27
Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
Hannah Yu Investment Accountant
Tsvetan Dobrev Director, IT Security
GUITAR
PARAGLIDING
My passion for paragliding began more than 30 years ago through hang gliding and sailplane gliding, and it has stayed with me ever since. With more than 1,500 hours in the air, I’ve learned that flying is as much about patience and discipline as it is about freedom. It requires a deep understanding of weather, terrain, and the subtle language of nature to move gracefully through the sky using nothing but rising currents of warm air. What continues to draw me back is the balance of challenge and serenity - the rare feeling of being completely in tune with the world around me. Some of my most memorable flights have taken me above cloud layers and across vast mountain ranges, soaring alongside a flock of storks or sharing the sky with my wife, who has trusted me more than once as her tandem pilot, whether above the ocean or launching from a 7,000-foot peak. Those moments capture everything I love about flying: the challenge, the trust, the perspective, and the quiet connection with nature.
I picked up the guitar during the pandemic and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. What started as a simple curiosity became a steady part of my routine, especially after I moved from acoustic to electric and discovered how expressive, versatile, and fun it can be. I’ve always loved music, but playing it opened up a completely new world. I’m drawn to songs with strong melodies and expressive guitar lines - some with light and easy melodies to sing along with, and others with riffs you’d hear in rock or blues. Whenever something catches my ear, I’ll pick up my guitar and try to learn it, even if it’s just a short lick or a few bars. It’s a small creative challenge that feels surprisingly rewarding. Now, playing the guitar is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I don’t treat it like formal practice or aim for perfection; I play because it’s enjoyable and grounding. Some days it’s a quick session learning a short riff, other days it’s playing through songs I already know. Either way, it’s become a simple, reliable way to recharge - and a reminder that a few minutes of music can make the whole day feel lighter.
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