Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Afloat Above Pink City
Jaipur, Feb 22 (UNI) Piloting a hot air balloon requires coordination of the body and mind and hence training is very important, says Allie Dunnigton, one of the four women balloonists participating in the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in the Pink City.
"The world below looks fantastic from up there and it's a different high to float in the azure blue sky," she adds.
As many as 50 international balloonists from 11 countries including Brtiain, Ireland, Germany, France, Poland and France and the US are participating in the fiesta, being held here from February 21-25. It is the first of its kind in the country.
Allie is wife of veteran balloonist Phil Dunnington, who is heading the team.
Allie, a tour guide from Germany, says, "I met Phil on a balloon trip in Burma three years ago and love happened. From then on, ballooning has become a passion." She says ballooning has given a different perspective to her life. "The feeling when you float about 1500 feet above the ground is hard to describe in words, but it's really wonderful.
"I took my parents on a trip over our village where I grew up.
They were really thrilled as it gave them a different view of their village they were so used to seeing for years," she says.
Having undergone training for more than three years, Allie says it is necessary to pass the tests before one embarks on a solo flight.
"Piloting a balloon needs coordination of the body and mind.
Hence the training is important," she adds.
As one who has travelled all over the world as a tour guide especially in Asia, Allie finds Rajasthan exotic.
Having flown over Barmer and Jodhpur, she is excited about the Pink City too and hopes to see the beautiful city while floating in the air.
High on the spirit of adventure, Allie wants to keep flying till she's 80.
UNI RRT NK PC1726