cape town - cliff jumping

Table Mountain and Signal Hill stand tall, there is no mistaking the silhouette of Cape Town. Simultaneously modern and mystical. We only have a few hours on shore before sailing to our next destinations, yet I already know we will be back for a longer visit. This city is vibrant and brimming with art, culture, food, and natural beauty. 

Landing here is bitter-sweet as a new friend must disembark. She has been at sea for half a year and this contract is fulfilled. Before flying back to Zimbabwe, an afternoon of awesomeness has been planned and she knows exactly what is needed. 

Over the past two months her words echoed what Trevor reminds me to do - ‘Get out of your head.’ 

Nothing works better than a good cliff jump. 

As a parting gift, this bright spark is taking me paragliding over Cape Town. 

We are collected from the port by a stellar human who drives us to a trendy space filled with an assortment of food and drink. The three of us gather sharing snacks and stories of every flavor with the ease and warmth of old friends. 

A glance at the time sends us running to the car and we drive towards our jump-off point. Again, I am glued to scenery scrolling past the windows. This city feels invigorating, I wish I could hit pause and explore. Instead, mental snapshots are taken and saved for a future in-depth follow-up.

After a few giddy photos are taken before jumping, paperwork is signed and, it’s time to fully gear up. 

Standing at the precipice, I feel completely calm. Instructions from my pilot are simple, ‘Run like hell and jump when I tell you to.’

I do run like hell but the pilot is quite a bit taller so I end up running in mid-air. The curve of the wing catches and we’re off! Smooth, delicious flight into endless blue. This feels wonderfully familiar and I relax into the birds-eye view. 

Up here the only thing that matters is floating, suspended on an invisible current. 

A few wild corkscrew turn downwards and we meet the ground running. The wing relaxes and I feel charged. My friend lands moments later and we spend the remaining hour in a shared bubble of joy.

I scurry back onboard the ship before we are due to leave and collapse from a day of pure fun. No overthinking, just play. 

Thank you to this stunning soul - you know who you are!