After a whirlwind trip across Australia, that has lasted 18 days, I arrive in Sydney for the finale which is headed for a thrilling crescendo as I decided to save the most exhilarating activity on the trip, skydiving, for the end.
Skydiving in Wollongong
Both nerves and excitement grip me as I embark on the one and half hour journey to Wollongong, whose stunning coastline and vibrant cityscape, makes it a picture perfect setting for the dive. I don a skydive suit, buckle up the harness and then listen carefully to the detailed instructions on how to jump and land. My anticipation builds up as along with my tandem guide, Mich, I board the bus to the airstrip where the aircraft is waiting to take us on what promises to be one of the most memorable flights of my life.
As the harness is rechecked and I enter the plane, my mouth turns dry. I am sixth in line for the jump. My heart pounds with ever increasing pace as the plane takes off and goes ever-higher to the cruising altitude, from where we are supposed to jump. My palpitations seem to be increasing in tandem with the altitude of the aircraft.
But the moment when the first person jumps off the plane, my fear melts away. Now I am super excited and cannot wait to leap. Sure enough, before I know it, I am hurtling towards the ground along with my guide from a height of 15,000 feet (about 4600 m). I scream “wow” as the strong wind makes my cheeks flap during the free fall. Mich taps me on the shoulder and I free my hands. I feel liberated as I float like a bird in the air and want this sense of serenity to linger forever. Then there is a sudden pull as the parachute opens. After gliding for about five minutes, I land smoothly near the bright, blue ocean. The exultation I feel will stay with me forever.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2024-utgaven av India Outbound.
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