“How about we have a wander round the observation deck at the tower and a bite to eat?” suggested Big G, our adventure-loving friend and the ring-leader of our naughty trip to Macau. It sounded innocent and leisurely enough, surprisingly so, for Big G. But then again, it was day one. So myself, Little G and Clod, who made up the rest of the motley crew, happily agreed. Of course Graham (aka Big G) had other plans up his sleeve.

We rocked up at the 338m Macau Tower and before we could utter a word, we were ambushed by reps from AJ Hackett 233m Macau Tower Jumps. Aha, that’s more like it. I always love Big G’s surprises. And let’s face it, I am an adrenaline junkie.

Immediately mesmerized by the mass of photos and videos on display I was already reaching for my wallet. Added to that, being told that the weather was perfect for a jump, and that Macau Tower is, in fact, the world’s highest sky jump, it was clearly a no-brainer.

I looked at my daredevil companion Graham with a questioning, “Are you in,” look. Of course there was no need to coax Big G into anything. By the time I could get a look in at the booking desk, my thrill seeking crony had already signed up and paid for the Bungy Jump. So, by default, that left me the Sky Jump.

The Sky Jump and the Bungy Jump at Macau Tower both start on the same platform and land on the same air inflated pad, however the experiences are vastly different. Giddy as two naughty need-for-speed junkies we proceeded to the elevator that would transcend the 233 meters we were about to dive down to the jumping off point. After many, ‘sign yourself up for a near death’ experiences, I’ve become very familiar with the generic risk waiver form, or shall I say, the ‘sign-your-life­away’ form. By the looks of the photos however, I took it very seriously, reading every word so as to buy myself some time; paying a final visit the bathroom before suiting up in the Sky Jumpers uniform.

With the assistance of one of the instructors, I tucked my floaty black linen dress inside the dreadfully tacky, yet functional flight suit. Gracefully and as appropriately as he could, in­structor Jeff fastened me snugly into the safe and sturdy harness. It felt like a security blanket and I can’t tell you how thankful I felt for it. The uniform was nice and cozy, and coupled with the weight of the metal buckles and straps I felt like I was being hugged. The last hug I might have ever gotten had things not turned out the way they thankfully did!

The time between gearing up and actually getting out onto the jumping platform was like time in slow motion. There was techno music blaring through the speakers on the waiting deck. I was a bit anxious, the way I usually feel at the start line of a race. The anticipation was eating at me slowly. The only thing that took my mind off my own plunge was watching Big G’s an­kles being bundled and strapped in towels and bungy cords. His face looked so peaceful. He was peering out over the Macau cityscape without so much of a flinch on his poker face face. His cool-guy demeanor inspired me to suck it up. No way could I show fear, not now. I was already suited up and ready for go-time!

Anxiously waiting for Graham to nose dive into the hot, muggy, mid-afternoon air I began to get irritated. I should be used to this by now, considering how many times I’ve done this kind of thing, but for some reason I’m very anxious. More often than not, the heavier of the jumpers go first which usually leaves me dead last. Dead last and waiting. And here I was again. Nothing seemed to calm my nerves: I swayed back and forth, I tapped my feet together, I shook out my arms and legs. I tried everything. I was seriously about to explode when finally, they opened the door to the jumping platform and graciously invited me in.

The air was hot and sticky but I didn’t mind, I was so happy to be the next one in line at last. There was a slight breeze which I welcomed with open arms. As it turns out, sky jumping suits are really quite warm. I could feel the sweat dripping down my back and my legs. The heat was rising inside the full body armor. By the time I was allowed out on the preparation deck, Big G had already plummeted the 233 meters, attached to a bungy cord, to safety on the air bag below. A feeling of relief came over me knowing he had landed safely and that there was good evidence I would do the same.

“I was more than ready. I was practically salivating for the adrenaline rush. Like any addict I began to feel out of control.  I wanted to feel the rush; the free feeling of falling at high speed through the air.”

As I attentively listened to the instructions being given, suddenly I could hear familiar voices and, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the Kiwi video-grapher inviting my biggest fans and supporters out onto the deck.

“I’m in a rare mood today Al, so I invited your friends out on the deck to cheer you on,” said the typically hyper cameraman. A sense of calmness came over me as I turned my head to be welcomed by three huge smiles and six thumbs up! The G’s and Clod not only contributed to the positive peer pressure I was already feeling but also to the candidness of the video narration. To distract myself, I tried to convince the Kiwi dude that we were in Macau as guest go-go dancers for a newly-opened club. He didn’t buy our story and the dance moves the three stooges quickly broke into didn’t convince him either.

I am released to fall at approximately 75 km per hour towards the landing pad. I scream at the top of my lungs all the way down.  In the background I can hear my roommate and fellow go-go dancer Claudia screaming in fear for me.

Without hesitation I eagerly shuffled my way to the edge of the plat­form. Looking out over the beautiful, water-spotted landscape of Macau and its surrounding islands I felt at peace. The breeze was comforting; as were the voices of my friends cackling in the back­ground. Then suddenly, the overwhelming need-for-speed took over. I was more than ready. I was practically salivating for the adrenaline rush. Like any addict I began to feel out of control. I wanted to feel the rush; the free feeling of falling at high speed through the air. It came crashing to my attention that the feeling wasn’t going to be any­thing like the thrill of skydiving which I also love. With skydiving there is no depth perception. From that many thousand feet in the air cars look like ants and you can barely make out roads. The view now, from this jumping platform was much, much scarier. The height of the building I was jumping from was undeniable. The perception was totally different, and to be honest a lot more terrifying. But there was no doubt I was ready for the jump.

The countdown begins. Five, “WHOA only from five, ten seems like a much more comfortable number.” Four, “okay Allison, no backing down.” Three, “what is this bungy doing poking me in the neck?” Two, “boy oh boy I have to jump on the next” …..ONE and without even a hint of fear I dive face first off the 233m world’s highest Sky Jump platform!

I free fall for only a few seconds before the cable catches and I am suspended some hundred and something meters in the air. Thirty seconds go by about as fast as salt sifts through an hour glass. I hang there in anticipation of what is coming next. Thoughts are flying at me like bugs towards a windshield. If the first thirty seconds of this was a free fall and hanging suspension how exhilarating are the next 7.5 seconds going to be? All at once I am set free. I am released to fall at approximately 75 km per hour towards the landing pad. I scream at the top of my lungs all the way down. In the background I can hear my roommate and fellow go-go dancer Claudia screaming in fear for me.

At once I hit the air bag. I was happy to be on the ground, but, in all honestly I was disappointed. In all the waiting and anticipating I had built myself up for a breathtaking adventure. Although a defi­nite adrenaline rush, I craved something more. I craved the heart palpitating, breath stopping, fear-of-death feeling that all adrenaline junkies do. I realized at that point that I had graduated to a new level of dares. If a person could die doing it, then it was for me. And, for that matter, it was for Big G as well.

Nonetheless I was buzzing when I met the troops outside the elevator after my lift up. The T.V. screen was showing the video the camera­man had shot of the jump and in Little G’s hand were my belongings and two photos to prove my achievement in a nice tri-fold frame with a Sky Jump certificate. The video turned out to be quite candidly comical, so Big G generously bought the fantastic foursome a copy. More treasures from Macau weekend 2008!

As we enter the elevator and descend to the first floor I say to the crew, “We aren’t here for a long time friends, just a good time, so let’s make some memories!”

If you are ready to take the plunge call (853) 8988 8656 or email: ajhackett@macautower.com.mo

Macau Tower Convention and Enterntainment Centre: www.macautower.com.mo/eng/main.asp
For more information on Macau visit: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/

Published by Traversing The Orient Magazine. You want to make an online travel business? Please go to www.web.com.

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