Heaven is like first presence in Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

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Dream is not that what you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.

~ Abdul Kalam.

I read about it, hear about it but I was so excited about it that I could not sleep - first presence in Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta became a dream. We (excited family) started our day Very early 4:30AM. As we left our front door and walked toward the parking lot, I looked up at the deep blue sky with some cloud blocks spreading across. WoW - Perfect day. My goal was to reach the balloon fiesta ground by 5:30AM. I do not want to miss the thrill of watching the Dawn Patrol Show at 6AM (the first balloon goes up to check wind speeds and directions at different altitudes). I am fortunate to get a job in Albuquerque, NM just couple of months before the event and most amazing thing is my office is next to Balloon Fiesta ground. So parking was out of the challenge. From the parking lot, we saw a glimpse of the park and can hear the festive noise.

First looks & Breath taking View: Our adventure starts - Where to go, what to do? I have a simple formula for that Just keep asking people. Very nice crowd from all over the world. We were very close to the balloons, so we could see what’s happening. That’s the beauty of being early to the event. At 6AM, the first balloon goes up, then I could hear it loud 1, 2, 3... Krish & Leora joined in the counting. As our eyes focused on sky we could enjoy different color, different shape of balloons in the sky - In no time, we could see more than 100 balloons up in the sky. Breath taking views.

Understanding the logic behind the hot air balloon: I was wondering how does it work. Always ask the exports. I had a conversation with one of the pilot. He was very nice and friendly. Also he allowed us to get into the basket and see inside it. He took some good snaps for us also. Traveling is a form of learning and I learned when you seek information, exports loves to explain in details and share more than you want. You have to have an open mind to capture it. The basket has burners and it uses the gas to flame it. By igniting the burner, it helps in heating the air inside the balloon. As the outside air is cooler, so the balloon goes up because hot air rises. The pilot controls only managing going up or down. The speed and direction is controlled by air.

Is it business or hobby? Answering to my curious question on the price, he answered its about $25,000. You need to have a specially designed tuck (costs more than regular), licensees and other maintenance stuff. My next question, do you use it for business only? Surprising answer. No, it’s my hobby to fly in hot air balloon. I was impressed on his hobby and most impotently I got why he was so passionately explaining everything and was so happy.

Happy is the man who can make a living by his hobby.

~George Bernard Shaw.

Albuquerque Tribal Dance: We also got a chance to see the local tribal dance. Its close to our Indian culture. The special tribal music and the dress up was added to the beauty of the event. The dance is rich with symbolism of culture.

Food, plenty of options: There are so many options for food. We were so into the festival, late for the breakfast. 10AM, the queue at each food stall – at least 30mins wait time. When I reached the counter, the food was over. But that’s okay. Expecting the unexpected is the part of travel fun and life lesion. When you are there, plan it.

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Comments

[Don Peterson]

Love the Balloon Fiesta!
Love your blog post on the Balloon Fiesta! I shot photos from the 2015 Balloon Fiesta that are free to download and use as you please - http://webdesignportfolio.us/balloon-fiesta-free-photos/ Looking forward to next year!