Buoyant

The sight of hot air balloons against a dark sky resonates within my soul. It starts with fire, that elemental construct that has mystified our imaginations since, well probably since humanity's sentient awakening. Fire illuminates the balloon envelope from the inside, much like a neon sign. The high-contrast scene of an illuminated balloon against a dark sky is a simple and joyous magic.

I was witness to such an event as the results of my family's conclave, their ceremonious decision that I needed a vacation from them. And most surely, them from me...

I had the pleasure of spending five days at the 2014 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. But before I got to see the balloons, I got to eat food, New Mexican food. To quote Wikipedia, "New Mexico food culture is a fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean, Mexican, Pueblo Native American, and Cowboy Chuckwagon influences." To me, it's a spicy, complex, yummy goodness, food that I missed from my years in the desert south-west. The first night we went to dinner at Sadie's, a staple of Albuquerque's dinning scene. The aroma of salsa and carne adovada teased my nose. My taste buds cried out in a frenzied, excited ecstasy, bring on the heat!!! I knew the culinary delights would bring the agony and ecstasy of fire, the delectable goodness of the chili. All the while my digestive tract wondered if the ensuing commotion would be worth it.

And for the record, yes, it was. The margarita and cervezas didn't hurt!

We arrived at the balloon field every morning sometime between 5 and 6 AM. After checking in with the group of pilots, we were off to main Street. This was the Fiesta's long row of food, trinket and curio vendors. Main Street was where we acquired our daily breakfast burrito, I tried a different one each morning. One was mostly egg-n-green chili, others were varying combinations of meat, chili with maybe some beans, rice, or even potatoes. All were delicious. And all were spicier than most any common fare one might find here in Minnesota.

The first day of the Fiesta, my first Fiesta, provided my very first hot air balloon ride. We were part of the second wave of the morning mass ascension. I must say, watching balloon crews set up the balloons, inflate envelopes and then heating the air to pop them up was fun and amazing. Add to that the chaos of the hoard of ballooning fans scurrying about, watching, and photographing made for an energetic morning.

The camaraderie on the filed was amazing. Everyone, at least I think it was everyone, was there of their own volition to see the balloons. Some flew, some helped with inflation & packing back up, and others simply wanted to observe the spectacle of it all. Seeing tens of thousands of spectators fawn over such a simple device was refreshing.

I must say, the time off was stimulating. I had six, mostly stress-free, days (other than, you know, all that airport security theater...) It was day after day of mindless activity, good conversation, and balloon voyeurism. I got to have conversations with strangers about totally new topics, learn a few odds-n-ends, have some deep talks with an old friends, and see a brilliant and colorful spectacle.

I wonder when my family will have another conclave, and of its outcome...

And for the remainder of the pics, clicky clicky.