There are things about roller-coasters. The mere mention of them lends power to a myriad of thoughts and emotions to manifest as physical and aural expression. People freak out. Others sweat in apprehension. Some turn arrogant with stories of their conquests. Most are happy at remembering the thrill of being at mercy of a monstrous speed demon and of course its partner gravity. Others simply are glad to be alive after. If well done, roller-coasters give their riders a beautiful experience. Beautiful because it's a journey, articulated from masterful planning and science, some even designed for the best views. Beautiful also because one is helpless. When was the last time you felt helpless but in a good way? There isn't any turning back, no brakes to pull or step on, no matter how the adrenaline makes you scream and shudder and laugh. It's a wonderful feeling, strangely. And after, when the heart is decelerating and the breath still heaves and you're a little light-headed, you know you can take a little gravitational pressure. Or even attempt a jump off a cliff into blue seas. Or contemplate a bungee jump. What could be worse than being at the mercy of an uncontrollable event? Surviving is emboldening. Liberating. What's office politics and pencil pushing after descents at 60 degrees at 9.8m/s2, and a couple of loop-da-loops helixes with legs dangling, disrespecting the sun with their soles? A ride makes you feel alive, again. Like anything is possible. Everyone leaves with a new found strut, and a woo-hoo.
Both the machines at USS freak us out mostly because they accelerate to the first apex. Unlike the good old crick, crick, crick to the top, the Human and rides hurl you towards gravitational destiny quicker than one would expect. Brilliant design.
It's always the first drop that gets me. I resolve to scream early, prior to almost losing my sanity and life as I am propelling downwards. It helps cushion the shock to the system. Admittedly, I was afraid but then who isn't. I was light-headed too but damn it was shiok.
Veni, vedi, vici I guess.
No comments:
Post a Comment