On top of the world
I never considered myself to be a total scaredy cat. I hate using the brakes in go-karts, love the freedom of motorcycles, contact sports and martial arts, traveling to undeveloped countries by myself and telling parents of unruly kids that they should take lessons on parenting.
But looking down on skyscrapers (yes, down on skyscrapers) from the outer platform of the Macau Tower, I felt my stomach lurch. Yes, it was 223 meters above the ground, and but I wasn’t about to go anywhere lower than where I was. There was a sturdy steel cable securely attached to my waist – I had no hope of going anywhere. So why did I feel so ill while my two male friends were gleefully leaping around the circular platform, pretending to dive off and dangling limbs off the edge?
Look Ma, no hands!
At one point, the guide from AJ Hackett asked me to pose with my feet dangling over the edge. I inched 1 centimeter at a time, until I reached the edge, and then willed myself not to look down, with what I felt was a brave smile on my face.
Our guide tried to reassure me by saying that a fear of heights is easily conquered. Apparently he used to suffer from it, but got over it after working at AJ Hackett for a couple of weeks. I’m wondering what sort of person with a fear of heights would sign up for a job 223 meters above ground?
He also added that only 1 person has fallen off - a 200pound man who accidentally slipped and dangled while several staff to pull him up. I’m not sure I would have gone out after witnessing that.
Deep breath, check. Fake smile, check.
My companions later announced to the rest of the group that my face was pale, and I looked like I was about to faint. Yes, I have a fear of heights, and I only have admiration for those who dare to throw themselves off the highest bungy jump in the world.
A friend told me that it is a surreal feeling to look down, and see you knees involuntarily quaking beyond your control. And she was jumping in New Zealand, over water.
Even if I was offered a free jump, I’m not sure I’d dare to take up the offer. I’m told that 99 % of bungy jumpers jump within the count of 5-4-3-2-1, with a small percentage requiring a second countdown. I’d hate to raise up their statistics unnecessarily.
It’s not that anyone has ever died before doing an AJ Hackett Bungy Jump. I was told that Charlize Theron and P Diddy have been up there, although I’m not sure if they actually took the plunge. Charlie, the manager of AJ Hackett in Macau told me he’s done it over 200 times and still gets a rush.
I wonder if being scared of heights something which is inherited, shaped by environment or just dished out on a purely random allotment. And is it a true measure of how gutsy a person is?
After all, some people are terrified of roaches, yet have no problems climbing Mount Everest or enjoy getting into a ring gloved up to try and knock someone out (although that could be due to pure stupidity).
While I have no problems with mice, or rats, I will shriek if I come into contact with a cockroach or any insect larger than my fingernail.
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