Swinging into Lunar New Year by the moonlight..
Not so motivated seeing the deserted labs on Chinese New Year (CNY) eve, frustrated to work, we all were desperately looking forward to having an eventful evening. After almost cancelling the plan due to unforeseen hitches and ditches, we made a last minute reservation at Moghul Mahal at Clarke Quay (CQ). Ranjit, Satty and I were met by Pratik-Raunaq at the MRT, from where we started walking towards the restaurant through the lively and brightly lit ever happening Clarke Quay.
Located on top of Novotel building, the fancy restaurant offered a beautiful view of the surrounding illuminated skyscrapers against the night background. After tapping in our orders on the iPad, we started to play the “movie hints” game, with almost everyone lacking the skill to give intelligent clues. Pratik and I were already contending with each other for our jokes rating (by Mrinal), and most unexpectedly Ranjit joined our league today- most of the humor resulting from his unintended innocent replies, leaving even the waiters amused. Satty & Raunaq were the only non-PJ audience, laughing over whatever pleased them, and refusing to acknowledge any joke/pun otherwise. The orders were served much quicker than the time we took to decide them, comprising starter chats and nondescript yet yummy Punjabi maincourse. Despite lack of space for further input, we dared to stuff our tummy with the complimentary dessert- Rasmalai, almost crossing out the swinging plan.
To feel lighter, we took a brisk walk through the crowded noisy lanes flocked by a hysterical crowd, gearing up for the midnight celebrations. Upon reaching the G-MAX swing, and seeing a group free falling, we freaked out and decided against it, as we just had a heavy meal. Being unplanned and haphazard, we simply pandered to our whims and did random things like relaxing on a massage chair, only to while away the time. Close to midnight, Pratik, Raunaq and I were again tempted by the “Extreme Swing”, since we had been planning this forever now, and then decided- we will do it, come what may (even puke!). Ranjit and Satty were stubborn and non persuadable owing to their swing sickness and sleepiness, thus preferred watching the show..
We could witness the CNY special fireworks happening at China Town from CQ, with its sparkling reflections falling on Marina Bay Sands Towers- it was a spectacular sight..! There we went bravely to THE G-Max swing, with cold sweaty hands, our hearts pounding out of excitement, fear and thrill. After Pratik and I backed out from volunteering to being the pilot, Raunaq had no option but to accept it boldly with a smile. The swing guys tied several seat belts and asked Raunaq to push the lever when we see a green light (changing from yellow) from the top. Pratik and Raunaq tried reassuring themselves asking the swing guys- if its dangerous/safe/scary, the guy retorted asking us the reason we bought the tickets if we don’t trust.. Seriously?!
I sat in the middle, tightly holding Pratik and Raunaq’s hands on either side, legs gripping the rods on the swing. We started sliding back up on the rope slowly until we got a panoramic view of the city, looking down from there was the scariest thing. The swing stopped at 50 m height, when our face was parallel to the ground, we still tried keeping our heads up to drive the fear away. The whole body weight was resting on the belts forward, with legs hanging down, and absolutely nothing in our control. The yellow light way down there turned green, we held our breath, on Pratik’s count of three, Raunaq left my hand and pushed the yellow lever down.
The next instant, all we felt was the swing unhooking and there we went “free falling”, with a burst of adrenaline rushing, we screaming and whooshing down at 200 kph almost crashing down, until it went to the other side and swung back at almost half the speed.. Sighh! we survived it, without closing our eyes, or puking, or even realizing how the swing whizzed by in a fraction of a moment. The swings later weren’t as exciting - with no stomach jolts, we only let our heart beats normalize, legs still shivering as a thrill after effect. No fear, no fun! Oblivious to the attached camera, our natural reactions, excitement and expressions were captured candid by it and the video is going to be an amazing memory ( link attached). Satty and Ranjit, lethargic and drowsy managed to stay up until we were done, and promised us they’d join us in the next Reverse Bungy swing. Hi5 to Pratik and Raunaq for making our long time planned event happen! It was such a beautiful way to welcome and enter the New Year.. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
The next instant, all we felt was the swing unhooking and there we went “free falling”, with a burst of adrenaline rushing, we screaming and whooshing down at 200 kph almost crashing down, until it went to the other side and swung back at almost half the speed.. Sighh! we survived it, without closing our eyes, or puking, or even realizing how the swing whizzed by in a fraction of a moment. The swings later weren’t as exciting - with no stomach jolts, we only let our heart beats normalize, legs still shivering as a thrill after effect. No fear, no fun! Oblivious to the attached camera, our natural reactions, excitement and expressions were captured candid by it and the video is going to be an amazing memory ( link attached). Satty and Ranjit, lethargic and drowsy managed to stay up until we were done, and promised us they’d join us in the next Reverse Bungy swing. Hi5 to Pratik and Raunaq for making our long time planned event happen! It was such a beautiful way to welcome and enter the New Year.. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
