At the beginning of the month my son, a friend and I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the 38th annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. We stayed with friends and had a wonderful time, making memories and forming bonds that will last a lifetime. On our first full day in Albuquerque we decided to take the tram up to the top of Sandia Peak, over 10,000 feet up! The weather was perfect; cerulean skies with a few scattered clouds, a slight breeze and moderate temperatures. The mountain appeared brown and barren when viewed from its base, but we soon discovered that to be an illusion, spying greenery soon after embarking on our ride heavenward. Trees, shrubs and even flowers could be seen at various points along our route. Although we weren't fortunate enough to see any bear or deer, we did enjoy some awe inspiring vistas.
Our cable car was packed full of tourists on their way to the top of the world's longest aerial tramway, built by a Swiss engineering firm which stated it was their most challenging aerial tram project. The 15 minute ride seemed longer on the way up, but shorter on the way down. Why is that? It seems that way whenever I take a trip somewhere, no matter what mode of travel I use. The drive to grandma's house at Christmas, for instance, always seems longer than the drive home! But, I digress. Back to New Mexico...
We had a perfect day for picture taking, and my friend DeeDee enthusiastically snapped shots of the scenery and our little group as we traveled up to the top of Sandia Peak. Once there, the wind was considerably more than a light breeze, and the temperature a bit cooler than on the ground. I was very thankful I'd worn a jacket. The view was spectacular. Not only did the city of Albuquerque lay spread out at our feet, but we could see for miles and miles in all directions, and it was breathtaking.
Our guide informed us that at one point back in time, all we observed had been under water. I took a moment to reflect on that, marveling at God's handiwork evident in the landscape stretching out before me. Mountains and valleys, rocks and cliffs were once the bottom of the ocean floor. I could picture it. We toured the facility at the summit, walked to where we could observe the now dormant ski lifts, patiently waiting for the season's first good snowfall to once more ferry hardy skiers to the top of the runs on the other side of the mountain.
On our way back down we were surprised to see two young men -- workers at the High Finance restaurant perched atop the mountain -- climb onto the top of our cable car and clip themselves to the frame. I looked up through the clear plexiglass window in the ceiling and marveled at how nonchalantly one of the young men stood, one hand in a jean pocket, the other holding a cigarette as he chatted with his buddy. What a unique perspective he must have, I thought to myself. To be up there on top, the sun and wind in his face as we rode back down to the foot of the mountain. He seemed to enjoy his perch, yet took the whole thing in stride, not the least bit ruffled except by the wind.
The next day it was Fiesta time! Opening day started early, with our group on the road before the sun came up. The city lights winked an early morning greeting as we drove toward the Fiesta grounds, dressed warmly for the pre-dawn chill, coffee mugs in hand. A friend and food stand operator secured us a special parking pass, something for which we were extremely grateful. Our pass enabled us to bypass hundreds, perhaps even thousands of parked cars, traveling past barriers to the closest possible parking spots.
The day's first event was Dawn Patrol, where the balloons are lit up against the night sky as pilots slowly rise, wind and weather permitting, into the still-dark sky. We met a young man from the Czech Republic, Timothy, who was touring our country. This young man had an in depth conversation with my son as we watched the balloons prepare for takeoff. He remarked that he was surprised and a little confused when his plane landed in our nation's capital and he observed people protesting.
"What do people have to protest about in America?" he inquired. "In my country we have no choice, no say in what our government does. I would be so thankful to have the freedoms and liberties you enjoy, if they were available to me." It was humbling to hear this young man's perspective of how great our nation is, and be reminded of how blessed we are to enjoy her bounty, and the freedom some take for granted, of which others can only dream.
We said goodbye and God bless to Timothy after he politely declined an invitation to join our group, and went in search of the man who supplied us with our VIP parking pass. We found him at his food stand, and were further treated to complimentary breakfast burritos~a staple of the morning Fiesta crowd. I highly recommend them!
Thus fortified, we toured a few of the vendor tents, offering everything from tee shirts and hats to glow in the dark balloon shaped necklaces, then paused to watch a local TV weatherman deliver the day's forecast, resplendent in a multicolored outfit complete with tophat covered in vintage souvenir Fiesta pins. Youngsters ate cotton candy while teenagers chatted on the ever-present cell phones and parents diligently tried to keep their young ones at arm's length. Not an easy task when balloons of all shapes and sizes were being stretched out on the ground and inflated, preparing for the mass ascension.
We were awed by the color, the creativity, and the spectacle of balloon Fiesta. There were owls and pigs, witches and carousels, bumble bees and a gigantic milk cow. Pink pigs even flew that day! Everywhere I turned there was another beautiful balloon taking shape against the azure sky. I took over 200 pictures that morning, and still didn't get every one I wanted. When the balloons began to ascend into the beautiful Albuquerque sky, the sight was unlike any I'd ever witnessed. 550 hot air balloons filled our vision as one by one they rose, cheered on by those of us on the ground, whether we had anything to do with helping them launch or not. There was an undeniable feeling of community amongst Fiesta goers, strangers united by their enjoyment of a shared event.
Later that evening we returned for the fireworks show, another wonderfully colorful and exciting part of Fiesta. We munched on more "Fiesta food" courtesy of our friend as we watched the multicolored display. I wish I could have stayed for the entire event, but time did not allow. I feel as though we made the most of our day there, however. We ended the night dancing until our feet hurt to the wonderfully nostalgic sound of a disco band called Funkytown, decked out in platform boots, miniskirts, polyester pants, fur vests, oversized jewelry and sunglasses, boas and huge blond afro wigs. It was the most fun I've had in ages.
We also took a day and did a whirlwind tour of beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, the state capital. Beginning with the Georgia O'Keefe museum and ending on Canyon Road we enjoyed the sights, sounds, aromas, views, and art that is uniquely Santa Fe. All in all it was a wonderful, if far too short, visit with friends to a beautiful part of the country I have a feeling I will get to know better. This was the first trip my son and I have taken together, and the first plane ride he can remember. We had a great time hanging out, and I saw afresh what a cool kid I have. Our hosts were wonderful, my friend DeeDee and I got to know one another much better, and we both came away with warm memories of our time in New Mexico.
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