Bungy Jumping... South Island, New Zealand

No, we did not attempt it. We probably should have purchased the t-shirt that said, "I was too chicken to Bungy Jump!" Ha. Ha.

A New Zealander named A.J. Hackett commercialized bungee (bungy, bungi--- how do you spell it?) jumping.

Julie, Bob and I stopped at the bridge outside of Queenstown on our way to Wanaka to watch the bungy jumpers go off of the bridge. In 1998, when Bob and I were last here, we walked over to the bridge and watched. Now, you enter a very interesting-looking building, walk down a long ramp and enter a totally "funky-modern" place that is there to entice a person between the ages of 18-30 to jump! And they do! The jump costs $170 NZ. Of course, you want to buy the photos they take of you and the DVD for another $80 NZ!

And, if you're not sure you want to buy them right then and there, you can drive back into Queenstown, (Well, you probably came on the bus that A.J. and crew provided for you to get there and back.), go to the ultra-modern A.J. Hackett operations building where you booked your jump, "jump" the long queue waiting to use one of the brand-new 24" Apple Computers at the internet kiosk (of course you can "jump" in front of the line----- you have a special mark on your hand that shows you just JUMPED off of the bridge). Now, you can instantly download your jump photos/video and watch yourself. The adrenalin rush is now grabbing you once again, so of course you "have to" order those photos and DVD online with your credit card because they have a one-click system where you are instantly on Facebook and Twitter so you can send the whole-lot back home! Slick huh?

A. J. Hackett married a French women and lives in France now. My take on the whole thing is that he is living in his chateau in France, drinking very expensive French wine and champagne while eat foie-gras (not sure if this is the correct spelling Beth?) and laughing all the way to the bank! Good for him...

The guy whose feet are being "prepared" didn't speak much English. The crew who put the harnesses on the jumpers and get them all tied-in take their job very seriously. Safety is big (that's a good thing). The instructor tried to explain over and over again to this man what he was suppose to do... Hands over head, like a swan dive. The jumper shook his head yes, yes, yes... he understood. However, it was apparent to all of us watching this scene that he indeed did not! Finally, after lots of talk and pantomime, the instructor showed him once again and said "Like Superman!" It was instant recognition with lots of nods and finally an understanding. It was interesting to watch. It does amaze me that people from all over the world come to NZ to do this.
Jumping swam-like from a bridge with my ankles tied together attached to a extra-large rubberband is not my idea of fun.