Free Falling
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The blood has never pumped faster through my veins, yet all the while a true sense of tranquility washed over me as I jumped out of an airplane 12,000 feet in the sky. It was amazing.
Going to Mendoza, Argentina in order to renew my visa, some of the others in the hostel in which I was staying began to discuss skydiving and how it was very cheap. The wheels started turning, and long story short, I found myself pulling my legs, one by one, out of the door and upon the words “¡Vamos!” (Let’s go!) I jumped. WOW. With the magnificent Andes protruding the blue heavens into which I jumped, I must say it was absolutely the coolest thing I have ever done; words cannot even begin to describe such an experience. The free fall was about 40 seconds, and especially after the parachute opened, skydiving was actually a very serene moment in my life, and I would do it again as fast as the heart beats the moment before jumping.
If my point-and-shoot camera had not gotten stolen—the only bad thing about the trip—I would show you the innards of the Andes we crossed up and over in order to reach Argentina. At one point I read we were at 10,000 feet above sea level. It made an eight-hour bus ride quite enjoyable.
Mendoza was beautiful. One day we rented bikes and toured several wineries and a chocolate/olive producer. Taste testings of course were necessary. Yet another trip and part of my life that I will never forget.
To Mom and Tía Reba: I know the skydiving may have gone against my promise to not take extreme risks and I am sorry to have done that. We’ll just leave it at the fact my feet hit the ground without a scratch and it added another notch to my life experience belt.
What an amazing feeling that must have been. It was so exciting just to watch on the video. I wonder if your Mom has seen it yet. I will ask her the next time I get my hair cut. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Look forward to your Monday morning phlogs.
Mike Houston
ARE U NUTS? Hah! Wish I had the guts. I am glad you survived unscathed.
I am so moved and drawn into your photographs. As an amatuer photog and enthusiast – I realized I have not been in a state of awe, been inspired, or had photographs stir my passion for the art in a long time. Thank you!