I have always been fascinated with hot air balloons. It was my dream to ride one and fly over hills, valleys and lavander fields in the South of France and glide over the romantic vineyards in Tuscany. But at my age, I have come to terms with the reality that I don’t have and will never have the courage to ride on one. I am just too afraid. And my fear was aggravated by the accident in Egypt two weeks ago- 19 tourists died after the hot air balloon they were riding on caught fire and exploded like a fireball while flying high up in the sky.
(SEGA World Hot Air Balloon from France)
The hot air balloon fiesta recently held in Pampanga sort of satisfied my fantasy. I’ve seen a dozen gigantic balloons up close, never mind if I didn’t ride in one. I could actually if I wanted to. For P15,000 or P20,000 fee, one could ride.
But I was not going to pay P15,000 to terrify myself. They should pay me instead. I might leap to death from panic once the balloon was sky high.
Humpty Dumpty
Our family would be here again next year. I would like to ride on one, while it’s still anchored on the ground.
