Hot air balloon flight over San Daniele del Friuli

Slow Tour

26 June 2017

Slow Tour

Hot air balloon flight over San Daniele del Friuli

I live in Friuli and love to photograph every aspect of it, always looking for unusual shots and situations. This time I had the opportunity to do so from a privileged position. On the occasion of the splendid “Aria di Festa” event in San Daniele del Friuli, whence comes the famous ham, one of Friuli’s culinary points of excellence, I had the opportunity to board a balloon and experience the wonderful feeling of being transported only by the wind. The appointment was set for about 5.30 am, a horribly early rising, but believe me it was worth it! It was a unique and unforgettable experience. Too bad for the weather, though, because the moisture and heat prevented sharp visibility. The well-organised flight was executed with two balloons with two baskets, one for six people and the other for double the number of passengers, so it was possible to carry 18 people at once. The activity began with the inflating of the balloon, while we participants followed all the preparations and satisfied our curiosity. Before departure, there was a pre-flight briefing and we were divided into two groups: the first 18 left immediately, while I and my travel companions who were booked for the second trip, were accompanied on the chase to follow the two balloons.

It was fascinating following these two huge balloons that glided freely over our heads, but we could not wait for it to be our turn. After almost an hour the two balloons came down in a suitable field and we on the second trip quickly jumped into the baskets, helped by the organisers, who were always present and very professional. I do not think I can describe the sensation experienced when the balloon began to rise, in total silence: it was a unique emotion that made you want to pinch yourself to see if it were real. Seeing my beloved land from above, from another perspective, was something lovely, almost magical, with all those colours, those fields with different crops, the many bell towers characterising the villages, and finally the Tagliamento that always remains a point of reference, even in flight. Sadly, time passed too quickly and the time to descend was soon upon us too. The landing took place really softly, just like the flight itself. Flying in a balloon is a great emotion and doing so in the region in which I live made it even more special.

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