Perceived or not, thrill-seeking always comes with a dose of risk. When that rush kicks in, vision narrows, adrenaline surges, and the heart pounds like a war drum.
During my last trip to Nyamasheke District, I stayed at Kumbya Retreat Center. For most visitors, this peninsula is a sanctuary of peace—perfect for slowing down, tuning out the chaos of everyday life, and simply breathing again. And yes, I’ve often raved about the center’s restorative charm. But on this particular visit, I discovered a wilder side of Kumbya, the side reserved for the bold (or, shall I say, the slightly crazy).
Tucked discreetly among the quiet spaces of relaxation, meditation, and bird songs is a swing. This contraption hurls participants over a hundred feet into the sky, right above the glittering surface of the lake. The descent? A free fall that demands either advanced diving skills or a very convincing prayer.
I stood there, staring at it, convincing myself that maybe—just maybe—I could give it a shot. For a split second, I imagined myself airborne, screaming my lungs out, and making the splash of a lifetime. But then reality checked in. My courage froze, my feet refused to budge, and I gracefully bowed out before embarrassing myself. Maybe it’s age, or maybe I’ve just accepted that not every thrill is meant for me.
So, while I may happily sip coffee under a tree and let the calm wash over me, Kumbya also has something for those whose idea of fun is defying gravity. As for me, I’ll leave the wild swings and daring dives to the younger, crazier thrill-seekers who still believe they’re invincible.