I have a
certain amount of adrenaline reserved specially for adventure sports. So after
Bungee, this is the next most exciting thing I did this year:
Amidst the fast flowing
waters of the Ganges, we sat in our little raft to ride on a roller-coaster,
different from the rest. Before we hopped on, we were taught a few commands,
not following which, would pave way for fatal disasters. The first few
minutes, we rowed on smooth water (though the current was very strong, it was
smooth compared to what awaited us further). With synchronized movement, we
rowed forward to reach the first rapid. (A rapid is "a fast-flowing and turbulent
part of the course of a river" -Google).
We now needed to synchronize better and row faster. This one
was easily crossed.
Each of the twenty rapids we crossed was special in itself.
Each moved with a style of its own. The different forces of water combined in unique ways. And of course, our
efforts increased. One of the rapids took shape of a mini cyclone. We were
somehow at the top of the whirlpool and instead of being pulled into the vortex, the
raft was almost floating in the air, balancing on a sort of rim-like
water structure. The sight of us desperately trying to row in the air,
with almost no water below would have been hilarious. Though this lasted only
for about 10 seconds, it was the highlight of adventure.
Another
high point (literally, too) was jumping off a cliff about 30 feet high.
The raft was brought to the river bank where numerous sellers were selling cold drinks, bhel, maggi and chai(because
saying "tea" just doesn't bring that feeling). In the aroma of
delicacies, the enticing cliff beckoned to me. And I discharged. I got the same Bungee-feeling during
my 5 seconds fall but instead of freely bouncing up and down in open air, the
water slapped my face. Hard.
There
was also a point where the current wasn't too strong and the guide on our raft
told us we could jump off, into the river. Quite obviously, I did.
Jumping
into the river reminds me how, the previous day, my friend and I tried crossing
what looked like a tributary of the river. Going by its shallow depth, we
thought we’d cross it just for fun. When we reached mid-way, the current got so
strong that if we tried lifting a foot, we would get carried away with the
water. Somehow, we managed to cross. Now, for coming back, we chose to walk further
along the bank where the current seemed lighter. But I will never forget how deceptive
looks can be. Once again mid way, pebbles below my foot got slippery. The current
gained power in a way I hadn't anticipated. I tried holding on to a rock but it
wasn't helping. And not so suddenly, I began losing grip. My friend tried
pulling me back but it wasn't long before she lost hold too. We both were half
flowing away. In this state of panic, if it wouldn't have been for the vigilance
of my mom and superhero entry of my dad (who ironically doesn't know how to
swim), I wouldn't be here, recounting my adventures.
Irrespective of what my mother says, I had a blast :D
Aditi :)
