A Morning at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
I recently decided to take a last-minute trip to cross something off of my 30 before 30 list. I was inspired a couple years ago by a friend of mine to create a 30 before 30 list, which is like a bucket list of items to accomplish before you turn the big 3-0.
Oddly enough, I found a difficult to find enough items of things I wanted to come to fruition. I looked for inspiration on social media – places to visit, things to accomplish, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Most bucket list items are often far-fetched, and I wanted my list to be actually obtainable. With a balance of travel and experiences, I finally found 30 items to add to the list.
As I was approaching 27, I realized I hadn’t really checked anything off the list. One of the travel items was going to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. “For nine days in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta creates an enchanted world of special-shaped balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies,” according to the website. It seemed like that “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that I was looking for.
I booked a cheap motel room about 45 minutes from Albuquerque – a town called Moriarty. I went on this trip alone because it was last minute. I loaded up in the car that I affectionately call the “jellybean” and made my way to New Mexico.
I personally enjoy a good road trip, even when you are alone. I like to indulge on road trip snacks, listen to all the classic rock songs, catch up on podcasts, reflect on life, and talk to God. It took me a little over eight hours to make it to my motel, which was less than desirable. I mean, it’s not a proper road trip if you don’t stay in a crappy motel.
Now, I normally consider myself a bit of a planner, so this trip was a little out of the norm for me. By the time I got settled in my room, I realized I don’t really know what to expect. I frantically pulled out my phone to look up all the things I should’ve known before pulling out of the drive. Of course, the cell service was less than desirable, along with the Wi-Fi. After a quick search, I decided a trip to a local store for the essentials was an absolute must.
After purchasing several items I needed… and didn’t need, I went back to the motel to prepare for the opening day of the fiesta. I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m. and tried to get some rest while other guests were running and shouting down the halls.
The morning came too soon. I managed to pull myself together without any caffeine and headed toward the balloon festival. About 45-minutes later, I was sitting in traffic. Thirty minutes later, I made it to the front of the line, where a police officer told me I was in the wrong line. Somehow, I found a small parking lot a couple miles from the event, where I paid a gentleman $10 to park in mud. Needless to say, white shoes and a muddy parking lot do not mix. However, I was able to purchase a ticket there rather than waiting in another line, so it had it’s redeeming qualities.
With a lawn chair and a tote bag in tow, I started walking. I really didn’t know how far away I was, but I figured I would follow the crowd. The air was brisk, and the light of early morning was starting to peek over the nearby mountains.
The Morning Glow was sponsored by Krispy Kreme. I was late to the show, but I could see the lights in the distance as I approached the gate. Crowds of balloon-enthusiasts made their way to the hot air balloons. I stared in awe as these giant tarps came to life, and the heat from the balloons warmed my chilled body. It could only be described as “magical”.
All of the other spectators had their high-end digital cameras, and I no longer have my Canon. Instead I had my iPhone with a cracked screen to take photos and videos. I never said I was a professional. In the distance, I heard someone sing the national anthem as part of their Opening Ceremonies, then three fighter jets flew across the sky, the crowd cheered, and the each of the balloons lit up in celebration.
As the sun began peeking over the mountains, I watched a couple of the balloons lift into the New Mexico sky. I then heard a gasp and several people run to take photos. My curiosity got the best of me. A man proposed to his girlfriend with the help of his family and friends. They didn’t speak English, but you could feel the love surrounding them.
It was 7:15 in the morning, and only a few balloons were cleared to lift off. I pulled out my lawn chair and watched as the experts were answering questions from the spectators. Apparently, the air was a little too foggy, and they cancelled the mass ascension.
While I was disappointed that I couldn’t get my award-winning photo, it gave me the opportunity to take a good look at the many other balloons. You would think that if you saw one hot air balloon, then you have seen them all. Whoever makes these balloons have quite the imagination.
It was crowded by 8 o’clock, and I tried to make my way to the balloons shaped like Star Wars figures. Yes, they were shaped like Darth Vader and Yoda. They even had a cow-shaped balloon, and a penguin. Of all the balloons that were inflated, my favorite was the Smokey the Bear balloon.
I walked by the booths, selling souvenirs, breakfast burritos, coffee, and more. While I was famished and desperately needing caffeine, the lines were too long, and my feet were exhausted from walking. I sat down to journal and snacked on some barbecue-flavored almonds. Families gathered on blankets to eat breakfast burritos and watch as the balloons were deflating for the morning.
The crowds started to thin out. I felt like I saw everything I wanted to see and documented everything I wanted to remember. I packed up, walked a couple miles to my car, and headed home with a magical memory and number 14 crossed off my 30 before 30 list.
Your friend,
Laci