testmeat photoblog

this warning symbol disconcertingly appears on the back of the harness that you put on just before jumping out of a plane at 2500 metres - which is exactly what i did on monday when i went skydiving. i was nervous about it before hand, not because i thought it would be dangerous but just because jumping out of a plane is a scary thing to do. in fact i approached it with similar emotions to when i bungee jumped six years ago. i had a healthy level of nerves which peaked at the point where i had to launch myself into the air. the good aspect to this occasion was that it wasn't down to me to jump, i was attached to the 'instructor' who decided when it was time and did the jumping. the first 2 or 3 seconds were terrifying, a feeling of unknown, unnatural, uncontrolled falling. after that i was told to open my arms out like i was flying and the sensation changed to pure exhilaration. it must have taken about 15 seconds to descend the 1000 metres before the parachute opened up and i sailed to the ground - and they were among the best 15 seconds of my trip so far. there's nothing like hurtling towards the earth to make you feel alive.

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