Nepal is a country that is sought out for its many outdoor adventure activities. Most popular are trekking, bungee jumping, canyoning, and rafting. The streets of Thamel explode with tourist shops that offer everything from one-day rafting trips to 20-day rafting trips. I decided that since I was on a time constraint, two days would suffice.

A group of about 30 people met up, groggy-eyed, at the unheard hour of 6 a.m. We were taken to a bus where we were introduced the rafting guides and the kayak safety team. Although we were all seriously sleepy, I think most people's spirits were very high. Four hours later we arrived by the side of a river and set up shop for lunch. Groups of people befriended those who traveled solo, and couples instigated conversation with other couples. People waded in the water and relaxed as our guides prepared our delicious tuna fish sandwiches. 

It was then time for the "safety talk." We were told how to behave in the raft, and most importantly, what to do if we ever fell out of a raft. Everyone with a full tummy, on little sleep, tried their hardest to pay attention. Those of us who had rafted before, paid less attention. And we paid for it.

Our first day of rafting was supposed to be a practice run. Very easy rapids and a relaxing trip down the Bhode Khosi River. Just as my boat was feeling confident and empowered, we hit a rock. We hit a big rock. Water rushed loudly all around us, and we could not hear the orders that the guide was giving us. Seconds later, the boat flipped. I have to say that until this moment, I had never seen my life flash before my eyes. I had never been scared to the point that I thought I might not make it. And I had certainly never swallowed so much water. For what seemed like hours, I was dragged under the water, my head only rising to see a huge boulder in my path. I closed my eyes and went under again. The next thing I knew I was out of the rapids and in calmer waters. I was coughing and chocking and looking out for the kayak rescuers. A kayak approached me and I hung on for dear life. He brought me to the side of the river where I held onto rocks and waited for others in my boat to drift my way. All I remember thinking is 'I had no idea how powerful water could be.' Water threw me out of the boat, water dragged me under so I couldn't breathe. But water also guided me through the rapids, dodging rocks, and coming out unscathed.

When my team finally re-grouped and got back into our boat we were traumatized. We all had our own versions of what had happened in those rapids and we all wanted to share our stories. We finished out our day a couple of hours later and arrived at our camping spot. We pulled out our personal case of beer (our only salvation from the trauma), only to be told we would be charged every time we cracked one open! To top it all off we were told we were sleeping in tents that barely zipped shut, on the bank of the raging river. Most of us had nightmares about that day's occurrence.

The next morning we woke up bright and early. We mentally and physically prepared ourselves for the day to come. It was pouring rain and the water level had risen significantly. We were told that it was going to be hard rafting. Music to my boat's ears! We started off strong and confident. Then we got to the first challenging spot and came so close to flipping the boat again. And then even closer. And closer. Most of us had reached our wits end and were either leaving the rafting trip early, or going into other boats. We opted to go into other boats. At that moment everyone's experience changed. We felt more confident and things started actually becoming fun. We no longer feared for our lives.

My new boat ended with another accident, however this one not as severe. The boat simply filled with water and we were told to hold onto the right side of the boat with all our might so that we didn't flip. We did as we were told as the rushing water filled our boat. One man was taken under but came up on the other side of the boat with a smile on his face. The rest of us waited until the rapid spit us out and we were safe!

Moments later, the rafting trip was over. I couldn't really believe what had gone on in the last couple of days, but I knew that one day I would look back on it and smile. It didn't take long. As soon as the bruises faded and my sore body healed, I was thankful that I had done something that challenged me entirely: mentally and physically. Just a word of advice however, if you are signing up to go on rafting trip in Nepal, make sure you are aware of what you are getting yourself into...