Robert Dillon asked:


The hot air balloon has always had a special relationship with anyone looking to leave terra firma, even if just for a little while. It is the oldest, successful, human-carrying flight method, dating back to Annonay, France in 1783 when the first successful voyage was made by the Montgolfier brothers. Since then other designs have come and gone, and other forms of airship but the hot-air balloon remains as much used today as ever it did.

The theory that lifts these balloons is remarkably simple. All you need is a large balloon, something to hold the cargo (by that I mean the people) and a method for heating the air in the balloon. Unlike some other forms of airship in which gas was employed to create the lift, the hot-air balloon, unsurprisingly, operates solely off hot-air. Convection drives the hot air to rise up the middle of the balloon giving the lift, as the air cools and then drops it’s replaced by air that has been more recently heated by the gas burner above the basket. Modern balloons use a flame resistant fabric at the mouth of the balloon to prevent the fabric being lit by the flames of the gas burner.

Throughout history the principal uses of the hot-air balloon have been military, with the Chinese the first to use unmanned balloons as a method of military signalling around 200 AD. There are also suggestions that the Nazca Indians of Peru used balloons as a tool for designing the enormous drawings on the Nazca plains. They were definitely used by the French during the Revolutionary Wars, a tethered Hydrogen balloon was used during the Battle of Fleurus in 1794, and then used again in the American Civil War.

Today military reconnaissance has moved on, and the hot air balloon is principally used for recreation. Aside from the occasional sound of the burners a balloon is practically silent as it moves, largely pushed by currents on the air and capable of travelling for great distances. With the nature of the basket they are probably the only method of air transport that offers a panoramic, unimpeded view of the entire landscape spreading out below.

Hot-air balloon rides are wonderfully romantic, and thus make possibly the perfect romantic gift idea -  obviously for those who are not afraid of heights. For a completely unparalleled experience, they are relatively cheap, and if fortunate with weather and other variables, can carve some astonishingly beautiful images into anyone’s memory. There is something about nature that attracts everyone, and the hot-air balloon is one of the best ways of viewing vast expanses of landscape that anyone could contrive.

The hot air balloon has always had a special relationship with anyone looking to leave terra firma, even if just for a little while. It is the oldest, successful, human-carrying flight method, dating back to Annonay, France in 1783 when the first successful voyage was made by the Montgolfier brothers. Since then other designs have come and gone, and other forms of airship but the hot-air balloon remains as much used today as ever it did.

The theory that lifts these balloons is remarkably simple. All you need is a large balloon, something to hold the cargo (by that I mean the people) and a method for heating the air in the balloon. Unlike some other forms of airship in which gas was employed to create the lift, the hot-air balloon, unsurprisingly, operates solely off hot-air. Convection drives the hot air to rise up the middle of the balloon giving the lift, as the air cools and then drops it’s replaced by air that has been more recently heated by the gas burner above the basket. Modern balloons use a flame resistant fabric at the mouth of the balloon to prevent the fabric being lit by the flames of the gas burner.

Throughout history the principal uses of the hot-air balloon have been military, with the Chinese the first to use unmanned balloons as a method of military signalling around 200 AD. There are also suggestions that the Nazca Indians of Peru used balloons as a tool for designing the enormous drawings on the Nazca plains. They were definitely used by the French during the Revolutionary Wars, a tethered Hydrogen balloon was used during the Battle of Fleurus in 1794, and then used again in the American Civil War.

Today military reconnaissance has moved on, and the hot air balloon is principally used for recreation. Aside from the occasional sound of the burners a balloon is practically silent as it moves, largely pushed by currents on the air and capable of travelling for great distances. With the nature of the basket they are probably the only method of air transport that offers a panoramic, unimpeded view of the entire landscape spreading out below.

Hot-air balloon rides are wonderfully romantic, and thus make possibly the perfect romantic gift idea -  obviously for those who are not afraid of heights. For a completely unparalleled experience, they are relatively cheap, and if fortunate with weather and other variables, can carve some astonishingly beautiful images into anyone’s memory. There is something about nature that attracts everyone, and the hot-air balloon is one of the best ways of viewing vast expanses of landscape that anyone could contrive.



Jesse

Low Jeremy asked:


It’s a balloon!

Well, it’s an advertising helium balloon, to be more precise. That’s right, more and more creative means are added to expand non-traditional advertising, and the latest addition is advertising helium balloons. To be figuratively, as well as literally be above the competition, these advertising helium balloons are the best choice.

It wins above the other means of non traditional advertising because of its novelty, attractiveness, mobility and price.

A cut above the rest

Imagine this: you and perhaps one or two, or maybe 10 other establishments are along a road. How do you get passers by notice you and stop? That’s easy. While your competitors have probably dressed up their exteriors with colorful signs and what nots, get an advertising helium balloon to float over your establishment. This way, your balloon advertisement is seen miles away and will definitely tower over the rest-pun intended.

Light as a balloon

Using helium balloons is a cost effective means to advertise a product or service. It’s fun and attractive and is hard to miss so you’re sure that you’ve made the right investment. There are a lot means and ways to advertise a product and service but not all these methods assure that you will get the attention of your target market. With something as unique and large as a helium balloon, it’s difficult to go wrong.

Mobile advertisement

Remember that you don’t have to float your helium balloon over your establishment. Be bold and creative and float it over areas with high traffic where your advertisement will be hard to miss. You can’t do that with other means of static advertising. This is why advertising with helium balloons are a smart choice.

Fly high

Advertising with helium balloons is the best way for you translate your products or services into actual profit. As your helium balloon advertisement flies high, so does your sales and satisfied customers of this service will tell you that sales have been on an upward trend ever since they decided to take advantage of advertising with helium balloons.

The best for the best

Knowing that using helium balloons for your advertising needs is not you need to know. You also need to know where to get the best helium balloons that are cost effective and from durable from reliable sources. For instance, if you are within the United States, it would be better for you to order a helium balloon from a manufacturer in the States rather than order one from India or China.

This way, you can save on shipping plus your chances of getting stuck in customs are nil. Imagine that if for one reason or another, you are not satisfied with your purchase, you will have to resend the shipment and wait again for the replacement, meantime, incurring costs and more delays through customs. This is more hassle that you ever need to deal with.



Dana

ABQCVB asked:

Albuquerque is the hot air ballooning capitol of the world and ballooning happens almost every day of the year due to our near-perfect climate. This video represents a typical ballooning experience that is always fantastic

Jerome

Denise Hummel asked:


When travelers think of historic Italian cities, they often think of Florence, Rome, and Venice. But for those who know the real Italy, there are other incalculable riches. One such treasure is the town of Ferrara, protected by UNESCO on the World Cultural Heritage list as a priceless example of a living, breathing work of Renaissance art.

A vast portion of the town survives from the middle ages and in the off-season, before the arrival of eager tourists, a quiet morning walk in the pedestrian center along the cobble-stoned streets and brick and stone palazzos will bring you back hundreds of years to a less complicated existence. Now picture a crisp cool day in September and try to imagine the sky above that beautiful city filled with the dancing colors of hot air balloons. First one, then five, twenty, then thirty.

Alex and I braved an actual take-off, but even from the ground, the festival is filled with sights and sounds that most of us are not used to experiencing in every day life. Imagine a flaccid piece of colored parachute-like material, slowly inflating to a balloon the size of a three story building and then float off into the sky amid the sound and sight of the flaming forced air entering it. Let’s face it, your adrenaline is going even if you are not one the lucky ones to take a celestial journey. It’s not necessary to wait until next year. Ferrara has many other sites, none of which should be missed. But should you decide to combine your trip with the experience of the magnificent “mongolfiere,” the hot air balloons will be waiting for you next September.

Our favorite hotel is Hotel Ferrara (+39) 0532-20.50.48, in the historical center in the main piazza overlooking the Castello Estense an imposing 14th century castle and the symbol of power and refinement of the historical presence of Ferrara. There could be no better base for a visit of the town. Using the complimentary hotel bicycles, we were able to bike to the Balloon Festival.

The region of Emilia Romagna is known world-wide for its food, and our dinner at the Big Night Ristorante (+39 0532 242 367), a restaurant that shares an entrance and collaborative relationship with the hotel, was no exception. We ate a crostata salata di ricotta, which is a ricotta pie topped with grilled radicchio. This was followed by pasticcio di macaroni alla ferrarese con tartufo, a wonderful macceroni pasta with truffles covered by paper thin and crispy pasta dough. Our second course was filetto di manzo in crosta con punte asparagi, crema di Roquefort profumato al tartufo nero, which is a beef fillet in pastry with white asparagus tips, a hint of Roquefort and black truffles.

All dishes melted in our mouths and were some of the finest I have tasted. The entire dinner was topped off with a chocolate masterpiece, dolcetto di cioccolato fondente con crema alla vaniglia, gelato di pistachio e curry indiano. If you can picture this, it was a warm chocolate cupcake with a liquid center, with vanilla cream, homemade pistachio ice cream and Indian curry. It would be the one food I would request should I have the misfortune to find myself on death-row some day. The chef, Fabio Zanella, is sure to have been scooped up an aggressive hotelier somewhere else in the world, were it not for the fact that he was born and bred in Ferrara and reluctant to leave.

Ferrara has many other sites, none of which should be missed. They include La Pinacoteca Nazionale (The National Picture Gallery), a home for a panorama of paintings from the mediaeval era to the 18th century and many other beautiful museums. The most heart-rendering, however, and one not to be missed by those exploring their Jewish heritage is that of the Jewish Ghetto, beautifully preserved with its three synagogues.

The Jewish community prospered here throughout the 1400s thanks to the particular protection of the Estense dukes who welcomed refugees to the city from other European countries. Later in the 1600s, the community endured taxes and other impositions, restrictions and segregations. Still later, under fascist rule, gates closed off the quarter. The history of these centuries, both beautiful and horrendous is preserved in the walls, the streets, the synagogues and the Jewish museum and serves as an enduring historic monument to all that was endured over the centuries. Much credit must be given to the people of Ferrara for their dedication in preserving it. Whether you wait for next September, or hop a plane tomorrow, we will in all likelihood see you there.



Keith

kevcarm101 asked:

Up, up and away. Music: All the Way Up to Heaven by Guster.

Tracy

Corina Clemence asked:


One thing that every person should do whilst holidaying especially in the Loire Valley in France visiting the incredible historic castles is to take the time to go on a ride in a hot air balloon. Although most of us have been in a plane and glanced out the window at the world below, there is nothing quite like ballooning and enjoying the wind in your hair as you glide above the world looking at these amazing architectural treasures. Imagine spectacular renaissance castles, charming villages, and sun-flower-filled hillsides viewed from a hot-air balloon. The perspective is incredible.

Most people only consider taking a ride in an air balloon on a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary, but you should not miss the opportunity to have the memorable adventure floating over the region. It will add another dimension to your vacation as well as giving up fabulous photography opportunities. What is more it is a wonderful adventure for a family to undertake together.

The cost is actually very reasonable and probably less expensive than a balloon flight for the same duration in England or America. There are a few ballooning companies in France. You simply call them up or ask your host to on your behalf and inquire regarding their schedule as well as the cost.

The price can vary depending on when you want to take the ride and how many people will be participating. For example, a balloon ride first thing in the morning might be less expensive than one during sunset. If you are part of a large party possibly staying at a chateau property in the Loire Valley it is most likely that the operator can arrange for the hot air balloon to take off from your property depending upon the topography.

Most companies won’t permit small children to ride. There are several reasons for this regarding safety. The ignition system is very loud and potentially incredibly frightening to little ones. Small children tend to also be afraid of heights.

Bear in mind that weather may play a significant factor in your trip. The company will be wary of any bad weather and may have to postpone the trip for safety reasons. Although you may feel incredibly disappointed if this were to happen, remember that taking a trip in bad weather is not worth the risk. Accordingly it is recommended that you book a hot air balloon adventure early in your vacation in case it needs to be postponed because of bad weather.

If you suffer from airsickness you should say this during the initial booking of the excursion. Remember that you can take a non-drowsy motion sickness pill before going on the hot air balloon ride. Similarly if you are scared of heights you need to mention this to the operator in case you faint.



Samantha

asked:


Traditional advertising consists of tri-media meaning the television, radio and print. These mediums are still very powerful and effective but more and more marketing people are entertaining the idea of using non traditional advertising. This is mainly because traditional media is becoming so saturated and also becoming very expensive.

In order for your brand or message to get across, a marketer should make sure that the medium used is unique from the rest. Small brands on the other hand have no budget as big as established brands so there is the challenge to find not only unique mediums but mediums that will not cost so much money. This challenge has opened many new entrepreneurs to think of all sorts of non traditional advertising.

One of the hit non traditional advertising options is hot air balloon advertising. Hot air balloons used to be just decorations in air much like fireworks.The balloon is often seen in major sports events like football and baseball. These are made of nylon and coated with silicon. The advantage for those who decide to use this is that people who work in office buildings, those who are driving on the road or those who are walking can see it.

Research has shown that many small companies have also joined in the bandwagon after seeing someone else do this to attract customers.The inflatable advertising balloon is powered by air and comes in different shapes and sizes. Those who don’t have a big budget can get one that is 5 feet in height while those who have money to spend can get the one that is 70 feet tall.

Before the individual decides to use an inflatable advertising balloon, it is best to ask these questions.

1. How big will the balloon be?

2. Will light emit from the balloon so that it can also be seen in the evening?

3. What kind of shape will it have?

4. Lastly, what kind of artwork will the inflatable advertising balloon have?

These four questions are important because the appearance is key in attracting customers. Some firms that specialize in advertising balloons have something that fits those requirements in the inventory. If there are none, a customized version will have to be done.

The marketing or advertising department of the company must be very detailed oriented in this endeavor because this will be the symbol for the business. It is like having the Budweiser or Goodyear blip often seen in major sports events but on a smaller scale.

Entrepreneurs then noticed that hot air balloon has a potential to be a medium of advertising. A very keen observer will see the potential of hot air balloons when placed in any event. Hot air balloons can be designed. It has enough space for a logo and tagline. The most important thing is that it is visible to the ***** eye even from afar.

It is especially nice to see a hot air balloon when it is the centerpiece of an event or is the centerpiece of any area for that matter. Hot air balloon advertising has to consider all these things to make sure that it will shine as a non traditional advertising medium.

Hot air balloon advertising maybe expensive but the mileage you get is exceptional. The traditional tri-media might even pick up your hot air balloon ad so even if you did not spend for any of those tri-media, there is a very big chance that you will see your ad in print or television or that you will hear your ad being talked about over the radio. In which case the budget you spent on the hot air balloon advertising will have a return of investment that is triple your original investment.



Charlene

travelvideo asked:

Hot Air Ballooning-Hot Air Balloon Travel: Travel Video PostCard Traveling in a Hot Air Balloon is like floating above the earth on a feather. Hot Air Balloon travel mixes the silence of a drift across the earth with the exhilaration of flight. We went Hot Air Ballooning in New Hampshire, a small town in New Hampshire at about 6 in the morning. The Hot Air Balloons were bright and colorful against the morning sky. The Hot Air Balloons took off from a deserted field just before the sun came …

Jay

andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com asked:


Though of course Switzerland is one nation, its 26 cantons, each of which has a considerable amount of autonomy, cling proudly to their individual culture and traditions and continue to celebrate both historic and modern festivals.

Every January strange brightly coloured objects can be seen floating in the skies of Chateau d’Oex, a small alpine town nestled in the Bernese Oberland, close to its better known neighbour Gstaad. Chateau d’Oex’s International Hot Air Balloon Festival is the worlds’ premier hot air ballooning event, which attracts over 100 balloons from 15 different countries. The reason for its success is partly down to the area’s unique microclimate; its position within a wide sloping valley bowl creates thermal conditions which are ideal for flying. And the views from a balloon basket aren’t bad either; souring over snowy high alpine mountains and valleys, it’s little wonder that the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.

If you’re looking for a festival that is a little more down to earth, try Switzerland’s Rock Oz’Arenes, a massive music festival well worthy of a visit. What began as a one day event in 1992 and attracted just 730 people is now a four day festival held in the roman Amphitheatre of Avenches. The event hosts some of the biggest international pop, rock and hip hop acts, and has seen the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed perform in recent years.

Those looking for a more traditional festival should take a visit to Fasnacht in Basel, which is recognised as the most popular festival in Switzerland, with some 15,000 to 20,000 marked participants taking part.

The origins of Fasnacht are somewhat obscure and unsure, largely because a huge earthquake in 1356 destroyed large parts of Basel along with many written records. Historians believe that the festival came about due to a row at a jousting tournament been the citizens of Basel and some knights. The argument is said to have tuned nasty, with the locals chasing the knights out of town and killing four of them in the process. But retribution was harsh; 12 citizens were beheaded and the Empire of the time (Charles IV) put a ban on the city, meaning that it was no longer protected by the Roman Empire.

Basel now celebrates this slightly bizarre part of their history with Fasnacht. When the city clock rings out at 4am, thousands of fifers and drummers in Charivari costumes with small headlights begin to move through the dark centre of town, whilst playing their carnival music. By day a huge procession takes place along with live music, a lantern exhibition and carnival floats.

A holiday in Switzerland which takes in some of the country’s wealth of festivals and cultural events, in addition to its incredible natural scenery, makes for an ideal European break.



Kathleen

Stephen Turner asked:


Ten years ago it was all very different in the world of ballooning. You could expect to travel some considerable distance to find a balloon ride operator to take you into the air for a hot air balloon ride. You might even have to leave your own country. If you were lucky, there would be a small number of balloon ride operators somewhere near you, and if you were unlucky, there would be none.

The good news is that all that has changed in the balloon ride business. These days a balloon ride can be had pretty much wherever you wish: Brazil, Russia, Chile, Surrey, South Africa, Spain, Gloucestershire, Namibia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Hertfordshire and, let us not forget, little old Australia and the United States of America.

That I am able to throw a few counties in England into my list of exciting ballooning locations from around the world is a sign of high times for the balloon ride business in the United Kingdom. It’s good news for any one like me who loves the idea of taking a balloon ride in Kenya, but is too poor of time and money to book the flight out there.

Australians and Americans, blessed as they are in their respective countries with numerous stunning locations that are ideal for balloon rides, might legitimately say that the United Kingdom is not blessed with the most ideal of flying conditions for a balloon ride. We Brits might sigh and agree that (even if we do get up in the air) our balloon ride will just disappear into a constitutionally guaranteed grey sky, where the best sight from our basket will be a steaming cup of tea. But the truth is rather brighter. Most flights take place early in the morning, when the weather is calmer, and if you get up into the air, it’s because the conditions are right for flight, and so you will get a great view. I have been taking photographs from way up there for ten years, and my photo albums speak of the ballooning beauty that is Great Britain.

Of course the weather can disappoint. Too much wind, or the wrong type of wind, will keep you on the ground, ruining your day. But there is usually another one following it, so there is time to try again.

There are over a hundred commercial balloon ride operators in the United Kingdom just waiting to get you into the air. The statistics are impressive: there were around 80,000 balloon ride passengers in the United Kingdom last year. And if you don’t trust the statistics, trust the pilots. Many of our pilots are highly experienced Australian and American pilots, and if the flying or the business were poor, they would not be here.

So why not make yourself one of the 80,000? Bring your friends, the family, who ever you want. It really is jaw-droppingly beautiful up there. It’s another world and you just do not want to come down. But with business the way it is, you don’t have to for long.



Regina