Day 5 and our journey continues in Whistler, British Columbia. Whistler is a fusion of big adventures and perfect little moments with endless combinations of escape and experience. The Whistler Mountains were named "whistler" because of the shrill whistle sound made by marmots living among the rocks. But today, sounds of excitement and, at the same time, anxiety were coming from the top of the mountains, made by FAU women's basketball team.
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, the team was excited about zip lining tour. We split up in three groups, met our tour guide, got our passes, and took a breathtaking skyride to the top. The guides were friendly and very thorough in all safety measures (which all of us were thankful for, considering how nervous everyone was).
Given the chance to suddenly possess any superpower imaginable, most people want to fly. From the mythological days of Icarus and Daedalus through the Wright Brothers, Yuri Gagarin, and Superman, people are just driven to break the rusty chains of gravity and take to the skies. The Whistler's zip line is the longest, highest, and fastest zip line in North America. The real treat to this adventure is the beautiful scenery that you get to rush by. Whistler Mountain is pristine, and you are literally zipping through the trees and over the streams of a temperate rain forest. It feels like you are free falling into nothingness, and then the valley appears out of nowhere...surreal and picturesque.
I'm so glad we decided to go zip lining in Whistler! When we completed our journey down the zip line, all of us felt a great sense of accomplishment. For those who were afraid of heights or of falling, this adventure allowed them to conquer their fears and feel stronger than ever. We shared such emotional experience with each other, and we will never forget the moment we overcame our fears as a family. This experience only brought us closer together.
For the rest of the day, we had leisure time on our own. Some of us went to shop, browsing the neighborhoods for fine artwork and fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, and gifts. Those who prefer more physical activity rented bikes to cruise past parks, golf courses, lakes, and wildlife viewing platforms. Others got overwhelmed by all of Canadian experiences and went back to the hotel to have some rest. Finishing up another fulfilling day in Canada, team dinner was at upscale casual dining restaurant located near the hotel. Taking a night walk after a great dinner, Whistler made me feel like it is a place where deep mountain culture collided with a spirit of adventure, progression, and international acclaim. The incredible 360° views of the surrounding alpine peaks and ancient glaciers are the true wonders of the environment, and I felt like I've stepped into another world.
