Interesting Facts:

Hot air balloon riding is just a unforgettable experience that people who are afraid of highs might not be interested of doing it. The first time I decided to fly on a hot air balloon was in Goreme Turkey, which this is a very popular tradition since the landscape from the sky is just fantastic. I was with my family and we were all ready to fly, but I was a  little concern about my grandma and how she was going to react once we were up there. I was more scared than she was, and actually the ride was very soft, there is no sensation of vertigo. You just see everything smaller from the sky; there is no reason to be afraid.
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Albuquerque Balloon Festival Events

From a small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to become the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the first week in October, the Balloon Fiesta attracts hundreds of thousands of guests to Balloon Fiesta Park to experience a nine-day extravaganza of color and excitement, celebrating the world's oldest aviation sport, ballooning. The event not only features hot air balloons but also the prestigious gas balloons.  

What is a Hot Air Balloon?

The hot air balloon is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology.  Hot air balloons that can be propelled through the air rather than simply drifting with the wind are known as thermal airships. A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket, which carries passengers and (usually) a source of heat, in most cases an open flame. The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant since it has a low density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. As with all aircraft hot air balloons cannot fly beyond the atmosphere. Unlike gas balloons, the envelope does not have to be sealed at the bottom since the air near the bottom of the envelope is at the same pressure as the air surrounding.