A Time When I Showed Courage

             Many people have different opinions on what courage is. Some think that courage is what you show when you embark on a death- defying journey, while for others it is simply giving a speech in front of the class. Whichever way you think of it most everybody has faced some sort of courage in their lives. From minor courage to major courage, courage helps people to develop and discover new things they never knew about themselves.
              Well I showed courage on a theme park ride, although that may not sound so courageous, it was for me. Me + 119metres high drop = A very nervous Stephanie! I encountered my fear at Dreamworld at the Gold Coast in Australia. The ride was called “The Big Drop, an 119metres high (39 storey’s) tall pole that carried its victims to the top and then plummeted to the ground at an unexpected time, giving the ride a shocking edge to it. “The Big Drop” was one of Dreamworlds “Big 6 Thrill Rides”, the most thrilling rides Dreamworld; this told me that this ride was not for the fainthearted.

              Now it’s time for me to tell you all about my “courageous” experience from my point of view!

I stood in the queue, the large pole towered over me, scaring me even more. From where I was standing the pole seemed to go on forever, ducking into the clouds. My mind raced with thoughts and questions like, “ What if it something goes wrong” or “What if the pole falls over” and many more stupid yet possible things. As I progressed towards the door the screaming grew louder and louder, I could hear the fear in others as they came plummeting to the ground. I continued to follow the line until I noticed that I was next. I knew that I must face my fears, whether or not I liked it! Finally the doors opened, my body tingled with fear as I made my way towards the seat. I was doomed! I buckled the shiny metal seat belt, just in time for the lady to pull the harness over my shoulders. I was locked in, there would be no turning back now! Suddenly I felt the chairs rise, up and up and up until we had a bird's eye view of Dreamworld and its surroundings. For a second the fear seemed to melt away from me, it did not seem scary at all, that is until we suddenly stopped. My heartbeat quickened, skipping a beat or two. I felt even more fear than I did before. I must have been at the top of the pole for about 30 seconds, suspense seemed to strangle me, I was freaked out. But I knew that things that come up always need to come DOWN…………………….!
             All of a sudden the brakes let go of us. We were falling! Every second seemed quicker than the last as the cart had gained speed as it descended. It felt as if you were flying or skydiving. As soon as I got used to the falling I was actually having a lot of fun. But of course the fun did not last long enough as the chairs came to a halt, a halt so firm and steady it felt as if it shook my body apart. The cart slowly moved back into the pace we started, the harnesses were released, I was allowed to un -fasten my seat belt and went to join the queue for another ride.
             I learnt that if you do not show enough courage to do something or to try something then you won’t know what you are missing out on. By me showing courage I discovered something new that I found fun and enjoying.

Picture 1(Giant Drop Logo)URL :http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a6/Giant_Drop_Logo.jpg/250px-Giant_Drop_Logo.jpg

Picture 2(Giant Drop Seats)URL:http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2007/06/24/va1237253344332/Giant-Drop-5538514.jpg

Picture 3(Giant Drop Tower)URL:http://database.thrillnetwork.com/dbgallery/photos.php/ip_6223/dreamworld/giant_drop5314.jpg