Pick Of The Week: SonnyMoon

So I Just Spent The last hour listening to this incredible music, with a very orginal yet slightly familular blend.
When i first heard the music without the vocals i thought maybe a new little dragon but as it continued i realized that it couldnt be.
Then once the vocals kicked in, i was positive this was something completely new to me.
Her voice was reminisant of Yukimi but not as soft and angelic, dont get me wrong though it was still fantastic.

This new band that ive found is called
SonnyMoon
Listening to the entire album i was in awe.
The lyrics of almost every song were great and the voice that matched up with it was something magical.

This great band hails from Boston, Massachusets. Trust me, theres no one more shocked then me.

Anna Wise – Vocals and effects
Dane Orr - Vocals and effects

Separately their styles are sooo very different but put them together and its something i haven’t really heard.
enjoy

Run Away

Golden Age

Gills or Wings

Interlude

Nursery Boys

Bungee

Soular

Soft Shoulders

Things To Come

Houstatlantavegas

Until the Next Time
Remember
GoWithTheFlow

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This morning, I have to sadly report that the Christmas season is getting busier and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.  My blog is named ‘embrace chaos’, because I do just that.  I’m not good at relaxing, slowing down or experiencing any type of leisurely lifestyle, although I do have some deep down desire to do just that.

In trying to evaluate my schedule and why it feels so hectic, I did realize a few things this Christmas season.

One thing is that there’s more to do during Christmas, but the rest of the busyness and regular weekly tasks don’t go away or change to accommodate this reality.  Due to the commercialism of Christmas, most people are not only busier in their personal lives, but also at work.  I work for a church, and although it isn’t busier for the same reason, there’s still a lot on my plate.  I’ve come to the conclusion that everything on my plate is attached to bungee cords.  The tasks might be accomplished, but they eventually come back, and with much more force the time second time around.

So as much as I would love to blog all of my many thoughts on this topic, I simply don’t have the time.  I have to get the kids up, drive across town for Joe’s wrestling, go to work and finish my weekend stuff before the 2 o’clock rehearsal, finish making our ‘tinselectomy’ Christmas gifts, finish two freelance jobs, start another one… okay, you get the point.

Take the time this year to evaluate your hectic Christmas season.  Although I’m too busy, I’ve started the evaluation process and I’m looking for innovative changes to create the magic word we all crave: BALANCE.

Highest bungee in New Zealand and we took our turn. You could probably do math problems on the way down its so long.

Preparing for a bungee jump includes ridding your pockets of all loose objects, tying your shoelaces properly and tucking the laces back neatly, having a giant elastic band fastened to your ankles and numerous counts of deep breaths. It may sound like a death trap but it is said that many jumpers become addicted to the intense adrenalin rush that overcomes you when you take the leap; the leap of faith that everybody should attempt at least once.

What’s it all about?

Bungee jumping is one of the world’s premier extreme sports which involve jumping off a high point, usually a bridge, with an elastic rope and harness secured either to the ankles or waist. The fun starts when the jumper leaps over the edge; the bungee cord stretches to its maximum length and as it snaps back the jumper is shot upwards again. As the energy of the elastic rope is dissipated the jumper is shot back and forth in a bouncing motion until the jumper is safely lowered to the ground.

Bungee locations in South Africa

South Africa is an ideal holiday location for adventure sport enthusiasts across the globe as it is home to not one of, but the tallest bungee jump in the world. The Bloukrans Bridge near Plettenberg Bay measures 216 meters and currently holds the official title in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the highest place that you can bungee from.

But bungee jumping is not the only way to experience the addictive adrenalin rush at the Bloukrans Bridge. Because the region has become a real tourist hub for anyone who passes through South Africa, a milder, less scary addition has been added to the Bloukrans menu: the Flying Fox. The Flying Fox was designed for families and the individual who’s not really amped yet for the big air drive.
The Flying Fox (known to the locals as a “Foofy Slide”) works like this: You will travel along a 200 meter cable slide secured by a harness all along the archway of the bridge. The Flying Fox is an adventure on its own though it is also used by the very daring as a “warm-up” to the bungee jump.

There is of course a little something for the faint-hearted, to keep you entertained as well. The Bloukrans hosts a live bungee show where the public can observe as the daring take their leap of faith. Seeing the jumpers’ bodies being catapulted through the air and hanging down so many feet off the ground is enough of a thrill for anyone who cannot muster up the courage to jump.

There are many other bungee jumping spots in South Africa, including the Gouritz River Bridge near Mossel Bay, and further north of the border, the bridge over the Zambezi River in between Zambia and Zimbabwe. And other variations of bungee jumping include bridge swinging, the “catapult”, which is in essence a reverse bungee: the cord is pulled down and the jumper is shot upwards!

The Gouritz Bridge bungee jump is equally exhilarating as the Bloukrans, though not as daunting. However all things are relatively equal when you’re plunging off a bridge. You exit the platform over 65 meters with your elastic band secured safely to your ankles and as you leap, feel the forces of gravity pulling you closer to the riverbed. Nowhere in the world would you get to view the river from this angle again. The Gouritz Bridge bungee is an excellent taster to bungee jumping and makes for great training ground when you make the ultimate jump at the Bloukrans Bridge.

Bungee jumping started ages ago as a tribal ritual for young boys to enter manhood. For most people staring down the edge of a 216 meter bridge can be plenty intimidating. Although there is much controversy about the safety level of bungee jumping, South Africa has world class bungee equipment that is designed to protect the jumper while taking the plunge.

Apart from the equipment we have experienced and trained bungee trainers at every bungee jumping location to make sure that every safety precaution is taken. So the next time you’re in the mood for something extra-ordinary, do yourself a favour and get down to one of South Africa’s world class bungee jumping locations for an adrenalin rush like no other.

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky

Wer will noch mal, wer hat noch nicht?

When speaking of Estonia with foreigners, most reactions range from clueless to have heard of it… maybe. However there is a whole group of people from very different countries, USA to Somalia who know exactly what that mysterious Estonia is. Surprisingly to many, they know it through lace. Estonia, specifically the town of Haapsalu, has a long history of lace knitting, Haapsalu shawls being the finest example.

Lace knitting dates back to the early 19th century and is still going strong. With the new internet era, these shawls are being knitted in Asia, Africa, Europe and USA. Without a doubt this goes to show the unique value of the craft.

Despite the scary mind bogglingly difficult look, it really isn't bungee jumping to learn how to make yourself one. All you need is to know the basic stitches of general knitting, get some needles, yarn and arm yourself with patience to have a successful experience at knitting lace. All of that with the added bonus of people turning green with envy at your superior skills!

Today shawls are being made following the old traditions as well as giving a new twist to the craft by using different materials, colors, edging methods and so on. While it could be argued to be a bad thing, creativity and innovation also can help to keep the old traditions alive.

organza evening wrap shawl

To learn more about the history of the shawl and learn to knit one, Saara publishing company released a book Haapsalu sall by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi. The English version of the book is titled Haapsalu shawl and can be ordered through their international sales and shipping department – tiina@saara.ee.

This book is a true delicacy with its beautiful layout and mouthwatering pictures (pictures with this article also from this book). It features a wide range of different patterns, quite a few of which have never been published before, all wrapped into a gorgeous book that is a work of art on its own. This surely is a gem for anyone interested in lace knitting. Or interested in having a pretty book in your shelf to show off to guests.

Make a Stripping Basket

By Casey R. Smartt

 Stripping baskets are box-shaped plastic tubs that strap around your waist and store loose fly line between casts.  Most baskets are rigged with line tenders (small pegs or inverted cones) in the bottom to prevent wind and water from jostling and tangling the line.  The line tenders also prevent tangles from forming when the fly line is shot from the basket at high speeds.  Stripping baskets seem cumbersome at first but they enable anglers manage loose line and make smoother longer casts, and once you get used to them, it’s hard to go without one.

The original stripping baskets were made from Rubbermaid dishtubs lashed around the angler’s waist by a bungee cord.  These baskets were used primarily by striper anglers who fished the rocky shorelines and jetties of the East Coast.  The dishtubs kept their fly lines off the rocks and out of the currents and made it possible to shoot long casts.  They were also a good fit for the hand-over-hand retrieving style needed for stripers and other nearshore species.  The dishtubs were goofy looking but they worked extremely well.

 In Texas, stripping baskets have been slow to catch on.  It’s too bad because almost any fly casting scenario is made easier by using one.  Whether an angler is casting on jetties, flats, surf, from the bank or off a rocking boat, distance is improved and line management is simplified with a basket.

Stripping baskets are made commercially and cost anywhere from 25 to 50 bucks.  But, with a few inexpensive materials and basic tools, you can make a very good one that will last for many years and perform as well or better than any of the models you can buy.  With that said, let’s get down to making a stripping basket. 

First, you’ll need a dishtub.  Department stores usually carry plastic dishtubs manufactured by either Sterlite or Rubbermaid.  There are typically two sizes- a shallow version and a deep version.  Get the deep one.  The deep tub keeps the wind out and allows more freedom of movement for your hands.  If you get the Sterlite, make sure it is a white one.  The white plastic contains softeners that allow you to drill through it without cracking.  White is also a good color choice because it reflects light at night and makes fumbling with your tackle a bit easier.  The Rubbermaid versions are usually called “Roughneck” tubs.  Get the one that is about the size of a large shoebox.  These tubs are all soft plastic and can be safely drilled. 

You’ll also need some plastic cable ties to make the line tenders.  Get a small pack of the black 7” UV ties (you’ll only need 9 of them).  You’ll be cutting them down, but the thickness of these ties provides the right amount of flex to smoothly feed the fly line when you shoot it. 

 The belt for your stripping basket will be made from a bungee cord.  I like the flat cords with the smooth plastic hooks.  You can find these in auto parts stores or the auto parts section of department stores.  If you prefer, you can also used a webbed nylon belt.  I’ve used both but prefer the bungee.  The good thing about a bungee cord instead of a webbed nylon belt is that it is elastic and allows the basket to be quickly moved to nearly any position regardless of what you are wearing.   Bungee belts creep and slide less than a webbed belt, are less abrasive and the hooks on a bungee cord can be quickly grabbed and released in the event you need to make an emergency bail-out from the basket in swift currents. 

 The last 2 items you need are drill bits.  You will need a ½ inch drill bit and a 3/16 inch bit.  Make sure the bits are sharp or you will tear or crack the plastic tub when you try to drill it.

 Begin by making 9 pairs of 3/16 inch holes, evenly spaced across the bottom of the tub.  The distance between the centers of the pairs of holes should be about ½ inch.  Once you have drilled these holes, string a single cable tie through each of the 9 pairs of holes.  Push the tip of the cable tie through the hole, starting on the inside of the tub.  The cable tie should run out the bottom and back up through the matching hole.  The cable should be strung so that both the tip and the clasp end up on the inside surface of the bottom of the tub.

 Thread the tip of the cable tie through the tie clasp and cinch it down tightly.  The flat side of the clasp should seat firmly on bottom of the tub and the tapered end of the tie should be pointing straight up from the bottom of the tub.  After all nine cable ties are strung, snip each tie approximately 2 inches above the bottom of the tub.  Smooth any sharp edges on the snipped ties with heat from a lighter, but be sure not to melt a “bulb” into the end of the cables.  The tips of the ties should be smooth.

Next, drill two ½ holes (one on each corner) through the top inside edge of the tub just below the lip.  Each hole should be approximately 1 inch in from the corners of the tub and slightly below the flared lip.  These holes will accommodate the hooks on either end of the bungee cord belt. If you elect to use a webbed belt, cut 2 slits in the side of the tub and thread the webbing through them.  Lastly, drill four ½ inch drain holes in the bottom of the tub along the front edge.  These holes will allow accumulated water to drain from the tub away from your body.

Position the completed stripping basket near your hip just below where your stripping hand comfortably drops loose line.  As you strip in your fly line, let it drop in the basket.  When your line is fully retrieved, make several false casts and then shoot a long cast.  As the line zings out of the bucket, feed it to the stripping eye on your fly rod by making a large loop between your index finger and your thumb.  This keeps the line flowing smoothly.  It takes a bit of practice, but if you stick with it I’ll wager that using this basket will eliminate your tangled lines, add distance to your cast, and improve your success on the water.

O si lo haces, ponte pañal…

1) Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls)  3.5 Stars

Pro:

• intriguing political atmosphere and its effect on the people
• Many action packed activities: Walking with lions, riding elephants, the infamous bungee jump, Gorge jumping
• Enjoyed the hippy dive bar I went to

Con:

• Victoria Falls did not live up to its name (atleast in May)… I like Niagra
• Activities are high priced

2) Zambia (Zambezi River) 2 Stars

Pro:

• Campsite on Zambezi River was beautiful
• I love monkeys and there were thousands everywhere, also animals invade your campsite.. ever see the book “Monkey Portraits” (LOVE IT!)

Con: 

•  lack luster overall

3) Malawi 4 Stars – Personal Favorite

Pro:

• the reason it is my favorite is not because it is the best but because it involved connecting with the culture and the people
• People in Malawi are very friendly and happy even though they are the poorest (makes you open your eyes ALOT)
• The Area is beautiful, very lush, very relaxed and most of Malawi is on Lake Malawi

4) Tanzania 3.5 Stars

Pro:

• All about safaris, and Masaii Mara culture, Snake Park is a must campsite
• Ngorongoro crater is absolutely the most amazing spectacle in nature

Con:

• Serengeti was lack luster, in fact null luster (but only because of bad timing… MAKE SURE TO GO ON SAFARI WHEN THE MIGRATION IS THERE BEFORE YOU SPEND $400

5) Zanzibar 5 Stars

Pro:

• An island in the Indian Ocean almost speaks for itself. All Day Snorkeling, boating  and huge lunch was well worth the $10?!?!? what
• GO TO KENDWA ROCKS BAR ON HE NORTH SHORE AND DON”T FORGET THE MARKET ON THE SOUTH PART
• It is not just an Island, it has sooo much culture, history, and don’t forget to take a Spice Tour… well worth it!

6) Nairobi, Kenya 3 Stars

Pro:

• It is Nairobi, you must say that you have been there
• You are instantly a celebrity if you are White. I felt like Britney Spears (maybe not a pro)

Con:

• People Stalk you and hassle you
• It is not particularly safe
• Sites are nothing spectucular, unless you go kiss a Giraffe like me look at my travel page

7) Masai Mara (mostly Kenya) 4.5 Stars

Pro:

• The GREAT MIGRATION WAS HERE…. sort of. Not in full force but it was here.
• Felt like I was on the National geographic, scouting around… Kenya has more liberal laws about driving right up on animals
• The Masaii Mara culture is interesting. From circumsizing girls/boys to killing lions for manhood.

If you would like to see pictures check out my Flickr or you can facebook friend me (let me know who you are and why you are adding me!!!)  And as always, leave comments and feel free to ask questions.

Barcelona Extreme 2009 – Part 2 (HD Quality)

Part 2: The Movistar Barcelona Extreme is over, but it was so f***ing great!

Music: Shearer http://www.shearer.de – Cause I feel – http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/25988

Cam&Cut&Everything:

Wolfgang Gaebler

http://gogo6969.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/gogo6969

Yet another post I started writing in Nov last year and left incomplete. Finishing off and posted as it was…..:) Shuru kiya to khatam bhi kar hi dete hain!!!

Here’s another one of my crazy adventures.  Some might think like ”oh whats the big deal” – but believe me – when u have ta jump off 150 feet, its a big enough deal – it sure was for me, so much so that I doubt if I can do it again. 

Anyway, I was in second year grad college.  4 of us decided to go and try it out at the JawaharLal Nehru stadium in Delhi. The Mountain Dew people had organised some adventure sports to promote their drink – and of course some of us went to try out the stunt. So when we got there, we had to first buy a ticket for the particular event. It cost us 600 bucks – and being in college and not earning, that sure is a lotta money. So anyways, keeping our spirits high and excited as we were, we were led to the medical check up tent. That kind of set off alams coz now we realised the gravity of the thing we were about to try out. They took our pulse and weight and height and blood pressure and finally okayed us as “fit” to go bungee.

We got in line and watched as others took their turn and dove down from the small cage that carried them 150 feet up – with the help of a crane. We made a wise move by coming empty stomach. The one thing that comes to my mind when i visualise myself upside down is “throwing up”. So i was very particular about not eating/drinking anything before the jump.

So came my turn. I was first to go among the four of us. The strapping up in itself fills you with so much anticipation resulting in a crazy case of butterflies in stomach, plus it gets the adrenalin rushing and the sheepishest smile cuts across the face.

So up we went in this metal cage which was lifted by a huge crane. WHen we were at 150 it was time for the “leap”, and no it did nt happen just like that. It took me 6 try’s to finally let go !!! I’ll never forget that. We were higher than the stadium lights even. UFFFF the air has escaped my lungs, lips dry n shit scared. The instructor lost patience and almost asked the crane to get us back down, but luckily I asked (more like pleaded) for one last chance and was granted!!

I psyched myself, thought about how Dad did it from 20,000 feet and without a rope holdin him, and well then just leapt. Its only a matter of  a “split second” and then its over and of course you feel like a fool for taking that long to do this. As i dangled and bobbed upside down, i finally started enjoying myself. Waved out to my friends, hooted…….had some fun and was finally brought down. Of course it took sme amount of balancing to stand up staright….but I came back alive, smiling and in one piece. I know, I know – koi teer nahin maara…….but phati to thi!!!

Out of the remaining 3 from the group, only one more could do it, the other too couldnt. But hey I dont blame them…..I almst didnt d it either….tho I’m very glad I did!!!

Next stop was McDonald’s coz the stomach had to be fed. When we got there I noticed my whole face was freckled with tiny red spots. That was due to the blood rush. Also the veins in my eyes had become a darker red!!! This stayed with me for the next 3 days along with a very annoying headache……but eventually it was all good!!! And I’m glad i did it and i donno if I’ll ever do it again, though if I do do it then it has to be one of those off the bridge over a river ones!!!

How it is not be scared about hights? I think pretty normal. But hights that measure 180m?

32 base jumpers thrilled the crowd in Penang with their skydiving skills as they leaped off Komtar’s 62nd and 64th floors. That was a 180m jump! Kinda’ scary for anyone who is not in the business:) The jumpers took turns taking off from the two floors from 8.30am(very early !!!!!)  to 5.30pm on the 18th of October as the crowd was watching. Cool! One of the jumpers, Australian Gary Cunningham, started jumping since he was 16.

,,When I first started doing the jumps, it felt like my soul was separated from my body.

I was very scared but after a number of jumps, I managed to overcome the fear,, , he said.

Great feeling I think! We should try it some time! What do you say?

Who of you have ever experienced bungee jumping Bloukrans? At last I can say that I have!

I went last week and I have never bungee jumped before, and not only did I not chicked out but I also jumped the worlds highest bungee bridge.

Go to wikipedia and check out Bloukrans Bridge to find out more about it. But it was such a great experience, and I had a great time. Was a highlight of my life and everyone was so helpful, reassuring and friendly!

Ah damn, I ruined the whole ‘post every four days’ trend I had going on. Nevermind.

So, as promised I’ve re-written up my List and shall paste it here. I’ll probably mention in a post every now and then whether I completed something or not but I’ll keep editing this post to like.. Cross one out.
So um.. Yah. I’ll put it here in it’s original context so it’s exactly as I have it printed out… Hmm…

“Well, I feel ‘08 was kind of uneventful… Sooooo…
I’ve written a list of things to do in ‘09.
Some are awesome.
Some are weird.
And some are downright idiotic.
It’s not so much for people to read, it’s just a place to stash it, cause right now, the paper gets bent and folded and blah blahblah blahblahblah.
1. Send a note in a bottle
2. Break a bone
3. Go to an anime convention 
London Expo, May ‘09.
4. Be in an accident
5. Dye my hair/parts of my hair a non-natural colour
Pink for cosplaying Amulet Clover.
6. LITSNAA
7. See a band live
Skindred, October 9th ‘09.
8. Cosplay around places for a day
9. Get on TV
10. Sew something!
Head and mittens for Doom Kitty. Never completed..
11. Buy a hamster and name it Hamtaro
Actually bought two and the other is named Shiro
12. Beat someone’s high score on something
13. Win more than £10 on a scratchcard ;3
14. Pass at least one of my AS exams with a B
Psychology grade B
15. Grow something
A six and a half foot Sunflower. It was epic.
16. Decorate my bedroom
17. Fall off of something
18. Find something that has been missing for ages
The ‘Vampire Kisses’ manga I owed to the library.
19. Bungee jump
20. Impulse buy
A PEZ dispenser that had a squirrel on top. Lolwhut? ._.
21. Sign a lampost
Me + friend + Sharpie. May stick up photographic evidence?
22. Play DDR
23. Buy coloured contacts
Red ones for cosplaying Akaito, Vocaloid.
24. Meet someone new
Many people at the expo but many new ones since then.
25. Buy a goldfish
26. Get a piercing
27. Hide in a box
28. Get onto the highscore table in DDR [[Yeah right!]]
29. Stand up to my someone
It didn’t turn out too well but I did it.
30. Watch 5 new animes I
31. Join a protest
32. Finish covering my door in Kerrang! Pandora
33. Buy Loveless manga
Volume one but many more shall be bought!
34. Annoy a child or old person
35. Order something from eBay
From cosplay to iPod socks to jeans. I <3 eBay.
36. Caramelldansen on Youtube [[Uh, not my idea <<]]
37. Go abroad
38. Lose weight [[Enough to notice >>]]
39. Get on Gaia Mischief makers
40. Go on a mini-holiday with friends
41. Do something stupid on camera
42. Smash something
A lamp and a mug.
43. Learn guitar [[Even just a little]]
44. Try a new food
Mackeral. Ick.
45. Read 3 books [[Psshaw, I could do 10!]]
Cell, Home Before Dark, Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, etc.
46. Pass out from drinking
Easter house party ‘09. Good times.
47. Buy Gaia merchandise :3
48. Get bit by something… /Someone?
Hamtaro and my new dog Jessie. ((Hates dogs))
49. Put up shelves for my… Collection. <<
50. Learn some Japanese phrases
Though nowhere near enough to go there.
51. Try something new [[Anything!]]
Whitewater rafting. Very good times.
52. Get a new phone -3-
I got a Tocco Lite. Fun times.
53. Send a letter to someone
54. Tie someone up >:3
55. Jump/Glomp a random stranger
56. Buy a bobble head
57. Buy something from vampfangs
58. Graffiti a wall
59. Go fishing*
60. Hit someone with a rubber chicken*
61. Lick a stranger*
62. Cherry knock*
63. Give Blood
September 15th. I’m A Rhesus Positive and I’m gonna keep giving ^-^

* – Note. A friend added these.”

There’s no way I’ll be finished this by the end of this year but I can at least try. If not, I’ll carry it onto next year and make sure I do it.

So… Watch this space?

Minna-san sayounara!

Nederlands

Vorige week ben ik met het bedrijf een dagje uit geweest, en wel naar Hanmer Springs. Het was een hele gezellige dag. We zijn wezen midget golfen, jetboaten en, als klap op de vuurpijl, bungee jumpen! Zoals jullie in het filmpje kunnen zien ging het bij mij niet helemaal van harte , ik heb zo’n 5 minuten boven gestaan terwijl de medewerkers me naar beneden aan het praten waren. De laatste minuut ging ongeveer als volgt:

Ik: “Ik durf niet!”
Hij: “Weet je zeker dat je niet gaat?”
Ik: “Ik weet het niet zeker…”
Hij: “Aha, je wilt dus wel! OK, we kunnen het volgende doen: ik pak je bij je polsen, leun met je mee naar voren en laat je dan los. Is dat goed?”
Ik: “OK… Zeg je het van tevoren als je me loslaat?”
Hij: “Ja, dat zal ik doen.”

Waarop hij me bij mijn polsen pakte, me voorover leunde en prompt losliet. Niks geen waarschuwing Heel sneaky! Het was een ongelooflijke kick en ik zou het zeker nog eens doen (en dan uit mezelf springen), maar niet de komende tijd

English

Last week I went on a field trip with the company, and we went to Hanmer Springs. It was a very nice day. We went miniature golfing, jetboating and, to top it all off, bungee jumping! As you can see in the movie I didn’t go down gracefully , I spent some five minutes standing all the way up their while the employees tried to talk me into jumping. The last minute went something like this:

Me: “I’m scared!”
Him: “Are you sure you’re not going?”
Me: “I’m not sure…”
Him: “Aha, so you do want to go! OK, we can do the following: I grab you by the wrists, lean forward with you and then let go. Is that agreeable?”
Me: “OK… Will you tell me before you let go?”
Him: “Yes, I will”

Whereupon he took my wrists, leaned me forward and promptly let go. No warning at all Very sneaky! It was an amazing kick and I’d do it again (and then I’d jump all by myself), but not anytime soon

Tragedia sfiorata per un turista in Thailandia: si lancia per provare il brivido del bungee jumping in un volo da 50 metri, il cavo elastico si spezza improvvisamente. L’uomo si schianta in acqua, ma sopravvive. Una scioccante sequenza filmata della vacanza sull’isola di Phuket: il protagonista è il giovane Rishi Baveja. Il 22enne studente britannico a Cambridge voleva festeggiare i buoni voti dell’università con un’impresa estrema e indimenticabile. Che ora, probabilmente, ricorderà per tutta la vita.

Nel breve video si vede un collaboratore legare la fune e la imbracatura di sicurezza ai piedi del ragazzo che è stato portato in cima alla piattaforma del centro Jungle Bungy a Kathu. Sotto di lui c’è la superficie di una laguna. Poi, il lancio nel vuoto a testa in giù. E di colpo ecco verificarsi l’impensabile: la corda si spezza e il saltatore si schianta rovinosamente in acqua. A 130 chilometri orari. La sua fortuna: è riuscito a fare in modo che la forza dell’impatto si concentrasse sullo stomaco e che non cadesse con la testa. Questo gli ha salvato la vita.

Come riporta il tabloid inglese Daily Mail, Rishi Baveja del West Yorkshire ha riportato ferite come quelle di un brutto incidente in auto. Lo studente è stato ricoverato per un mese in un ospedale di Bangkok, prima di poter fare ritorno a casa in Gran Bretagna e raccontare la drammatica avventura. I medici gli hanno dovuto asportare la milza. «I dottori hanno spalancato gli occhi quando gli ho illustrato cos’era accaduto, non credevano che avessi potuto sopravvivere a un simile incidente. Pure io non me ne capacito ancora vedendo il video che documenta la caduta. Sono stato davvero fortunato».

Rishi Baveja non ha intenzione fare causa ai responsabili del bungee jumping – «per le poche probabilità che ho di vincere», ha detto al giornale. Il salto è costato l’equivalente di circa 55 euro. La pagina web della struttura Jungle Bungy spiega che «nel centro non ci sono stati incidenti dal 14 giugno 1992». «Dopo più di 140mila salti è il primo da 17 anni» ha spiegato il proprietario Terry Pearce. Lo studente è tuttora in via di guarigione e pensa già alla prossima emozione: «Appena torno in forma vorrei provare con lo skydiving».

Fonte: www.corriere.it

Bucket list #3 – bungee jumping

The conversation went:

J: “I’m bored do you want to do something tonight?”

Ab: “Sure, but what?”

J: “How about we go do a 100 foot free fall?”

Ab: “What?”

J:”A free fall…”

Ab: “Umm… sure let’s go”

and that’s why I love this guy! This weeks date night is brought to you courtesy of Zero Gravity an adventure theme park in Dallas. They have five rides:

• Bungee Jump
• Free Fall
• Sky Coaster
• Texas Blast Off
• The Skyscraper

My favorite ride was the Texas Blast Off (left) which is basically you being shot into the air in a giant hamster ball like contraption. Ab liked the Skyscraper — he rode it twice. It made me feel like I was about to barrel to my death. I normally enjoy that feeling but something about my broken body laying on highway 35 broke my confidence down.

The free fall (first video below) was pretty cool, but I hit my head and wound up with a head ache. Abdul used my extra ride ticket to ride the Skyscraper again.