Best 5 Weeks- Facing Fears & Making Friends

I spent 5 weeks in Cape Town with LeadAbroad, making some of the best friends, getting to know the greatest city, and going on all kinds of cool adventures that helped me to grow and learn more about myself. Before leaving, I was excited to go to Cape Town, but had no idea just how incredible the trip would be. I learned about the culture of Cape Town, which gave me a greater appreciation for not only Cape Town, but also for all cultures and has shaped the way I travel. I did things I could have never imagined doing and that friends and family at home could not believe, but bungee jumping or sky diving isn't as scary as it seems when you're surrounded by the best friends and staff who will encourage you. I didn't know anyone when I went to Cape Town, but my roommate was a mutual friend and we got along right away. We signed up to go sky diving, but I was pretty nervous about it. When it was our day to go, we went in groups of 2 so my roommate and I decided to go together. We ended up being the last group and waited for about 4 hours until it was finally our time to go up in the plane and jump out! This time made me both more excited and more anxious. When were next up, someone who worked at the Sky Diving place told us that "good things come to those who wait" and that we would get to watch the sun set as we jumped. My roommate continued to encourage me and helped me to get over my fear, and we went up in the plane. I watched her stand on the edge of the door and disappear into the sky, knowing I was up next. Next thing I knew, I was free falling through the sky until the guy with me pulled the parachute. At that point, I was able to look down and see my roommate heading towards the ground and felt pretty accomplished for getting over my fear, with the help and encouragement of my roommate and friends. I looked around and saw Table Mountain and the beautiful city of Cape Town and the sun setting. This was just one of many experiences where I faced fears, learned more about myself, grew in friendships, and saw the beauty of Cape Town.