Today is Sunday, June 21, exactly a week since I've written on my blog...and I just finished my second Global LEAD Adventure Week!
We left early Monday morning for the safari, several hours away. The drive to the safari was awesome because I got to ride with the coolest guide: Nadia. Her taste in music is unreal. I have tons of new songs I can't wait to play and download. She really set the vibe.
The safari was cold, but luckily, not rainy. Last year we experienced a lot of rain on the game drive, so I was really thankful this time to be driving around without rain. We saw elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebras, buffalo, rhinos, and lions.
We left early Monday morning for the safari, several hours away. The drive to the safari was awesome because I got to ride with the coolest guide: Nadia. Her taste in music is unreal. I have tons of new songs I can't wait to play and download. She really set the vibe.
The safari was cold, but luckily, not rainy. Last year we experienced a lot of rain on the game drive, so I was really thankful this time to be driving around without rain. We saw elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebras, buffalo, rhinos, and lions.
Some tidbits:
After the game drive, we drove up to "The Map of Africa," a scenic overlook where the mountains resemble the outline of the African continent. It was here that I played around with my GoPro for pretty much the first time...after getting it for Christmas, I decided I was going to reserve it for the coolest things in my life. I've really enjoyed the GoPro life. Exhibit A:
- "Zebra" is actually pronounced zeb-ra, as opposed to the American pronunciation "zee-bra." I'm on a mission to bring the correct pronunciation back to America.
- It was really cool to see the rhinos for two reasons. One, I didn't see them last year, so this was my first time seeing them in the wild. And two, rhinos are going extinct, so to see them in the wild is a real treat.
After the game drive, we drove up to "The Map of Africa," a scenic overlook where the mountains resemble the outline of the African continent. It was here that I played around with my GoPro for pretty much the first time...after getting it for Christmas, I decided I was going to reserve it for the coolest things in my life. I've really enjoyed the GoPro life. Exhibit A:
We ended our day with my personal favorite: a trip to the beach in Sedgefield. This beach is an Indian Ocean beach, and because it's winter, it's totally empty. This beach held a special memory for me last year, and returning brought me back.
--Flashback--
When I came to this beach for the first time, it was my first time seeing the Indian Ocean. I ran onto the beach and into the water, noticing it was warmer than the Atlantic. I looked up into the sky and noticed something else that completely took my breath away: the most surreal sunset I've ever seen was complemented by a full moon. How on Earth was I seeing both at the same time? It was the most exotic moment of my life. I'm driven to experience the other oceans of the world, and I have a newfound love for the sun and the moon.
--Back to real time--
Upon leaving the beach, we drove to the hostel. I was surprised to learn that I had my own bedroom and bathroom, apart from the main house, just for being a staff member. It had a big queen bed and a pool in the back. Really cool.
Tuesday was probably the most exhilarating day of adventure week: this was the day of the bungee.
We started the day with a hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, easily the most gorgeous National Park I could ever imagine. Covered in red aloe plants (that look like exotic flowers), mountains, rocks, the ocean, trees, and a suspension bridge that feels a bit adventurous, the park is always a scenic wonderland. After holding class in the park after the hike, we gathered into the lodge for lunch, and torrential downpour began. I have never in my life seen swells so great in the ocean, heard wind blow so loudly against the trees, or felt such painful raindrops completely sideways on my face. Nonetheless, we were headed to the bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, and it was about to be a wild ride.
We arrived at the bridge, and the rain hadn't stopped. I was pretty scared to do this again, but I knew I had to set a good example for the students who were ten times more terrified to experience something to this degree of sheer thrill for the first time. I geared up in my harness, signed my papers, and told myself I could do this.
As we made our way across the little bridge to head to the bungee area, the rain started to slow down. The sky wasn't promising, but at least I knew I wouldn't be jumping into raindrops that would leave welts on my face. Although...how COOL would it have been to experience rain while jumping off of a bridge?!
I kicked into Mom mode as some of the students expressed their fear of heights. I walked them across the bridge slowly, helping them breathe deeply and look straight, and reassured them that they could do this.
Before I knew it, it was my turn. I breathed and smiled as my ropes were attached to my feet, and I stood up with confidence as it was time to walk to the edge of the bridge. I turned towards the men who were helping me, leaving my back to face the edge of the bridge. I backed up slowly to feel my feet hanging halfway off of the edge, and I gave a little bounce to ensure that I was going to spring off. I counted aloud myself: One, Two, Three, AHHHHHHH!!!!
I jumped off of the bridge and felt that free-fall feeling again that scares me so much. I let out a scream and then felt the rope. At this point, I relaxed. I laid my head back, and I looked all around me. I felt the rush of falling 700 feet below where I was standing just 4 seconds ago, and after a few colorful words, I loved it. I smiled, laughed, fist pumped, and felt incredibly proud of myself for doing the tallest bungee jump in the world for a second time. It was surreal. I liked it so much more backwards, and now I want to do a run and jump next time. This jump takes courage. I am brave.
--Flashback--
When I came to this beach for the first time, it was my first time seeing the Indian Ocean. I ran onto the beach and into the water, noticing it was warmer than the Atlantic. I looked up into the sky and noticed something else that completely took my breath away: the most surreal sunset I've ever seen was complemented by a full moon. How on Earth was I seeing both at the same time? It was the most exotic moment of my life. I'm driven to experience the other oceans of the world, and I have a newfound love for the sun and the moon.
--Back to real time--
Upon leaving the beach, we drove to the hostel. I was surprised to learn that I had my own bedroom and bathroom, apart from the main house, just for being a staff member. It had a big queen bed and a pool in the back. Really cool.
Tuesday was probably the most exhilarating day of adventure week: this was the day of the bungee.
We started the day with a hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, easily the most gorgeous National Park I could ever imagine. Covered in red aloe plants (that look like exotic flowers), mountains, rocks, the ocean, trees, and a suspension bridge that feels a bit adventurous, the park is always a scenic wonderland. After holding class in the park after the hike, we gathered into the lodge for lunch, and torrential downpour began. I have never in my life seen swells so great in the ocean, heard wind blow so loudly against the trees, or felt such painful raindrops completely sideways on my face. Nonetheless, we were headed to the bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, and it was about to be a wild ride.
We arrived at the bridge, and the rain hadn't stopped. I was pretty scared to do this again, but I knew I had to set a good example for the students who were ten times more terrified to experience something to this degree of sheer thrill for the first time. I geared up in my harness, signed my papers, and told myself I could do this.
As we made our way across the little bridge to head to the bungee area, the rain started to slow down. The sky wasn't promising, but at least I knew I wouldn't be jumping into raindrops that would leave welts on my face. Although...how COOL would it have been to experience rain while jumping off of a bridge?!
I kicked into Mom mode as some of the students expressed their fear of heights. I walked them across the bridge slowly, helping them breathe deeply and look straight, and reassured them that they could do this.
Before I knew it, it was my turn. I breathed and smiled as my ropes were attached to my feet, and I stood up with confidence as it was time to walk to the edge of the bridge. I turned towards the men who were helping me, leaving my back to face the edge of the bridge. I backed up slowly to feel my feet hanging halfway off of the edge, and I gave a little bounce to ensure that I was going to spring off. I counted aloud myself: One, Two, Three, AHHHHHHH!!!!
I jumped off of the bridge and felt that free-fall feeling again that scares me so much. I let out a scream and then felt the rope. At this point, I relaxed. I laid my head back, and I looked all around me. I felt the rush of falling 700 feet below where I was standing just 4 seconds ago, and after a few colorful words, I loved it. I smiled, laughed, fist pumped, and felt incredibly proud of myself for doing the tallest bungee jump in the world for a second time. It was surreal. I liked it so much more backwards, and now I want to do a run and jump next time. This jump takes courage. I am brave.
I wrote this in my journal that night:
June 16
Today I bungee jumped for the second time in my life. All week, I was so nervous, that I didn’t even want to go on the Garden Route. I was absolutely terrified. I was almost to the point of not even doing it. I really didn’t like the free-fall part of bungee jumping the first time, but I loved the bounces. I didn’t know if I wanted to put myself through this for a second time. After a good hug from Zach and some really thought-provoking words from him, I decided that I needed to set the bar for my students and show them no fear. That’s exactly what I did. I approached the edge of the bridge and turned around so that my back was facing the edge. I counted myself – 1, 2, 3, Bungee! I tried my hardest to jump outwards, and it was better than the first time I jumped, but still kind of weird form. I screamed so loudly, which was entirely different than my first jump – pure silence. I felt like I was falling so fast, and I could see the bridge, and that was scary. But then I fell totally backwards, and my head dropped. I absolutely loved the adrenaline rush. It sounds weird, but I didn’t feel as lonely with my GoPro. I had something to do down there. I felt really lonely last time. It was an incredibly freeing, peaceful, and liberating moment of which I am rightfully proud. I jumped off of the highest bungee bridge in the world backwards today. I have jumped off of this bridge twice. I am 21 years old. It’s a wonderful life.
June 16
Today I bungee jumped for the second time in my life. All week, I was so nervous, that I didn’t even want to go on the Garden Route. I was absolutely terrified. I was almost to the point of not even doing it. I really didn’t like the free-fall part of bungee jumping the first time, but I loved the bounces. I didn’t know if I wanted to put myself through this for a second time. After a good hug from Zach and some really thought-provoking words from him, I decided that I needed to set the bar for my students and show them no fear. That’s exactly what I did. I approached the edge of the bridge and turned around so that my back was facing the edge. I counted myself – 1, 2, 3, Bungee! I tried my hardest to jump outwards, and it was better than the first time I jumped, but still kind of weird form. I screamed so loudly, which was entirely different than my first jump – pure silence. I felt like I was falling so fast, and I could see the bridge, and that was scary. But then I fell totally backwards, and my head dropped. I absolutely loved the adrenaline rush. It sounds weird, but I didn’t feel as lonely with my GoPro. I had something to do down there. I felt really lonely last time. It was an incredibly freeing, peaceful, and liberating moment of which I am rightfully proud. I jumped off of the highest bungee bridge in the world backwards today. I have jumped off of this bridge twice. I am 21 years old. It’s a wonderful life.
As I was pulled up from the bridge, the man helping me said to me, "You showed no fear up there. There was no sign of fear in your face." At these words, I felt proud. I wanted to set the example for my students that this bridge can be conquered and everything will be ok. I did my job, and at that, my day was made.
The next two days I did the same thing: I went with the students to the Cango Caves and the cheetah reserve. Yes, I did pet a cheetah again! They are such peaceful animals. It's really interesting to learn that they are not aggressive towards humans in the way that other big cats are, and in fact, they purr when we pet them. These pictures will be up soon.
On one of these days, I saw a really cool piece of "graffiti" alongside the road. Something noteworthy about South Africa is that there is really inspirational graffiti everywhere. It's not seen as a bad thing the way it is in America. I actually think it's really beautiful art.
The next two days I did the same thing: I went with the students to the Cango Caves and the cheetah reserve. Yes, I did pet a cheetah again! They are such peaceful animals. It's really interesting to learn that they are not aggressive towards humans in the way that other big cats are, and in fact, they purr when we pet them. These pictures will be up soon.
On one of these days, I saw a really cool piece of "graffiti" alongside the road. Something noteworthy about South Africa is that there is really inspirational graffiti everywhere. It's not seen as a bad thing the way it is in America. I actually think it's really beautiful art.
Friday was the SHARKS! Shark cage diving really is one of the very coolest things I've ever done. In this particular place where we shark cage dive, Discovery Channel films shark week every year! How cool!
Disclaimer: as much as you want to see pictures of me being eaten by sharks, I have not yet sorted out my GoPro videos and pictures, so unfortunately there won't be any on this blog post. Stay tuned, though!
For some reason, I was incredibly seasick on the boat out. I don't think I usually get seasick! (Dad, I know you're reading this, do I get seasick? I can't remember). I was the first volunteer to get into the shark cage since I was the only one with my wetsuit on and they needed a volunteer right away. The cold water (and yes, it's VERY cold!) helped me feel so much better. I didn't mind being so cold because it was better than being seasick, and the sharks are so awesome that I couldn't wait to get into the cage and do it again!
I didn't see as many sharks this time as I did last time, but I did have some pretty awesome encounters. I can't wait to go through my video footage!! There were several times that a shark came up to bite the bait and gave us a pretty good look at its pearly whites. Awesome, thrilling, beautiful sight.
After the dive, we headed home to Cape Town. I feel so at home in Cape Town ("Kaapstad") and I really did miss it. It felt great to be back.
Saturday, yesterday, was a chill day. I went to the Old Biscuit Mill and then shopping at the Waterfront with Mary and Lauren. It was great to spend time with them because this trip has been so busy. I got so many cool little items yesterday: leather bracelets that I had engraved with "ubuntu," a leather journal that I had my name engraved on (I'm running out of pages on my other super cool journal!), a couple things for Europe, and a super cool book for writers. I finished the evening with a sunset walk on the beach (where I finally played with my Polaroid camera!) and a steak dinner at my favorite restaurant, Belthezar, with Mary and both Laurens. There is no better Saturday for me than a South African Saturday.
I got home thinking my heart couldn't be more full, but then Joanna handed me a package of letters that my mom had sent from tons of my family and friends back home. There were also paintings from my nieces and nephews and little gifts from my mom. I couldn't believe the outpour of love and support from everyone back home to encourage me in my travels. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who sent me something to keep my spirits high. I am so grateful.
Today is Sunday and FATHER'S DAY! Here's a blog post I wrote for my Dad on his birthday last year. A lot has changed since I've written this post, but my love for my Dad has only grown. With my Dad's diagnosis last year came an outpour of love and support from friends and family and made my bond with my Dad even stronger. I love you, Dad, and I wish I could be on your side of the world today to celebrate you. You are the best.
This will be a relaxing Sunday, just working and getting things together. I am most excited that today we are continuing to finalize our plans for my Europe trip!!! #TodaysAdventure continues to give my life bursts of energy and joy that I will cherish forever.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
The Summer Intern,
Anna
Disclaimer: as much as you want to see pictures of me being eaten by sharks, I have not yet sorted out my GoPro videos and pictures, so unfortunately there won't be any on this blog post. Stay tuned, though!
For some reason, I was incredibly seasick on the boat out. I don't think I usually get seasick! (Dad, I know you're reading this, do I get seasick? I can't remember). I was the first volunteer to get into the shark cage since I was the only one with my wetsuit on and they needed a volunteer right away. The cold water (and yes, it's VERY cold!) helped me feel so much better. I didn't mind being so cold because it was better than being seasick, and the sharks are so awesome that I couldn't wait to get into the cage and do it again!
I didn't see as many sharks this time as I did last time, but I did have some pretty awesome encounters. I can't wait to go through my video footage!! There were several times that a shark came up to bite the bait and gave us a pretty good look at its pearly whites. Awesome, thrilling, beautiful sight.
After the dive, we headed home to Cape Town. I feel so at home in Cape Town ("Kaapstad") and I really did miss it. It felt great to be back.
Saturday, yesterday, was a chill day. I went to the Old Biscuit Mill and then shopping at the Waterfront with Mary and Lauren. It was great to spend time with them because this trip has been so busy. I got so many cool little items yesterday: leather bracelets that I had engraved with "ubuntu," a leather journal that I had my name engraved on (I'm running out of pages on my other super cool journal!), a couple things for Europe, and a super cool book for writers. I finished the evening with a sunset walk on the beach (where I finally played with my Polaroid camera!) and a steak dinner at my favorite restaurant, Belthezar, with Mary and both Laurens. There is no better Saturday for me than a South African Saturday.
I got home thinking my heart couldn't be more full, but then Joanna handed me a package of letters that my mom had sent from tons of my family and friends back home. There were also paintings from my nieces and nephews and little gifts from my mom. I couldn't believe the outpour of love and support from everyone back home to encourage me in my travels. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who sent me something to keep my spirits high. I am so grateful.
Today is Sunday and FATHER'S DAY! Here's a blog post I wrote for my Dad on his birthday last year. A lot has changed since I've written this post, but my love for my Dad has only grown. With my Dad's diagnosis last year came an outpour of love and support from friends and family and made my bond with my Dad even stronger. I love you, Dad, and I wish I could be on your side of the world today to celebrate you. You are the best.
This will be a relaxing Sunday, just working and getting things together. I am most excited that today we are continuing to finalize our plans for my Europe trip!!! #TodaysAdventure continues to give my life bursts of energy and joy that I will cherish forever.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
The Summer Intern,
Anna