Macau: Day 4 (Part 1)

June 13, 2012

I was born without the fear gene. Of course, I get a case of the nerves from time to time, but that never stops me from trying my best in accomplishing anything and everything I have my heart set on. Being fearless comes with a catch-22 — while my world is open to endless possibilities — I also do a lot of potentially dangerous (some might even say stupid) things. This is why when I was offered the chance to jump off the Macau Tower I did not hesitate in saying yes!

Macau

The Macau Tower is an incredible 1,109 feet in height and includes: an observation deck with panoramic views, restaurants, shopping malls, and theaters. It also happens to have the world’s highest bungee jump.

Macau

I have been skydiving 14,000 feet over the Great Barrier Reef, zip-lining through the jungles of Mexico and Cuba, trekking and swimming in the Brasilian Amazon, cage diving with Great White sharks off the coast of South Africa, yet nothing prepared me for bungee jumping.

Macau

I felt a wave of pure excitement wash over me as I began to get suited up and strapped onto cables. This is what my life is all about: embracing the unknown, saying yes, taking risks, creating unforgettable memories, and having beautiful adventures.

Macau

Except, then I made the mistake of looking down. 764 feet down to be exact. This chick for the first time in her life was experiencing crippling fear.

Macau

There was no way I was jumping off that ledge. Why did I ever want to do such a ridiculous thing in the first place? Every cell in my body was telling me not to go through with it.

Macau

My instructor, who has bungee jumped over a 1,000 times, realized the panic that had overtaken me and said, “The regret you will experience the rest of your life for not jumping will be a million times worse than the five seconds it is going to take to reach the bottom. Trust me darling, I am a pro, now smile for the camera and jump!”

Macau

He was 100% right. I closed my eyes and instantly remembered a quote on a sticker that someone had stuck on the door inside my camper van that I had drove around the Outback of Australia. This was four years ago and it has resonated with me ever since.

Macau

So, I did what I had to do, I jumped! Okay, maybe I did not jump per se, rather I swan dived, however I kicked my fear right in the ass.

Macau

Macau

When I reached the bottom and was released from my cables, I was overwhelmed with both endorphins and pride. It would have been so easy to have just changed my mind, but I am not interested in easy. I seek out the challenges, because it is the obstacles that we encounter that bring growth into our lives and make us better people.

Macau

This was only the beginning of my last day in Macau. As we headed to our next destination, my body alive with adrenaline, I caught one last glimpse of the Macau Tower. I could not believe I had just jumped off of that thing. . .

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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233 thoughts on “Macau: Day 4 (Part 1)”

  2. Edna

    I loved the way you told this story! Way to conquer your brief moment of fear. Life is definitely about living on the edge and taking chances — and I love that quote you found in Australia!

    Reply ↓
  4. Terri

    YOU GO, GIRL!! 🙂 I am the biggest fraidy cat adrenaline junkie. I always want to try things even if I am afraid. I’d probably be pretty nervous, but I’d enjoy the ride.

    Reply ↓
  5. Laura

    I’m so proud! I went skydiving in Namibia and never really had any nerves from it. But for some reason bungee jumping seems like a completely different beast! I am an adrenaline junkie but looking over that ledge, I”m not sure I could do it! Way to go!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      I felt the same way sky diving, I guess because I went tangent and the instructor made all of the decisions. In bungee jumping YOU are the one that has to make the decision to jump. Eeeeek! XO

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  7. Annie of TravelShus

    wow. thats all i can say.

    I dont think i could ever do this – its that feeling of freefall when your heart hits the ceiling of your skull? i hate it. Wanted to go skydiving though, since i heard you feel it less than bungee jumping – but still chickened out.

    I guess its not meant for me, which is why I am in awe of those who can.Congrats for being brave!

    🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      You definitely feel it less in skydiving, plus you will go tangent so you have someone there making all of the decisions. Bungee jumping is definitely not for everyone. Not sure I would do it again, but I’m open to it. Thanks for your supportive words, you rock!

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  8. Arianwen

    I try to live by the same mentality. If there’s an experience to be had, you have to say yes! But looking at those photos I just don’t know if I’d have been able to ‘swan dive’ off the ledge. It just goes against human nature. I’d have needed a firm nudge from behind! Well done!

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    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Say yes!!!!!! 3 little letters, but so hard to say sometimes. Bungee jumping TOTALLY goes against human nature, which is why I had such a crippling fear when I was on the ledge. If that instructor hadn’t had been there to give me a verbal push, I probably would have chickened out. And regret sucks!!!

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  9. kay*

    Omg. Literally just looking at these pics gave me a bit of anxiety! seriously! I could NEVER do it, though I totally wish I could, but good on you! kisses from Ireland my brave friend!!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Oh no sorry to give you anxiety darling, maybe I should have put a disclaimer at the top of the post haha? Never say never!!! Maybe in a couple of years you’ll work up the courage? Kisses back to you!!!

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  11. Ruth (Tanama Tales)

    Andi,
    This is awesome. In your opinion, what is scarier? Bungy jumping or sky diving? A lot of people I know say bungy jumping is worst.

    I love all the photos. The tell the story by themself.

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  13. Emily in Chile

    I seriously feel sick just looking at the pictures of you on the edge, so I don’t think I’ll be bungee jumping any time soon! Very proud of you for conquering your moment of fear though – I’m sure it was a HUGE rush.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Thanks for being proud of me gorgeous, means a lot. Definitely a huge rush, though I did feel a bit sick for a while. I was scared to death almost!!!

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  14. Laura

    Oh my goodness! I am so proud of you and this is quite inspirational. I am a huge wimp but love traveling so much. The fear of airplanes really gets in the way but if you can do that than I can do a zero risk activity like fly in airplanes.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Oh gosh, I feel your pain. My Mom refuses to fly, so I see how awful having that fear is. Have you tried acupuncture? It really helps my patients conquer and embrace their fears whatever they may be! XO

      Reply ↓
  15. Lindsey

    Wow, hats off Andi!! My neck and back issues definitely wouldn’t allow me to do this but I think my fears would get the best of me too 🙂 You’re so adventurous! Love that you shared these photos with us!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Actually, I was really worried that this would flare up some back pain for me, but it didn’t. The way the cables are attached to you, you feel next to zero whiplash. I’m so touched by your kind words!!!

      Reply ↓

  16. Pingback: Brad

    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Really!?! I didn’t even see a jumpsuit anywhere. Not sure why they would make you do that. Yes, it was awesome, but it was also incredibly terrifying!!!

      Reply ↓
  19. Alex

    While I do someday want to skydive, I don’t think I have any interest in bungee jumping- the anxiety would be crippling, and I just picture having whiplash! Someday I’ll try skydiving, that will be challenge enough! Good for you, fearless girl! xo

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    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      There was zero whiplash, definitely experienced it with skydiving though, so be forewarned! The anxiety was absolutely crippling, but if I can face it so can you. You are just as fearless!!! XO

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    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Thank you darling, what an awesome comment!!! Wasn’t his advice awesome? Though I’m sure he’s probably had to give that advice a thousand times haha. XO

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  25. Cata

    The 1 st pic is amazing!! I would probably get dizzy if I tried to take one. I’m afraid of heights but I love the rush. I jumped of a 300′ tower in Kissimmee haha. Nothing compared to urs!!! It was more like a group drop from the tower and I didn’t have to do anything just scream and enjoy the fall. I don’t think I would do it again. I’m not that brave anymore!! Do u want to do it again? I mean repeat the experience?

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Didn’t that 1st pic turn out cool? Love instragram!!! No, I don’t want to do it again, have zero desire, but having said that if I was presented with the opportunity I probably wouldn’t turn it down.

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  29. Doc Wends of Journeys and Travels

    Andi, this is an awesome experience. I was there last sunday and it was sad the travel agent didn’t allow us to step out of the bus to even climb it. I am so proud of you for taking the plunge. I love this post and the photos of your jump, was great!

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  34. memographer

    Awesome post! Love the pics! I would change a sign from “CAUTION! FALLING PEOPLE!” to “CAUTION! FLYING PEOPLE!” 😉

    By the way, does your travel insurance protect you from sharks? 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Hahaha I love it, good call on the sign! And no, sadly travel insurance doesn’t protect me from sharks, but if one does decide to take a bite out of me they would pay to fix me. 😉

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  39. Erin | Holtwood Hipster

    WoW Andi! I’m in awe… I am the biggest chicken ever. About three years ago, I decided it would be freeing to cliff dive with some friends at the river. I did, but lacked something in my form and came down on the water wrong. Needless to say, jumping off anything may not be my thing. But your adventures do inspire me to take other leaps.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      OMG how horrible!!! I had a similar experience once and broke an ankle, very scarring. Definitely don’t let it deter you from taking other leaps in your life though!!! DREAM BIG!

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  40. Abby

    Andi!! You are insane lol. You can now jump off the Stratosphere here in Vegas, and I’d love to see someone do it. That’s one thing I’m not sure I could do! (Although I love the free-fall ride on top.) You are such a hero to so many people — not just for DOing things like that, but the way you write about them afterwards. You are so convincing that life is about these moments. I sometimes need that reminder. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Wow, just wow, thank you so so so much for this incredible comment/compliment. Amazing!!! I have heard about the Stratosphere in Vegas. If given the chance I would do it. You are a hero to me as well FYI! Loves!!!

      Reply ↓
  47. fotoeins | Henry

    I watched this happen on another travel program, and I became interested. Great job, Andi!

    I think I’ll head out next week to Macau on a day-trip from Hong Kong … you know … for the egg tarts. 😉

    Reply ↓
      1. fotoeins | Henry

        Seeing as I’m in Hong Kong for the entire month of June, it would be a shame if I didn’t just hop on over to Macau, no? 🙂 There is a restaurant-chain here in Hong Kong called “Macau Restaurant”: their crispy buns and egg tarts are pretty good. But when I’m in Macau proper, I’ll be sure to have an egg tart for you. 😉

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  50. Krista

    Oh girl, my heart was in my stomach just READING about this!! You are amazing. 🙂 I’m afraid I was born with HUGE fear genes, but I’m tackling those babies one by one. 🙂

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  53. Andrea

    Wow! You are a brave lady. That look horrifying! I have no interest in bungee jumping…but lately the idea of sky diving has been tickling my brain. 🙂

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      1. Andrea

        I’m going to Australia next year…so that might be a fun spot 🙂 Oh god, even thinking about it makes my stomach cramp, but once I get an idea it rarely goes away, so I think at some point I’ll have to be doing it!

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  65. Dawn {The Alternative Wife}

    Ah Andi, you are awesome!!! What an amazing experience. I would love to do it myself. Have never bungee jumped before but have always wanted to. Can’t say I’d definitely step off the edge though but I’d hope to have some of your fearlessness 🙂

    Have a great weekend! xoxo

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  76. kym

    HOLY crap!!!! That looks cuh-razy! I often think along the same lines – that I’d rather do something difficult than live with the regret of not doing it. But….I don’t know if I could have talked myself into jumping off of that building. That’s insane.
    Major props to you for going through with it!
    Thanks for sharing those amazing photos with us and letting me live vicariously through you a little bit 🙂

    xo
    Kym

    Reply ↓
  80. BrowsingRome

    Hi Andi,

    Wow what a thrill and I sure look up to you! What courage you’ve shown and love that you are living on the edge. It’s definitely more exciting but I am not sure I would have jumped hahaha. Actually, I am not sure if I would have made my way up – just too afraid of heights but you have inspired me!!

    Reply ↓
      1. BrowsingRome

        Andi, you are right! If I made it all the way up there, I would have jumped. How long were you standing on the edge before you swan dived? I remember a quote that says have memories not regrets 🙂

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  81. Georgina

    I LOVE this post! I wish I could be more fearless – it’s a constant progression. Good for you, not hesitating to have such an exhilarating experience! Thank you again for stopping by my blog 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      You’re so welcome, loved your blog! And I’m so touched that you loved my post!!! It was definitely exhilarating — great word to describe it!

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    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Definitely an amazing memory and the views were the best part of the jump for sure! When I was suspended in air waiting to be brought down to the ground I was in absolute awe of the views around me.

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  83. Katie @ Domestiphobia

    Ahhh! I have gone skydiving in Hawaii and waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica, but I think you’ve found the one thing I don’t know if I’d have the guts to do. My stomach was all fluttery just looking at those photos!!

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  87. Kristi {at} Live and Love Out Loud

    Andi, that is amazing! I cried reading this post because I was so nervous and excited and proud of you. Your instructor’s words really hit home. It’s so true. The regret we feel when we don’t take risks, don’t take the step to make our dreams a reality, is far greater than our fears. I really needed to hear this today.

    And of course only *you* would look fabulous while jumping off a tower in Macau! You are so very lovely, my friend. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Awwww and your comment made me cry — so very, very poignant! I have been thinking a lot about regret as of last as I approach a milestone Birthday and how grateful I am to not have any. I’m glad this post gave you a nudge, we all need those from time to time.

      You are so adorable telling me that I looked fabulous, because I think I looked so silly haha!!! I’m beyond elated that we met — you are such a special person! XOXO

      Reply ↓
  91. Alyx

    Oh my freaking gosh. That is crazy! You are crazy!!
    This looks like so much fun, but it also looks like I’d pee my pants.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Hahahahaha yes crazy and stupid, I get called both of those A LOT! And trust me, I almost peed my pants, I was BEYOND scared. I almost had a panic attack!!!

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  93. expatkerri

    i love that quotation! one quotation that i always have floating around my mind is from a magazine i read years ago…it simply said “the world is waiting”. it makes me want to get up from wherever i am sitting and go run outside and book a flight to some new destination.

    good for you for looking down, having that moment with yourself, and then going through with it!!!

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  94. Megan

    oh my goodness i got chills just reading this and looking at those photos!!! ive bungee jumped but certainly NOTHING like this!!!!!

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  96. Andrea

    I can’t believe it either!! I got vertigo just looking at your photos…you’re my hero(ine) – such awesome sentiment in this post =)

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  101. blue roses

    wow. just, wow. i am beyond impressed. what a simultaneously humbling and exhilarating experience that must be; a reminder of how transient and insignificant we are, and yet a testament to the wonderful feats of our bodies and minds.

    i am terrified of heights; while i would love to say i would mount that tower and leap, once part way up there, i think i would flip out. to falter though, in my decision, i think i would regret for life.

    bravo.

    http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      What an incredible comment, thank you so very, very much! You are 100% correct, it was both a humbling and exhilarating experience!!! Definitely took me all day to process that I had even done it! XO

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  102. James @ Fly, Icarus, Fly

    Great job, Andi. I’ve never worked up the courage to bungee. Put me in an enclosed space with a rhino, but throw myself off a tall building and hope the cord doesn’t snap? *faint* LOL. Can’t wait to read about your next adventures!

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  106. Bethany ~ twoOregonians

    Andi, I love this!! When I was in 7th and 8th grades, I went to “high adventure” summer camp and climbed my way around ropes courses and ziplines. I’ve still never bungy-jumped, but I remember the rush back then from something as simple as leaping from a ledge 35′ in the air to grab a trapeze bar hanging in midair; I can only imagine the thrill of your experience. P.S. Love the pink shirt 😉

    Reply ↓

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  113. Erik

    Well, I was born with the fear gene 🙂 There were lots of options for jumping off things in New Zealand (including a similar experience at the Auckland Skytower) but I didn’t do any of them.

    I hope I will someday!

    Reply ↓

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