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Reports

During my travels, I received free accommodation for a night in exchange for writing a daily travel diary. This diary documented how I reached my next destination, the hosts who welcomed me, the food I was offered, and other experiences along the way. Below, you will find the archives of these extensive reports. Please note that English is not my native language, and most entries were written quickly, often around midnight. Enjoy!
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Monday, 19 November 2001
--> Mpande (SA)

I was taken by two local youngsters to the waterfall of Mpande, where the river water crashes down off 20-metres high cliff. And I was supposed to jump of it.

(Today I kept myself short in reporting. Lack of internet, time or energy...)

I did the bungy jump from a 216 metres high bridge without any deep thoughts or anxiety, but it took me over one hour before I really jumped down into the water pool.

Two locals explained me how to jump, this was serious. Because if you get in the water with your legs spread, I'll be talking like Michael Jackson for a long time. And if you'd have your arms spread, both shoulderblades would break by the clash on the water. And I heard many horror stories like these from the guys. Some tourists never made it up again.

Okay... And I really wanted to jump off the waterfall. It's something everybody wants to do in a life time. I had to prove it to myself. And so did I. But first the entire local village showed up on every cliff point to cheer me up. At a certain time they were all hanging with their heads on their arms, waiting until I finally would jump down.

After over one hour the guy who lead me to the place started pointing at his watch, as he had been sitting with his finger on the button of my camera for over one hour. Jeez! Why was I having so much doubts up there?

Because I don't want to travel around sounding like Michael Jackson with my shoulderblades in a position that I'd look like the Elephant Man? Yep, I just had to concentrate a lot and I wasn't really used to do that in free jumps down something.

It took the whole village several countdowns before I finally jumped down into the cool water and I must admit, it was very amazing! I wouldn't do it again, there are some serious risks and as you can see I jumped quite well.

Ramon.


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