I've mentioned before that my favorite carnival ride is the Tilt-o-Whirl. I don't know why I love being spun in circles so fast that centrifugal force will not let the smile leave my face. But I do. Maybe because it is not something that involves leaving the ground and thus, may come crashing to the ground. I suppose I could get hurt on this ride too, but at least I wouldn't plunge to my death.
I finally talked Carlos into going on it with me. Or maybe bullied and made fun of him until he relented and went on it with me. Maybe. I think he enjoyed it but was adamant that he was not going on it again with me anytime soon!
What really caught my attention at this carnival in Izamal were the four guys who were spinners for the ride. They were in charge of grabbing your car and giving it a hefty spin, thus keeping you spinning at top force for the entire ride. Great fun for the people in the cars!
I marveled at their dexterity and agility to race around that moving track and all of those cars and not get smacked in the face or knocked down and rolled over. I don't know how they do it but I hope they get paid well for it. What dangerous work. I have never seen anything like this in the United States. Maria, my friend, from Sweden, says that it is a very common practice in Sweden too. Maybe it's OSHA that keeps them from risking their lives NOB.
I took some video after my ride to show you these guys in action. For the most part, they are wearing white T-shirts. They are easily recognizable because they are the only ones out of cars and running around. Be sure to click on all the videos, they are short. But they sure give you a sense of the danger these guys put themselves in every time that ride starts up!
12 comments:
Wow! Not a job I'd like to have! Don't think I've ever seen that around here, either!
Very cool! Did you get still shots of any of the ride cars? I know you have posted pictres of some in the past, but these look like they are amazing!
The Tilt-a-whirl, oh how fondly I remember being spun wildly by strong young guys who knew how to get cars moving (from inside or outside). Alas, my equilibrium can't handle that anymore. BTW, the Tilt-a-whirl was invented in a Faribault MN home, was first introduced at the Minnesota State Fair in 1927, and is still manufactured in Faribault. (Wikipedia)
Jane: thanks for that bit of trivia. I did not know that.
Kelly: LOL! You are so right!
I'm dizzy just watching! -D
The rides they set up at San Sebastian in Mérida look like the original ones from that Minnesota State Fair of 1927. By day they are very scary to look at. I've never heard of death by tiltawhirl, however, so keep on spinnin'!!
that's;;;; defiers
OMG! That is just crazy. But glad that you had fun.
It looks fun since I'm not in the car. I can hardly make it to Isla on the ferry with my motion sickness problems. You wouldn't want to sit with ME on the tilt-a-whirl! : )
The first time my older brother and I went to The Illinois State Fair (back in the 50's) I foolishly was coerced onto into trying the Tilt-A-Whirl ("Wassa matta ...? Ya a Chhhiiccckkeennn????????!!!!)
I'm here to tell you that I have never barfed my guts out with more fervor (even more than my 16-year-old adventure with Southern Comfort) than I did with that.
It is the creation of El Diablo..
O Robert
I really must get you on a roller coaster.
Neat videos. Oh, to be young and strong and have good balance again!
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