Notes from Zambia

December 19-21, 2008

Second time around is always a charm, eh?! It was for me in Livingstone. Stephanie and I headed down south for about seven hours on a bus to the great land where the smoke that thunders (local name is mosi-oa-tunya) resides. Yes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World- Victoria Falls. The Falls is one of the most magnificent views I have ever witnessed. While you look at this monstrous waterfall, you 1) Get soaked by the spray, 2) Are left breathless, and 3) Are memorized at the amount of water pours into the Zambezi gorge.

Picture of falls

Note: The rainbow never ends- its a complete circle at the Falls!

We decided to live on the wild side and go white water rafting! We had Vinni, our guide, and four others with us. The Zambezi River has rapids that are level 5. The first one was called the Boiling Point, while others were called things like the Toilet Bowl and The Gnashing Jaws of Death. Basically, we had to paddle hard, get down, and hang on for dear life to survive the rapids. Steph was in front of me and so many times, we both flew up into the air or slipped down into the raft, but we kept on paddling. And guess what?! We never once tipped over. We were soaked and sunburned. The worst part was climbing up the gorge. Basically, an 80 degree wall of dirt, rocks, and a ladder made out of large sticks. Steph only had on flip flops, there was a rock fall which Steph’s ankle did not avoid (it is not broken!), and I learned how out of shape I really am.

Steph getting ready

Steph and I on the bus to our starting point- The Boiling Point

The view from the top of the ridge

The last time I was at the Falls, I wanted to bunji jump, but we ran out of time. I swore to myself that the next time I came around Zambia, I would jump off the 111meter high bridge, with only a rubberband saving me from the river below. This bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the bunji jumping spot is in between the two countries. I was nervous at first, I think because I had just experienced the river during rafting. I stood at the very top of the bridge, where I got strapped to a safety harness around my torso and to a bunji cord tied to my feet. Two large towels were wrapped around my ankles to provide a cushion/barrier between my skin and the strap. The platform was cage-like and therefore I could see the raging river below. But no fear, I stepped to the edge. The men behind me were counting “5, 4, 3…� But I stopped them and said I didn’t need that (too much pressure!). So I looked back at the bridge, where a crowd had gathered. I asked them to start chanting, “Debby!, Debby!, Debby!� and when they did, I jumped! I flew like a bird, with my arms spread like wings. The free fall lasted four seconds and then the cord grabbed my ankles and I was bouncing up and down, up and down. And then it was over! It went by that quickly! I hung there waiting for my rescue man to bring me back up. My feet lost all circulation. And I was slipping (or so it felt that way!). The rush was over, but my adrenaline continued to pump.

Steph hugging me before I jump

Getting the harnesses on

Prepare for take off!

My free fall!

The Aftermath... two thumbs up!

Sorry for the late blogs. With the internet being iffy and with loving Zambia, it is hard to write on a regular basis! Happy New Year everyone!