I am not the type to list sky-diving or bungee-jumping on my bucket list. But it was my fear of the unknown that I conquered on a recent trip to Orlando, Florida, known as the theme park capital of the world. There are only so many times you can turn down requests when asked to try out some of the most exhilarating experiences offered to tourists.
So, here is a list of all the fun things I did. It made me see the wonderful difference between standing on the edge of something beautiful and taking photos and actually being in it.
Zip-lining — Brevard Zoo, Space Coast
I never thought I would want to feel the merriment of a monkey’s lifestyle, zipping across trees and canopies, and over lakes filled with crocodiles and alligators. “Just release your panic, breathe deep and have faith in the equipment,” my guide Morgan cajoled me after a brief demo. I signed up for the self-guided treetop trek that combines a host of obstacles and zip-lining, but only after she assured me people in much worse shape than me had done it.
I felt the adrenalin rush while putting on my harness, climbing up a tree and swaggering along a swinging bridge (and another one with missing planks), hopping over narrow footholds and cable bridges and toe-walking on a single rope. But when the moment came to launch myself from a 50-foot-high platform and swoop down the rigid zip-line, I froze. But once I let go, soaring at 20 miles per hour down the 700-feet zip-line over the zoo’s wetlands, I felt like a bird piercing the wind. After landing safely on the ledge, the rest of the trek, with some more jumping, swinging, dipping and zipping was a cakewalk.
Inside the Brevard zoo, you can also choose to stroll around and see more than 700 animals representing 165 species from Florida, Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Or, feed giraffes, rhinos and colourful birds in a free-flight aviary.
Orlando Hot Air Balloon Rides — Kissimmee
Up by 3.30 a.m., we were driven by the balloon company to the take-off location. We were in charge of inflating the colourful mode of transportation to the skies. As the pilot navigated, we moved up at a slow pace. The wind took us travelling, and as we reached an elevation of 8,000 feet, the first streaks of sun rays painted the sky a shimmering golden hue. The sunrise was spectacular and added to the ambience as we flew high over lush green lands, natural reserves, palatial mansions, azure water bodies, and picture-perfect houses. After about an hour of floating around with multiple colourful balloons over Kissimmee, we descended to celebrate with champagne and a song.
Kayaking — Cocoa Beach, Space Coast and Shingle Creek, Kissimmee
At Wildlife Watersports, on a tranquil bay in Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands, we had a choice between paddle stand-up boats or two-person inflatable kayaks. Both were alien to me, and the emphasis was on “experiencing”. Fifteen minutes later, I was belted inside a safety jacket with a double-bladed paddle in hand, and a whistle in case of an emergency. Inside the small-covered boat, two of us tried to keep our cool and remember every instruction. A combination of skill and dexterity, using only your hands, eyes and head, tells you when to strike. If you shift or bounce too much, the water and surrounding rocks can throw you off. While navigating the waters, you get to see aquatic life up close, including dolphins and manatees. The Shingle Creek Regional Park was like a quiet oasis in deep woods across 450 acres, where we discovered the mystical surroundings of Nature wrapped in an eerie silence.
Airboats — Spirit of the Swamp, Kissimmee
This was not just an airboat ride, but an alligator-infested swamp adventure! For miles you don’t see any land, city, houses, parks, traffic or buildings, but just true Florida wildlife. The knowledgeable skipper of our boat, with her running commentary, helped us spot endangered species like the whooping crane and snail kite, besides bald eagles, blue herons, ospreys and several stunning birds. The highlight was the breeding hotspot of Florida’s most famous resident – the alligator.
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Strap into your car and count to 90 and your ride will be over, said Angela, our official guide. It is only when you are clasped in your seat and you start moving, jerking, swinging, speeding and turn upside down that you forget to count.
You can survive this challenging rollercoaster ride with your eyes shut and synchronising your shrieks with others. I could do nothing but say my prayers, and was amazed how people enjoy this kind of adrenalin-pumping activity that would surely scare the daylights out of you.
Celebration Bike Trail — Kissimmee
This was my favourite — the coolest exercise trail in a quaint little picture-postcard town called Celebration, conceived as a pre-40s town, with classical architecture. The early-morning trail on bicycles took us on eight km of scenic and winding paved roads and waterfront pathways along the shores of Kissimmee Lakefront.
We pedalled down the quiet streets of the picturesque neighbourhood, across community parks, university campus, town centre and markets, golf course, wetland and swamps.
(The writer was in Florida on invitation from VISIT FLORIDA, the State's Tourism Marketing Corporation, FL-USA.)
