Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico / October 2013

USPA NEWS - The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta festival is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. This event surpassed all my expectations. Photographers should bring their tripods.

The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta festival is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. The balloon glow in the morning is a great thing. The mass ascension is something out of this world. The evening show is amazing. All the balloons light up at once. It is a vibrant night scene! This event surpassed all my expectations. I was enchanted by the vibrant colors, the many shapes, the different sizes and the countless characters. All balloonists showed their great talent and patience. It was a great experience being able to walk among all balloonists. I went to the Balloon Fiesta Park on October 5th, 2013. It was a beautiful Saturday morning. I enjoyed a lot on that day. This was my first experience at the Balloon Fiesta and I was very delighted. There is a shuttle service to the park from various parking locations. Getting into the park is not that expensive. I didn't forget to bring my winter jacket, hat and scarves. I also carried my sunglasses. It is very chilly in the early morning. It also gets chilly in the evening during the fireworks. Overall, the temperature was great during my stay. Do not try to fight the crowds. There are thousands of people watching the big spectacle every year. You have to wake-up early in the morning if you don't want to miss the morning glow and the mass ascension. Photographers should bring their tripods and wide angle lenses in order to capture all balloons during the mass ascension. People from around the world gather in Albuquerque to catch the chance to watch this unforgettable event. It is imperative that you can witness all stages of preparation. I enjoyed the experience with all my heart. I loved the smell of food around me; the breakfast burritos and hot chocolate were unforgettable. I am planning on coming back to the Fiesta.

There are many exciting things to do around Albuquerque, New Mexico. You should visit the following places before leaving Albuquerque: the Albuquerque Aquarium; the Petroglyph National Monument Park; the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park; the Rio Grande Botanic Garden; the Albuquerque Baseball Stadium, and the Sandia Peak Tramway. Do not forget to drive across Route 66. Make sure to stop at the 66 Diner and taste the best milkshakes in the whole wide world. Some people say the milkshakes are, without a doubt, to die for. I loved the service, the food and the waitresses!