Chapter 1 - Introduction

Around the World in 12 days Introduction

Ever since I was a child, adventure stories have inspired me. I always wanted to sail the high seas, just like the great explorers who discovered exotic, new lands-climbing up the mast, looking for land on the far horizon and shouting "Land ahead."

I suppose it is now too late to be a pioneering discoverer but it is not too late to be an adventurer. I also always wanted to soar like the birds in the sky since my early childhood.

Seeing the different seasons pass by, when birds migrate from north eastern-Russia and fly across the Gulf in search of warmer climes, I watched in wonder. They crossed strange lands, high seas and encountered strong winds on their way.

I did not know that one day l would be just like them as my adventurous spirit pressed and pushed me to reach for the skies and into the unknown.

As I started preparing for the challenge ahead-my most difficult yet-flying with my cabin full of fuel, many people used to comment that I am sitting on a bomb, knowing very well that if one of the engines stopped then my dream would be over.

Many people told me stories with tragic endings about friends lost in the same type of aircraft that I'd be flying.

It took days before I managed to push the negative thoughts out of my mind. There is no place for worries and time is critical. Flying over the vast oceans, crossing the mighty mountains and fighting the power of the storms was a difficult task.

My determination pressed me so hard and pushed me over the cliffs of adventure and into the valleys of the unknown.

It was no time before my wings took over and I soared to a new high into the sky which knows no limits.

Oh God almighty, the most merciful, the most gracious, the creator of everything in our vast universe-thank you for giving me life, knowledge and the opportunity to see the wonders of your creation in our planet earth. But my greatest feeling of joy was every time I remember that you have created me as a believer on you and no one else.

Next Chapter "Valleys of the unknown"