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This weekend is the start of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,the oldest & largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world.You can see live vid at KOBTV's site (they're broadcasting in HD for the 1st time) on the weekend.
Yes,we've been up,my wife's SIL is a pilot & we've crewed for her.That's how you get a ride if you can't afford it,volunteer for crew.
After your 1st flight you have to go through a ritual that while it varies by crew,involves saying the Ballonist's Prayer:
They they pour champagne on your head & rub dirt into it
,then you drink more champagne...at 10am!!!
I've played for the Fiesta,the most memorable was when we played for the Balloon Glow,a nighttime event where 200-300 balloons are tethered & at a signal,all light off their burners at once.The noise is incredible but the sight'll take your breath away.
That night the owners of the Old Grandad balloon (one of the Special Shapes gave us an entire case of their fine liquor,we weren't playin' real well by the end of it
It really is one of the most spectacular sights you'll ever see (also the most photographed event in the world),it's something I recommend to anyone.
Yes,we've been up,my wife's SIL is a pilot & we've crewed for her.That's how you get a ride if you can't afford it,volunteer for crew.
After your 1st flight you have to go through a ritual that while it varies by crew,involves saying the Ballonist's Prayer:
The winds have welcomed you with softness
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.
They they pour champagne on your head & rub dirt into it
,then you drink more champagne...at 10am!!!I've played for the Fiesta,the most memorable was when we played for the Balloon Glow,a nighttime event where 200-300 balloons are tethered & at a signal,all light off their burners at once.The noise is incredible but the sight'll take your breath away.
That night the owners of the Old Grandad balloon (one of the Special Shapes gave us an entire case of their fine liquor,we weren't playin' real well by the end of it
It really is one of the most spectacular sights you'll ever see (also the most photographed event in the world),it's something I recommend to anyone.
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