Photo courtesy of carolynconner – flickr
Have you ever wanted to ride a breeze from the basket of a hot air balloon? Drifting across desert landscapes, rising above mountains or hovering over the lavender fields of Provence?
Photo courtesy of Eric Lim Photography – flickr
No doubt my own dream of far-flung adventures began in part with the magical scene of Phileas Fogg (played by David Niven) and Passepartout (Catinflas) wandering over the Pyrenees in their hot air balloon, then landing in Spain just in time for a thrilling evening of flamenco. Imagine! You could start the day in familiar surroundings, and then, through the magic of travel – poof! – end up somewhere completely alien, where people speak a language you don’t understand and eat foods you have never before encountered.
Photo courtesy of daydreamerOO – flickr
Around the World in 80 Days, Jules Verne’s love letter to the world, starts off with a bet in London that the duo can circumnavigate the world by rail and steamer (and resourcefully, by hot air balloon) in 80 days.
The chase is on as the pair criss-cross the globe, traveling to such exotic realms as Suez, Bombay, Calcutta, Hong Kong, Yokahama, San Francisco and New York before making their way back to London. But do they arrive in time to win the bet? If you haven’t seen the movie, you’ll just have to watch it to find out. Yes, parts of the movie will make you wince from today’s perspective of valuing cultural diversity. Yet the colorful pageantry, fun adventures, and memorable musical score will having you packing your bags for your next escapade in no time.
Photo courtesy of dfbphotos – flickr
Weather permitting, my own dream of sailing aloft in a hot air balloon will come true at the end of May, thanks to an invitation by the Ontario Board of Tourism as a pre-TBEX Conference event. Whee!
What about you, wanderboomers? Have you ever taken a ride in a hot air balloon? Share your adventure with us here.
Another to do on my list!
Yes, I have wanted to ride one….past tense that is. Used to think it looked fun; but have seen a few nasty accidents that have changed my mind. Plus hubby never wanted to.
I understand, Sandy. The thought has crossed my mind as well. But I’m committed to pushing past my travel fears, e.g. snorkeling in the Galapagos, and hot air ballooning. Did I mention I’m scared of heights :-)?
Happy to hear it!
When my husband and I met 13 years ago, one of our first outings together was a hot air balloon ride in Arizona. What a fabulous experience. It was romantic, thrilling, peaceful and really really fun.
We’ve been traveling together full-time by RV and sailboat for the past 6 years now. And one of our most colorful experiences was going to the Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival in Yuma Arizona on November.
They had a “balloon glow” at night where the balloons were blown up and the flames of their little burners lit up the inside of each balloon. It was truly magical.
Pics and stories from that night are here (middle of the page): http://roadslesstraveled.us/yuma/
Sounds so lovely – and romantic, as you say, Emily. Can’t wait for my own hot air balloon adventure ~