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Last week I attended the Microsoft South Africa CIO Summit that was held in Livingstone, Zambia.  While there, I took the opportunity to do something I never thought I would even consider doing.  I was hosting Eric Rudder, Snr VP for Server and Tools.  Eric decided that he would like to bungee (111m) off the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls.  The scene is spectacular to say the least.  The bridge and the bungee platform is terrifyingly high.

We arrived at the bridge from the Zambian side - went through the indemnity procedures and then walked onto the bridge.  My throat was parched with anxiety, my legs felt like lead and my heart pounded - as thoughts such as” What do I need to do this for?” milled through my mind.  I tried not to look over the side of the bridge as I reached the jumping platform.  I could see the fear on Eric's face as well.

We were harnessed and strapped.  Then Eric went onto the platform and the count-down started 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, bungee and he jumped - I watched, my hands cold and clammy.  His shout was a basic loud cry that sounded like it emanated from the base of his existence.  Then as he reached the bottom of the jump I could hear the whoops of joy and as he rebounded he turned to face the platform and we could see a broad smile.  He was enjoying it.  I was terrified. I told the two guys that were preparing us for the jump that I could not do this.  I looked at Peter who was next in line and told him I couldn't I was going to pull-out.  My stomach churned.  I felt like I was going to die!

Before long I was on the platform - looking at the southern horizon, more scared and stressed than I have ever been.  Zambia to the left, Zimbabwe to the right, the Vic Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below.  I stretched my arms out to the sides, as I counted down with the two guys on the platform - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, bungee!!!  I jumped spurred by the momentum of the countdown.  As I left the platform my shout was one of complete and utter fear.  I screamed until there wasn't any air in my lungs - as my body raced through the air toward the imposing sight of the rapids below.  The cliffs to the side were just a blur.  For a moment my mind was able to take in the view then I felt myself being suspended just when it felt like I was going to hit the water.  A few moments later I realised I was not almost 60% of the way back up!  And the fear of the next fall took hold - but enjoyed this one.

The rush I felt as I realised that I had done was amazing.  I felt invincible.  In fact as I walked onto the bridge and gave Eric a high five - I thought I could do this again.

The next morning I was still high on the rush from this jump. As I walked along the falls I thought “I could abseil down this cliff”.  Thank heavens I did not try to.  I longed for another go at the jump.  Later Eric said, “We should have done a tandem”, and I thought we should have.  Carpe diem.

 A giant leap for ... sadeveloper!