FLY BY NIGHT – Hot air ballooning

Knowing that it is the oldest and most successful human-carrying flight technology did not make me that much relaxed, seeing some of the senior passengers did though. I figured they were mature and wise. If they can do it, I can. Once getting to the starting point we all helped assemble and inflate the giant balloon and lifted the big wicker basked out of the truck.

Flying over Stockholm in a hot air balloon was really a nice experience. Since the northern latitude makes the summer days so long, the twilight is extended and allows spectacular night flying. The weather was perfect as the wind took us right above the capital and its Old Town. The buildings looked like small LEGO blocks. Sunset was beautiful and Matt looked very satisfied with the birthday present that I had given him.

Landing was ok… It took about two or three hops before the balloon lost its momentum. Back on the ground there was  a celebration of the event. First time riders got baptized with champagne on the head, according to old ballooning traditions. My honorable title is “Countess of Eggeby”. We were served crackers and cheese, flight certificate and a brief history lesson about the origins of hot air ballooning and the champagne involvement.

We got home tired and exited and one experience richer : )

This balloon is the biggest in the world and has the height of an eight-storey building. The basket can carry 32 people.

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PINK ??? …I didn’t want a pink balloon, I am just not the pink kind of gal… Oh well. Look how big it is though.

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Flying high

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Riddarholmen to the left – Old Town to the right.

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Stockholm City Hall – Many politicians have their offices in this building. It is also the place for the annual Nobel prize Banquet. For a moment it looked like we were going to crash into it, but our pilot had it under control, of course.

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Söder – the southern part of Stockholm. I waved to all my friends living there. Did you all see us? Big pink balloon.

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