Heidi, I used to be TERRIFIED of heights. I couldn’t stand on a kitchen chair to reach the top shelf of the cabinets without the blood rushing from my head and the kitchen swirling around me.
One day I did a VERY IMPULSIVE thing. I was the last person on the face of the earth who would ever do such a daring feat. However, I made up my mind and I even talked a friend into going with me. I didn’t waste time. The very next day I did a tandem jump from a Cessna at 8000 feet. Heights have not bothered me since.
The jump was a real game-changer for me. Having faced my worst fear head on, I discovered I had more confidence in general. After pushing through my fear of heights, everything else was small stuff.
Maybe this is one for the critters to investigate for you? L
Thank you for sharing this with me, Lois. That is really amazing. I’ve often wondered if the fear of heights is brain based. Perhaps jumping out of an airplane is a way to reset my neurology! The Critters will most definitely be investigating this. After crawling through tunnels and airvents, skydiving is an excellent way forward!
Can't "top" Lois' comment about parachuting but for 8 or so years, I officed on the second-highest floor of Chicago's third-tallest building, the Aon Center. During the first visit, before the buildout, there was only the inner core, where steel and elevators were positioned, and the rest... all the way to the walls... was nothing but concrete floor. Further, there was no soundproofing... nothing. I did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling; In a post 9-11 world, it was a bit unnerving. Once occupied, I relished my view of Lake Michigan. Oh, I should mention that a summer storm with 90 mph winds smacked downtown and the building rocked like a boat. There was a bit of yelling and a whole lot of fear as lighting fixtures popped out of the walls and bldg mgt announced suspension of the elevators and urged us to shelter in the center of the building. The phrase "these buildings were engineered to sway like this" was used in every other sentence... ;)
Scott, that sounds like a nerve-wracking place to work. I'm anxious just reading about it. I have a vision of the building swaying in the wind like a pendulum. In a situation like that I'd sure be hoping and praying the structural engineers did their job properly.
Awesome images and descriptions, Lois. That gold souk area looks incredible. Re: the Burj Khalifa, such an amazing feat of engineering. I used to work with Samsung C&T (Construction & Trading) in South Korea and they managed the construction phases of the Burj project. Such a fascinating project to learn from the engineering side of things too!
That’s awesome, Neil. I read quite a bit about the construction of the Burj and there was lots of information when I visited. From an elementary viewpoint I understand the obstacles that they faced in the construction, but most of it is way above my pay scale.
Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate your comments. Best to you, Neil.
I hope you stayed for the BK light and water shows which are always fantastic, as well! My favorite thing about gold suqs wherever I find them is the wedding jewelry - especially the masks and breastplates. Tho I'll never forget the time I came across a gold bikini!
Tip for your next trip - there's a nice grassy hill just off to the side of the display that rarely has many v visitors and offers what I think is the best views!
I’m with you on that one, Bill. I’ll pass on that occupation and leave an opening for someone who really wants to hang from a harness half a mile in the air with a squeegee and glass cleaner.
Here’s an interesting bit of information. Mohawk Native Americans, particularly those from the Kanawake Reservation near Montreal, are renowned for their comfort and ease in working on the upper levels of high rise construction projects. They appear to have no fear of heights and they walk around high rise construction beams with the same amount of ease that you or I would have walking on a sidewalk. Amazing!
Another interesting and fascinating trip! The Burj sounds incredible and your description of seeing it light up was enthralling. I don't have the shopping gene except for tools. 🤣 Fun!
Ed, oh yes you do have the shopping gene. The male shopping gene isn’t a fashionista like the female gene. The male gene creates a tool and gadget collector. Go to Home Depot or Lowes any evening or on the weekend, and note all the men roaming around pushing shopping carts. These guys look at nuts and bolts, wood, screws, flashlights, hammers, saws, wrenches, tarps, screwdrivers, wrenches, electrical wiring, and much more. By the time Mr. Tool and Gadget Collector is finished cruising through the store, he needs a flatbed pushcart to haul his bounty out to his pick-up truck. He is happy
Of course. I’ve called Elon and I’m waiting to hear back from him so we can make the arrangements. I can set the record for the oldest woman to go up in Space!
What a nice tale, you fortunate soul! As an architecture fan I would have had a million questions about how the building works, i.e. elevator stats, wind velocity sway, structural members, glass type ... a million questions! Web search pull up a lot, but to be there! My next stop, after touring the city, would be to check out the piers and see the yachts. Guy stuff. Always enjoy your posts.
Perhaps you missed this link that I included in the posting. There’s a lot of information on this website and several YouTube videos. Have fun with your guy stuff! Thanks for your kind words, Dave.
I went to the mall beside the Burg Khalifa and got panicky as I couldn't find the way out and no one to ask, it's not a friendly atmosphere for asking anyone.
I didn’t find the mall to be a friendly place either, Cairn. It was so huge it was very difficult to navigate through it. You are more adventurous than I was. I didn’t try and find my way out. I flagged down one of the men driving people around on the little transport carts and he drove me to my exit.
I’m with you on that one! Under normal circumstances I would have needed another suitcase to carry all my treasure home. However, there was so much gold there it was absolutely overwhelming. I was stunned. I was so inundated with hundreds of thousands of pieces of jewelry that my brain blew a fuse. I bought one bracelet and one ring.
When i was writing the substack I started to think that I need to go back to Dubai and do some SERIOUS shopping at the Gold Souk.
Lois, the gold photos--simply amazing! I always thought India had the most gold, but maybe it's Dubai! Also your photos and view from the top - doctored I am sure?? Quite a trip!
Excellent post, Lois. I wish that I could overcome my fear of heights vicariously here!
Heidi, I used to be TERRIFIED of heights. I couldn’t stand on a kitchen chair to reach the top shelf of the cabinets without the blood rushing from my head and the kitchen swirling around me.
One day I did a VERY IMPULSIVE thing. I was the last person on the face of the earth who would ever do such a daring feat. However, I made up my mind and I even talked a friend into going with me. I didn’t waste time. The very next day I did a tandem jump from a Cessna at 8000 feet. Heights have not bothered me since.
The jump was a real game-changer for me. Having faced my worst fear head on, I discovered I had more confidence in general. After pushing through my fear of heights, everything else was small stuff.
Maybe this is one for the critters to investigate for you? L
Thank you for sharing this with me, Lois. That is really amazing. I’ve often wondered if the fear of heights is brain based. Perhaps jumping out of an airplane is a way to reset my neurology! The Critters will most definitely be investigating this. After crawling through tunnels and airvents, skydiving is an excellent way forward!
I bet Jasper Kitten is up to it! He's so brave,
J Kitten is researching parachutes as we speak!
I knew he would figure it out! He is so awesome! Give him a hug from my gang and one for you.
Will do and back at the Bowersock Hounds!
Can't "top" Lois' comment about parachuting but for 8 or so years, I officed on the second-highest floor of Chicago's third-tallest building, the Aon Center. During the first visit, before the buildout, there was only the inner core, where steel and elevators were positioned, and the rest... all the way to the walls... was nothing but concrete floor. Further, there was no soundproofing... nothing. I did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling; In a post 9-11 world, it was a bit unnerving. Once occupied, I relished my view of Lake Michigan. Oh, I should mention that a summer storm with 90 mph winds smacked downtown and the building rocked like a boat. There was a bit of yelling and a whole lot of fear as lighting fixtures popped out of the walls and bldg mgt announced suspension of the elevators and urged us to shelter in the center of the building. The phrase "these buildings were engineered to sway like this" was used in every other sentence... ;)
Scott, that sounds like a nerve-wracking place to work. I'm anxious just reading about it. I have a vision of the building swaying in the wind like a pendulum. In a situation like that I'd sure be hoping and praying the structural engineers did their job properly.
Awesome images and descriptions, Lois. That gold souk area looks incredible. Re: the Burj Khalifa, such an amazing feat of engineering. I used to work with Samsung C&T (Construction & Trading) in South Korea and they managed the construction phases of the Burj project. Such a fascinating project to learn from the engineering side of things too!
That’s awesome, Neil. I read quite a bit about the construction of the Burj and there was lots of information when I visited. From an elementary viewpoint I understand the obstacles that they faced in the construction, but most of it is way above my pay scale.
Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate your comments. Best to you, Neil.
I hope you stayed for the BK light and water shows which are always fantastic, as well! My favorite thing about gold suqs wherever I find them is the wedding jewelry - especially the masks and breastplates. Tho I'll never forget the time I came across a gold bikini!
Yes I did stay for the light and water shows. It was a challenge to see the water show through the wall of people, but I gave it my best shot.
The gold was unbelievable and overwhelming. Who would ever believe that so many things could be made out of gold? Amazing!
Tip for your next trip - there's a nice grassy hill just off to the side of the display that rarely has many v visitors and offers what I think is the best views!
I don’t think I could earn membership in the International Window Cleaning Association - those high-wire performers freak me out.
I’m with you on that one, Bill. I’ll pass on that occupation and leave an opening for someone who really wants to hang from a harness half a mile in the air with a squeegee and glass cleaner.
Here’s an interesting bit of information. Mohawk Native Americans, particularly those from the Kanawake Reservation near Montreal, are renowned for their comfort and ease in working on the upper levels of high rise construction projects. They appear to have no fear of heights and they walk around high rise construction beams with the same amount of ease that you or I would have walking on a sidewalk. Amazing!
Another interesting and fascinating trip! The Burj sounds incredible and your description of seeing it light up was enthralling. I don't have the shopping gene except for tools. 🤣 Fun!
Ed, oh yes you do have the shopping gene. The male shopping gene isn’t a fashionista like the female gene. The male gene creates a tool and gadget collector. Go to Home Depot or Lowes any evening or on the weekend, and note all the men roaming around pushing shopping carts. These guys look at nuts and bolts, wood, screws, flashlights, hammers, saws, wrenches, tarps, screwdrivers, wrenches, electrical wiring, and much more. By the time Mr. Tool and Gadget Collector is finished cruising through the store, he needs a flatbed pushcart to haul his bounty out to his pick-up truck. He is happy
Ok Guilty! 🤔😁
Your adventures continue to amaze me❣️
You know me, Fauhn. Never a dull moment.
Space travel next on your agenda, Lois?!! 🤣
Of course. I’ve called Elon and I’m waiting to hear back from him so we can make the arrangements. I can set the record for the oldest woman to go up in Space!
Wonderful post with rich vivid imagery~!
Thank you David. I appreciate and value your input.
What a nice tale, you fortunate soul! As an architecture fan I would have had a million questions about how the building works, i.e. elevator stats, wind velocity sway, structural members, glass type ... a million questions! Web search pull up a lot, but to be there! My next stop, after touring the city, would be to check out the piers and see the yachts. Guy stuff. Always enjoy your posts.
https://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/burj-khalifa/
Perhaps you missed this link that I included in the posting. There’s a lot of information on this website and several YouTube videos. Have fun with your guy stuff! Thanks for your kind words, Dave.
That was the first thing I did and that led to down giant building rabbit holes for hours.
Well I hope you had fun rooting and digging around those rabbit holes. It's a guy thing, right?
I went to the mall beside the Burg Khalifa and got panicky as I couldn't find the way out and no one to ask, it's not a friendly atmosphere for asking anyone.
I didn’t find the mall to be a friendly place either, Cairn. It was so huge it was very difficult to navigate through it. You are more adventurous than I was. I didn’t try and find my way out. I flagged down one of the men driving people around on the little transport carts and he drove me to my exit.
I love gold. I’d go nuts.
I’m with you on that one! Under normal circumstances I would have needed another suitcase to carry all my treasure home. However, there was so much gold there it was absolutely overwhelming. I was stunned. I was so inundated with hundreds of thousands of pieces of jewelry that my brain blew a fuse. I bought one bracelet and one ring.
When i was writing the substack I started to think that I need to go back to Dubai and do some SERIOUS shopping at the Gold Souk.
Wanna join me? :)
Lois, the gold photos--simply amazing! I always thought India had the most gold, but maybe it's Dubai! Also your photos and view from the top - doctored I am sure?? Quite a trip!