Urban Challenge: Davao City

The very first day we (with HB) arrived in Davao City, I started to browse from the internet the places that may interest us. I made notes about them and after our official work was completed, I immediately relayed to our contact person the places that we intend to visit. Fortunately, he had some spare time to accompany us.

The Zip City was the nearest so immediatelt choose it to be our first activity. There was no second thought on trying it since we have already tried rides and activities more challenging than this. When we arrived at the Zip City, there were no other guest except us. It's ony around 9AM.

The zip line costs P300 with a snack after. However, we availed the package of zipline, zorv ball, and water ball for P350 without the snack.

We geared ourselves. I always remember what every extreme challenge instructors say, "Trust the equipment." The only position that the gear can allow us is the sitting position.

HB went first. He videoed himself as he traversed the 300 meter zipline. Not that long but we only need the experience.

When my turn came, I asked the operator if i could turn around when the zipline goes because I noticed HB that he was only facing the same direction throughout the course. He said that he would twist the cable before I start so I would turn around slowly.

When I was released from the platform, I started to turn around. I also turn video of my camera on so I can capture the view of Davao particularly the Davao Gulf.

We were transported to Dencio's but since we did not avail of the snack we proceeded to the zorv ball area which needs a 15 minute ride.

We immediately saw the huge plastic ball when we arrived in the area. We were again early so we still waited for the operator.

To make sure that we would not be tumbling and hitting each other, I and HB were strapped (hands, feet and body) to the ball facing each other with velcro straps.

We were then released slowly on the edge of a slope. The operator and his aide were following us making sure that the ball would not go over the fence.

The slope was not really that steep ang high so the operator helped the ball to roll. Inside, we did not feel any dizziness because the ball was too slow but we enjoyed it more than the zipline.

At the waterball ride, we saw a pond and a green ball floating. I thought there would be some special ball like the zorv ball, but it's like an ordinary large ball that a person can fit in.

It has a zipper and a velcro flap that would secure the water from getting in. The operator reminded us not to step on the zipper. I and HB entered a separate ball.

It was a great challenge to stand inside the ball and let it roll on the water. We were not able to move from our place. We got stuck at the end of the pond and we were all sweating and panting inside. Among the three rides, this is the most difficult. We went out from the ball with our shirts dripping with sweat.

That was how we spent the first day of our vacation in Davao City. We never thought that we started it with an urban challenge.