![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
ThH | profile | all galleries >> === Flying === >> Flight to Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM, Oct.1998 >> Balloon Fiesta 7.Oct.98 | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
Watching the Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, 7.Oct.1998
Nothing prepared me for me sight of the Fiesta. The number of balloons, their shapes, the "chase cars" with the ground crews, and the balloons landing in gardens and yards randomly over the entire city, all this is simply unique. Without my host Erica I would not have known where to go and what to expect. She was driving, what gave the opportunity to shoot without paying attention to the traffic. Needless to say, special traffic rules are in place during the Fiesta. One aspect unknown to me was that the air temperature is essential for the takeoff, as is the wind. Thus the fiesta begins at dusk and settles down early afternoon. I was too tired to stand up that early in the morning: 4-5am if my memory serves me. We begun thus to drive to the fiesta as the balloons were already in the air and some even made attempts to land. Albuquerque: After the fiesta we have explored a bit the downtown of Albuquerque, time did not permit for a really comprehensive sightseeing, but it was enough to make a real impression on me: I found a vibrant and unique city with a lot of Spanish heritage, arts, splendid cousin, student life and a very characteristic "Pueblo Style" housing. Before this visit I have had no real knowledge about New Mexico, what I saw was very intriguing. |
comment | share |