OSVALDO CONQUERS HIS FEARS ON THE MAMBO COMBO

Osvaldo Conquers His Fears on the MAMBO COMBO by Osvaldo Vega

The first tour I went on with Desafio was about a year and a half ago and it was the Mambo Combo. The two tours that our company is most famous for, rafting and canyoneering – combined into one day! I went with two other co-workers Veronica and Rocio. We were quite the trio, with me being afraid of heights and they were both afraid of water. It was the first time I had ever done anything like that before and I was really nervous to face my fear of heights.

As soon as we started the tour, the girls laughed at me because I was shaking so badly. But we had an excellent guide, Hernan, with us and he showed me what to do. The Lost Canyon was really great because it starts with the smallest rappel first to let you learn what you are doing. I slowly began to get more comfortable as we went on and then we got to the big 60 meter waterfall and my heart was beating out of my chest. I started little by little going down and then the guides yelled at me to let go. I did let go (literally) and it was amazing! I knew that I had conquered my fear. We then walked up a trail and had a really delicious lunch.

After only about a half hour we headed out for the rafting trip on Rio Balsa. This part I was really excited about because I absolutely love the water! I grew up in Puntarenas and playing on beaches and in rivers and was excited about combining the water and adrenaline together. This time it was the girls who were shaking because they were nervous!

The two other women with us wanted to ride in the back so one of my co-workers had to ride up front with me. Within 10 minutes of being in the boat, my co-workers were having a great time and not afraid anymore. They were both really brave and even jumped in when we came to a calm spot in the river. Everyone enjoyed the refreshing water splashing all over us. We even got to "ride the bull" where we got to ride on the front of the raft. It was so much fun.

The tour really changed my impression of the company. As an IT guy, we don't get out from behind the computers very much. After that, I really understood the essence of the company and what it was that we were doing. It was a really cool experience and I was happy to discover what the company was all about and the adventure and happiness we bring to people. I never would have understood my part of the overall team and puzzle if had not left my desk. I have done other tours since then, but I will never forget that first one – the Mambo Combo!

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