The leap of faith!
That’s exactly what my 10-year-old son (younger than his twin brother by a mere one minute) decided to take on our recent holiday to the dazzling Dubai.
The first place to visit on our itinerary was Atlantis, The Palm.
After the amazing Dolphin Encounter at the Dolphin Bay, we headed on to the Atlantis Aquaventure park.
Being a hydrophobic, I didn’t think we would have much to do or that we would be taking any of the high-thrill rides. When my son, out-of-the-blue, declared he wanted to try the leap of faith, the expression “wonders will never cease” was what crossed my mind.
It wasn’t until I saw him up on top of the ride that I believed he was actually going through with it. And, that was when I was panic-stricken.
The experience is an almost-vertical 60-foot drop on a slide from atop a Mayan temple like structure through a closed transparent tunnel in a shark enclosure that finally opens up into a pool. The entire experience lasts for about 30 seconds.
Seeing my dear boy go through with this will remain one of the scariest as well as exhilarating experiences of my life. Panic, paranoia, pride and relief were among the different sensations I felt in those few minutes.
Technology has a funny way of letting us down when we most need it.
My husband signalled to me to record the video and I thought I did start recording, but somewhere during my panic-trip, the camera went off-recording.
The regret that I don’t have this memorable experience on tape is one that I will carry till he does it again and I record it. Hopefully, he will be up to it the next time as well!
