Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bungee Jumping


Ever since my first skydiving adventure...






...I have wanted to go bungee jumping.  I really really REALLY enjoy the feeling of free-falling:




I tried to go bungee jumping in Argentina, but the place had closed down.  Then I tried to go "parapente" (paragliding) there, but fate wouldn't have it.  (We almost made it to the bus to go two or three times, but something always came up.  ie sickness, stolen money, eaten ATM card, etc. haha)

A little after my first skydive experience, I heard that you could bungee jump over Lake Victoria in Africa.  I'll be honest, I didn't really know where Lake Victoria was, but I assumed it to be pretty famous because I had at least heard of it.  Here it is:


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And this is what it looks like in real life:




Aaahhh, so beautiful!  However, did you notice anything?  There is nothing from which to jump!!  (And yes, I did go back to edit that sentence so it didn't end in "from.")  Whoever told me you could bungee jump there era un idiota, but I was pretty retarded for believing it for years without doing any research, so the joke's on me.

So then I actually did some legit research, and found that there are some pretty wicked places to bungee jump in Africa.  In fact, how 'bout the HIGHEST commercially operated bungee jump bridge in the WORLD?  Its the Bloukrans River Bridge, in the southeastern cape of South Africa.  A mere 500 foot drop.  Here is an insane video and another of a crazy awesome couple that shows the buildup a little better, plus some pictures:  (I watched the video without any sound so I don't know if there is swearing in it... if I was a cursing woman, preparing for a 500 ft fall would be the time to do it.)







Or, we have the option of bungee jumping over the Zambezi River.  This is only a 310 ft drop, slightly wimpy-er than the Bloukrans Bridge, but still awesome, and I think a better view.  It is on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, ie inland southern Africa, and the lovely Victoria Falls stem from this river.  (This is probably the root of the whole "Lake Victoria" confusion.)  Let's have a looksie at a video and a couple photos: (Skip forward to 1:00 on the video, thats when things get good.  And again, I don't know if there is swearing on the video becasue I was listenting to it without sound.)


(P.S. Victoria Falls look a lot like las Cataratas del Iguazú to me...)

HOLY COW!  My heart started racing just watching the videos!  AAAAAH!!!  So crazy!

So here is my problem:  JUMPING.  With skydiving, you just fall out of the plane, and the tandem guy is connected to you so there's really no going back... it's hardly even a choice once you get on the plane.  But with bungee jumping, you have to actually jump off and out... and far out.  You can't do a wimpy half jump/ half fall, which I am sure I would pull off easily.  As anyone who has cliff dived with me knows, it's working up the nerve to actually push myself off the cliff that is the most difficult for me, not the falling part.  So even though skydiving is from wayyyy higher altitudes, I think bungee jumping would be harder for me.

But, I'm assuming I can overcome that whole "jumping" part. This is gonna be SO GOSH DANG AWESOME!!  I can't wait till I graduate and get me some mulah.  (Both are only about 110 USD.)

Now the question is, which one do I do? Bloukrans River or Zambezi River?  Input is appreciated, as are travel companions.  ;)


7 comments:

Unknown said...

Since when did you get a blog and why didn't I know about it?! And please wait until 2011 to go to Africa so I can come.... though I probably won't be going bungee jumping. How about a safari instead?

Anonymous said...

It's always been a goal of mine to travel to Africa, so I'd be all for it. Minus the whole "launching myself into thin air from suicidal heights" aspect. Of course.

Amanda said...

No worries, Stell. I probably wont have money for at least that long, anyway. gotta get through school, first. and im so down with a safari as long as we can take a day to do this. you guys can be my photographers/ videographers! haha kendra i just realized your house is in walking distance from my house. we should visit more often!

It's me. said...

I would totally go bungee jumping in Africa. I wouldn't settle for anything less than the Bloukrans River Bridge. Thats the higher one right?

laurdacooj said...

dang! you are one awesome chick! I want to go too! When I was in college, twice I chickened out on trips to Vegas... last year I decided it was finally time, so we got to Vegas, went to Circus Circus- and they don't have bungee jumping there anymore! So... I want to join you on your Africa trip:)
Love you!!!

Amanda said...

Nate, you would be a pro at jumping off high things by the time we would go, what with your military training! So I guess that means we would HAVE to do the Bloukrans river so that you will still get a thrill. aaaahhh it gives me the chills!

Laurel, we gotta redeem you from your Vegas chickening out! you are so invited... maybe jackson would be old enough to go too? hahaha just kidding ;)

Malaina said...

I wish we had gone parapente tambien.