Victoria Falls Bungee Challenge (Passage 3)

PASSAGE 3 - Questions 21-30

1. Bungee jumping is not new. Millions of people have jumped from high places with elastic tied to their ankles, but until recently, not me. There are plenty of places to try a jump, some no great distance from my home. Unlike my friends, however, I was looking for a better view than that from crane in a London suburb, so I chose one of the world's classic bungee locations; I jumped from the bridge which crosses the Victoria Falls in central Africa. A

2. At the falls, one of the world's top bungee operators arranges for a steady stream of tourists to throw themselves off the bridge. They even have to queue for the privilege. This queue, you might imagine, would be a good place to build up your confidence, as you watch the brave people ahead of you successfully complete the challenge. In practice, it gives you time to lose your nerve. B 3. The jumper in front of me, a young girl, was obviously terrified. Two employees helped her toward the jump point, but while her feet were edging forwards, the rest of her body was saying, chicken out and sat down to get her legs untied. Although her refusal had been recorded on video camera, she didn't appear ashamed more relieved as far as I could see.

4. My sympathy for her increased as my turn got closer. All loose possessions were removed from my pockets, and a harness was tightened around my body. This is just for your security, I was told, but I didn't feel greatly reassured. Then it was my turn sit down. My ankles were tied together and the length of elastic was attached. The waiting, at least was over and for that I was grateful. Helpers on either side led me to the edge.C

5. The waters of the River Zambezi were far below, one hundred meters below according to the brochure. Although I never once let go of the grab rails, my helpers encouraged me to gradually move my feet forward until I reached the edge of the metal step that stood between me and the drop. At this point, if I'd had the courage, I might have backed out. There were only 30 people watching, none of whom I was likely to see again. I could live with the disappointment and I knew the employees weren't allowed to push me. But my rational mind talked me around. Thousands of people had done this jump and survived to tell the tale. I took a deep breath, spread out my arms and toppled forwards.

6. I found myself dropping face forwards into space. Strangely, the fear hadn't gone when a man on a rope pulled me back towards the bridge, and what's more, it stayed with me. Not a moment too soon, I was pulled up onto the safety of solid ground .D