Hello 2009!

I did it! Finally, I've experienced jumping off the Macau Tower! At 61 floors, it's the highest SkyJump in the world.

Here's a chronicle of how it happened last January 2.

Initially, I was decided on doing the Skywalk instead of the Bungy or SkyJump. The Skywalk involves walking the Tower's outer rim at the 61st floor. Here are some shots:

After getting outfitted with the Skywalk harness and while waiting for the first batch to finish, I spent my time watching those doing the Bungy/SkyJump get prepped and actually take the plunge (complete with dramatic background music to create a suspenseful mood).

Part of me wanted to change my program to a jump, but I told myself I'd just do it the next time I visit Macau. Simultaneously, though, I was being badgered that the Skywalk was too easy for me ("It's for kids and the elderly!"), that I was chickening out and not rising to the challenge blah blah blah (nothing galvanizes me faster than statements like this haha!). What sealed the deal was me suddenly recalling my resolution from the holidays' decluttering exercise: I should stop waiting for the perfect moment and simply live for the present! Knowing me, I'd be off to the next new place and wouldn't be returning to Macau for a long time. It was now or never!

Also, I don't have fear of heights. I actually enjoy being in high places (the higher the more exhilarating!), which means the Skywalk is still within my comfort zone. My big fear - which I wanted to defy - is that of FALLING. So -- I changed my mind and chose to SkyJump instead! Here's a snap of me paying for the additional fee. (I spent close to PhP9,000 for the entire experience, including the photo CD and DVD documentation of my jump...it was well worth it!)

We had to wait some time before my turn so we decided to have lunch first at 360 Cafe, the revolving restaurant at the 60th floor. Bad idea to do so before a jump! Till now I couldn't remember what I'd gotten from the buffet because of the butterflies in my stomach...They refused to fly in perfect formation no matter how hard I tried to get a grip! :p

After lunch I got myself geared up, and waited. I had my picture taken by the influential writing on the wall:

My turn finally came. Below is a photo of me at the take-off point, receiving last-minute instructions and getting hooked to the cord on which my life will depend as I fall from the 61st floor to ground level. It took about 10 minutes to get prepped. The team actually has a spotless record - zero fatalities to date... Still, at that juncture, I couldn't help but think that there's always a first time for everything hehehe.

The following shot was taken about a minute before the actual jump. The guide was creepily perky while I was all twisted up inside! There's the jump-off point to the left. Remembering THE MOMENT still makes my heart race hahaha!

Finally, the moment of truth. When the barrier was removed and I was right at the edge poised to take off, I experienced a moment of sheer terror. All I could think of was: "WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING??!!" But it was the point of no return. So, with arms outstretched like wings and eyes wide open, I jumped! WOOOHOOO!!!

I won't even attempt to describe how the 20-second fall felt... But I loved it and I'm glad I did it. A bit crazy, but certainly a thrilling way to start 2009! And thank God I lived to tell the tale! :D