high....no drugs necessary to feel that kind of buzz!
It's been since 2012 that I've flown. When married we traveled a lot... alone and w/our kids. But after 911, things definitely changed! My older son was at the University of Kansas and about a month after he asked me to come visit. my 1st thought was how the hell am i gonna get on that plane? But I decided he had to come 1st and if I backed down then the terrorist won in a sense. I remember my ex was surprised cos flying was never my favorite mode of transport....I get airsick at times....but I did it...I got on that plane....with my prescribed airsickness pills and I made it. I was a bit freaked by all the security at the airport but at the same time was glad it was in place. Long story short, from 911 on we still traveled but it became a true hassle airport wise. I just did my best to ignore the what if's.

LOL!!!!!! Love the Geronimo! Our morning of skydiving was incredible. We had a little larger plane this time which allowed us to jump from 14,000 ft. ....tad bit higher than the last. AND cos there was nothing to step onto when 1st going out the door we sat in doorway and rolled out causing us to do a somersault...little surreal to say the least but pretty bloody cool! since it was only in the 60's on the ground it was a bit nipper up there but tolerable and being so preoccupied by the whole experience it didn't bother. I actually pulled the chute cord when the instructed gave me a sign to do so and once it opened I did some of the steering. long story short.....a natural high free falling thru the sky. (@120 miles per hr.) then a peaceful, final descent.
Anyhow, thanks for your positiveness about me poem!

x val (still alive and kicking...LOL!)