Wow! It is pretty amazing you can do with a few great friends and a few extra bucks. It was a weekend of firsts to be sure. Absolutely a fantastic break to the past weeks and one that I will need to remember in those to come.
Firsts:
1. Crocodile burger at the Riverfront restaurant: Tastes a little like a cross between fish and chicken with the texture of fibrous rubber (silly string-esque jerky). Not great, but, check it off the list.
2. Absolutely stunning sunset: On the deck of the David Livingstone Lodge with a Castle and terrific conversation about an amazing day. Looked like a scene out of a movie but, it was there, very tactfully creating a memory that I cannot soon forget.
3. Lunar rainbow: Can't even begin to tell you how amazing this was. It turns out that we picked an evening when the moon was as close as it has been to the earth in twenty-five years (Uncle Bill, you can verify this one). You just need to see it.
4. Vic Falls roar: I have been there before in the dry and the falls were very impressive however; this time when they were full, the raw power of the wonder was seen in it's fullness. There is a torrent of spray swirling around in, what feels to be, every direction. I was soaked to the teeth but, would have had it no other way. It felt like a water park, there is no use trying to stay dry and in the end it's not as much fun if you don't get drenched.
5. Zimbabwe: Set foot in Zim though I didn't get a stamp in my passport.
6. Bungee jumped over the Zambezi River: This was probably the most exhilarating thing that I have ever done in my life. It was absolutely incredible. 111m fall over the raging river. Again, this is one for which my words do little justice. Reece, Claire, and I did the 'Big Air Combo' which included the bungee, an enormous swing, and a zip line across the gorge from Zam to Zim.
I am convinced that there is really no way to be prepared for the jump. I was pumped and stepped to the edge and, in my very right mind, hurling myself off the edge. I remember thinking that it was awesome and as I twisted around and looked at the under-side of the bridge my mind rapidly switched to all-out 'what on earth have you done?!' mode. All fun evacuated and I was left with pure terror in the face of, what was certain, to be my doom. The bungee jostled a bit and brought my rigid body to a stop and tossed me back up in the air. Just as soon as the velocity began to peel that terror dissolved into elation and it was immediately ranked as just about the most fun I have ever had. The swing was much the same way though, I can say that I was a bit more prepared for the abrupt emotional transitions on the second round.
Don't you worry, Mom, all is well. There are a few more things that I would like to detail. But, it is getting late and this week is going to be a doozie. It was amazing to have Reece here last week. He is a cool cat and it was lame to have to take him back to the airport. I will write again soon. Have a fabulous day. All is dandy
Firsts:
1. Crocodile burger at the Riverfront restaurant: Tastes a little like a cross between fish and chicken with the texture of fibrous rubber (silly string-esque jerky). Not great, but, check it off the list.
2. Absolutely stunning sunset: On the deck of the David Livingstone Lodge with a Castle and terrific conversation about an amazing day. Looked like a scene out of a movie but, it was there, very tactfully creating a memory that I cannot soon forget.
3. Lunar rainbow: Can't even begin to tell you how amazing this was. It turns out that we picked an evening when the moon was as close as it has been to the earth in twenty-five years (Uncle Bill, you can verify this one). You just need to see it.
4. Vic Falls roar: I have been there before in the dry and the falls were very impressive however; this time when they were full, the raw power of the wonder was seen in it's fullness. There is a torrent of spray swirling around in, what feels to be, every direction. I was soaked to the teeth but, would have had it no other way. It felt like a water park, there is no use trying to stay dry and in the end it's not as much fun if you don't get drenched.
5. Zimbabwe: Set foot in Zim though I didn't get a stamp in my passport.
6. Bungee jumped over the Zambezi River: This was probably the most exhilarating thing that I have ever done in my life. It was absolutely incredible. 111m fall over the raging river. Again, this is one for which my words do little justice. Reece, Claire, and I did the 'Big Air Combo' which included the bungee, an enormous swing, and a zip line across the gorge from Zam to Zim.
I am convinced that there is really no way to be prepared for the jump. I was pumped and stepped to the edge and, in my very right mind, hurling myself off the edge. I remember thinking that it was awesome and as I twisted around and looked at the under-side of the bridge my mind rapidly switched to all-out 'what on earth have you done?!' mode. All fun evacuated and I was left with pure terror in the face of, what was certain, to be my doom. The bungee jostled a bit and brought my rigid body to a stop and tossed me back up in the air. Just as soon as the velocity began to peel that terror dissolved into elation and it was immediately ranked as just about the most fun I have ever had. The swing was much the same way though, I can say that I was a bit more prepared for the abrupt emotional transitions on the second round.
Don't you worry, Mom, all is well. There are a few more things that I would like to detail. But, it is getting late and this week is going to be a doozie. It was amazing to have Reece here last week. He is a cool cat and it was lame to have to take him back to the airport. I will write again soon. Have a fabulous day. All is dandy
FANTASTIC!
ReplyDeleteLove
Uncle Bil
:)....Whatever could have made you think I was worried about you throwing yourself off of a perfectly sound bridge over raging waters in AFRICA?????....tethered by a mere stretchy band that's been used by who knows how many other seekers of scary thrills?
ReplyDeleteYou're safe...I'm fine!! :)
The pictures are great and I'm so thankful you got that out of your system...right?....right? :)
I love you!!! The Mud
Great times with great friends are memories that can keep you from going postal or becoming a raging alcoholic/workholic or college professor (oops). I am proud of your bungee jump, and maybe a little jealous. How were you able to stifle 'squealing like a little girl' when you reached terminal velocity prior to the bungee slowing you down? I am sure I would be praying with my eyes CLOSED!
ReplyDeleteI went to pain management folks on Monday and experienced that they really are in to PAIN provision! I DID squeal like a little girl when the 12" needle went in the middle of my BACK and twisted and juiced up several places in my NECK! There should be some relief is 8 -10 days. I go back on the 4th for another 'treatment'...oh boy...I think the bungee jump would be less terrifying!
Hope to talk with you soon on Skype.
love you a bunch and anxious for May!
pap
OK...after all my screeching (see above), I'm so glad you had such a great time, and I'm glad you did the things you've been wanting to do....those memories are and always will be sweet. Can't wait for you to be making more of those over here!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also hoping for a Skype date soon. We got a new little camera. :)
Love you, Darlin'.
Momma xox