The Enchanted Sunrise

Enchanted Sunrise is this year's theme for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA - The Land of Enchantment. Spread over nine days, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with 554 balloons registered this year. 18 countries and 35 states are represented as people from all over gather at Fiesta Park - a 72 acre grass field - to launch their balloons. Launches occur at sunrise, when the winds are calmest. Tens of thousands of spectators come to Albuquerque to watch the balloons, and as a result, $15 million in state tax revenues are generated. In addition to the hot-air balloons, the Balloon Fiesta is home to the America's Challenge gas balloon race. This year, 5 balloons are registered. The balloons are filled with hydrogen instead of propane-fueled hot air; thus, they can remain aloft for much longer (days as opposed to hours for hot-air balloons). The goal of the race is to travel the longest distance from the liftoff point, with flights lasting several days with almost 2,000 miles in distance traveled. The Balloon Fiesta is an once in a lifetime experience, as is actually being able to fly in one. Silently gliding over the landscape 500 feet in the air held in place with only a wicker basket and rope. At the mercy of mother nature, one gives up much of the control associated with modern transportation. The oldest form of flying - the first unmanned, untethered flight occurred in France in 1783 - is one way to truly feel free.