Hot air ballooning is something that I never considered. It is not that I was afraid of it, it is just that it is so far outside of my experience that I was utterly unprepared. However, one of my friends is always thinking of new things to do. When he saw advertisements for the hot air balloon festival, he was instantly excited. He couldn't talk about anything besides hot air balloons for weeks!
I don't think it had anything to do with her feelings about the hot air balloon. I had never heard her mention hot air balloons, dirigibles, blimps, zeppelins, or any other related aircraft. Yes, watching a hot air balloon take to the clouds can be beautiful, but she is not one for prolonged aesthetic contemplation. I think her whole attraction to hot air balloon rides was the fact that she had never gone on one before. When you add in the fact that none of our friends have done it either, it became irresistible for Kate. That is just the way that her mind works.
I was in the unfortunate position of having to go along with her to the hot air balloon festival. I had no interest in seeing the hot air balloon races, or taking a ride on one, but I had let it slip that I had nothing to do that weekend. Kate and I have a long-standing tradition. We take turns picking outings. Usually, I drag her to something she does not want to go to or she drags me to something I don't want to go to. We try to be good sports about it. That way, we each have a friend to accompany us to events that our other friends will not go to.
The problem is that, having not contemplated going on a hot air balloon ride, I was completely unaware of how terrifying I would find the experience. In fact, I had almost climbed on board the hot air balloon before I even thought about it. By that point, however, it was too late. We had both bought our tickets, and were signed up for the flight. As we went up up and away, I turned pale. Even Kate noticed it. Let us just say that it was a long hot air balloon ride. As the hot air balloon climbed and climbed, I got sicker and sicker. I will never go to another balloon festival!
Hot air balloons drift gracefully above the ground at heights of up to 10,000 feet. Typically, though, most Hot air balloon flights are 500 to 2,000 feet above ground but still that is way to high for me to be above the ground. Nobody forgets their first balloon flight. It is truly an experience that cannot compare to anything else. To be honest if you get the chance do not miss it, it is well worth the unsettled feeling of ascension of smooth flight and majestic views.
