The hot air balloons

[gurdonark]

Because I live in flat, balloon-friendly country, I see a hot air balloon frequently as I commute to or from work. They rise in the morning or the evening, just as I am going to or coming from something arduous. They look like the more livable alternative to the sometimes stressful life I lead. Their image for me is always ease, and fun, and want of care. I went to a balloon festival once here. They have balloon festivals each year, weather permitting. Once I got up close to the balloons, I realized that they involve a lot of work, a lot of noise, and a modest amount of risk. It's so easy to just see the balloons hovering--it's even easier to forget how much work it can take to keep them aloft.

Comments

[nacowafer.livejournal.com]

Once, a hot air balloon landed in my grandparents' front yard. It was sort of like living in a dream...I remember the couple flying it were really nice. I think my grandma fed them.

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

I would have loved it if they had landed in my grandparents' front yard.

Once, when I was out bicycling near my home in Mesquite, Texas, the McDonalds blimp was at the local airport, deflated, on the ground. It was really cool, somehow.

[deb-artist.livejournal.com]

I once volunteered as crew for a hot air balloon company for a summer. Yes your right, lots of hard work, but getting a ride every once in a while made the work fun. And after every trip there is champagne, fruit and cheese. It was one of my most memorable experiences.

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I've ever ridden in one!

[deb-artist.livejournal.com]

You should definately take a ride sometime. It's a really wonderful thing :-D. And I always liked the early morning flights the best, everything is sooo peaceful. And then your drinking champagne by 9am :-D. That's all part of it the tradition.

[iamthedan.livejournal.com]

You couldn't pay me enough to get in a hot air balloon, I just can't imagine soaring that high. It would be very peaceful I'm sure, so long as I was able to keep from panicing.

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

I know just what you mean! But I'd still kinda like to ride.

[marstokyo.livejournal.com]

On their way to Oz, no doubt

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

But this IS oz!

[marstokyo.livejournal.com]

I thought it was Kansas. ;-)

[laruth.livejournal.com]

I love looking at the hot air balloons as they gently float across the sky. I sometimes see the hot air balloons floating across the Canberra sky. I think there's a yearly festival, but I never seem to wake up early enough!