Hot air balloon

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Flying high with a hot air balloon

If you think hot air ballooning means simply getting in a basket and soaring through the air, think again. There are more ways to have balloon fun than you think. I found this out when I was in Orlando and took a ride with Orlando Balloon Rides. So here’s what I learned:

First you fill your hot air balloon up with  air. Then you heat the air.

You’re so full of hot air!

And then you crawl inside the balloon.

Psychedelic!

And then you burn to a crisp. KIDDING. If you’re going to go inside a balloon, go inside before you give it the torch. It’s quite freaky in there, like you’re in a That 70s Show ad. I only knew I wasn’t because Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis didn’t show up and no one was wearing flared pants.

Is this a good look?

You can also wear a hot air balloon like a hat (see above). Although I’m not guaranteeing you’ll be a hit on the runway.

Where’s a Starbucks?

Just a note: If you’re going up in a hot air balloon you will be getting up very early. So one way to have fun is to think longingly about caffeine.

Nice view!

And then it gets light and you start enjoying the ride. There’s no wind because you’re moving with the wind. You’re one with the wind. You’re Gone With the Wind. You get the idea.

That’s a looong way down

Another way to amuse yourself is to think about how little is standing between you and a great big plunge. But maybe because it’s so serene up there, it doesn’t seem scary. Because you’re one with nature. You’re one with the birds. And the clouds. And oh, shut up, Carol.

Hi birdies!

You can have fun waving to people who won’t see you and you can also wonder how you got a golden halo half falling off your head (see above).

Trees!

You can enjoy the view. And then you can bump to the ground and have your photo taken with the guy who found your camera in the grass after you somehow tossed it out of the basket when you were landing.

Thanks!

And then you can pretend to help pack up the balloon.

Good work everyone!

And then you can go home and have a nap and dream about being airborne once again.

Come fly with me

Orlando Balloon Rides is $175 per adult. Breakfast included. Bring your camera and here’s a tip – hold onto it when you land.