Playful Waters

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 :)