| A double whammy was coming up ie Go Figure's 100th episode and yet another one of my birthdays. I was thinking of what I could to to remember both milestones and I thought why not just go and conquer the biggest birthday candle in Auckland, the Auckland Skytower! So I gave the Skywalk, a platform that goes around atop the Auckland Skytower a go. There was the Skyjump option where you basically throw yourself off the tower but I wasn't feeling that brave or crazy! Click right pic or this link to watch video of Lisa's skywalk |
 The skytower candle |
I'm ok with heights, I've been up some pretty tall buildings around the world such as the Eiffle tower, Empire State Building and Sydney Tower but I was in the comforts of being in the building so walking around outside was going to test my fears....of falling. The build up to the actual event was probably the most nerve raking. As I was sitting there waiting for our guide to turn up I was thinking of what its going to be like up there. Afterall we're going to be 192 metres above ground and walking on a plank about 1.5m wide! It was a beautiful clear blue day but I imagine it was going to be cold and breezy so wasn't looking forward to any gusts of wind which could wipe me off my feet. Yes I'm an optimist! Finally after 15min of pondering on all the bad things that could happen, our cheerful guide turns up. I guess he knows how nervous we were going to be and he's seen many with the same apprehensions. But he was cool. We first had to get a breath test to make sure we were sober enough to walk, let alone on a platform so high above ground. Actually I probably should've had a couple drinks to calm me down as I was super nervous. Then it was to the metal detector test. As we were going to be so high above ground, we weren't allowed to take anything with us. No cameras, coins, watches and even our shoes had to be lace ups as we didn't want anything falling down on people below us. Something coming down from that height could hurt! |
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| Skytower from below. Getting breath tested. In the sexy suit. | Not the Skyjump! |
| So once we got our pretty orange suits and harness on, up we went on the elevator. The higher the elevator got, the higher my heart rate went. When we finally got up to the Skywalk level, the view was amazing. Nothing beats Auckland on a clear blue day. But it was cold! We stepped out onto a seethrough platform, I felt little nervous but I was still ok with the height as I was still close to the building and behind a gate that led us out onto the skywalk. He then hooked us up on to the ropes and went through a number of safety procedures which made me feel more comfy.
The plank was wider than I imagined. I was ok walking on it but when he stopped and chatted about the view, standing still did make me feel abit funny. Why was he stopping!! just keep moving man. He then got us to step close to the edge and place half our feet over the edge. No way hosay! I stood firmly right in the middle with my hands tightly held to the rope. He then got us to do another activity. He wanted us to sit down into the harness then slowly move our feet back towards the edge of the plank so that our butts would be facing out over Auckland. Hmmm this really tested my faith in the equipment. It took me a while to trust the equipment and eventally sat into it but straightening my feet out did take awhile but after some encouragement I did it. So proud of myself and got the pic to prove it. Hooray! |
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| After that exercise I did feel more confident being up there. But standing still and just looking out did still make me bit 'wobbly'. So I was glad when we finally walked back to where we started and into the sturdy confines of the the Skytower. Overall I did enjoy facing my fears and overcoming another challenge. Who knew I'd enjoy the feeling of adrenalin pumping through my veins. Thanks to my friend who encouraged me to do it and spoiling me for my birthday! Lisa, Go Figure 29 June 09 |
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 Safe in the confines of the Skytower, Auckland |
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