One thing that I love hearing and learning about are all the niche’s in our society. All of the interests, hobbies, activities, which I will never truly know or feel passionate about. When I lived in Berkeley, I overheard a couple of guys outside my window talking about yoyo-ing. You know, the little circular doodad on a string. One stated that they were just so cool, and that he wished there was a yoyo magazine – yes, readers, a whole magazine dedicated to yoyo-ing is something he wished for in life. It was just so random to me, I literally NEVER think about yoyo’s aside from the blue moon in which I try to play with one.
Since then I have spent a night camping with skydivers, hung out with the craftiest of folks and most recently engaged with the ballooning community – all of which are just small elements which make up the diverse fabric of our world. And all of which I have tried to notice and appreciate as I’m in it.
The ballooning event I attended last October was the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and it was truly one of the COOLEST things I have been to in a long time. You wake up before the sunrises, trek down to a huge field, the Balloon Fiesta Park to be specific, and just observe as the magic happens. The contrast of the flames and glowing balloons to the night sky were a sight to behold. Then the sun starts to rise and the balloons take off, which is pretty spectacular in their own right. They majestically float away, with this very subtle yet dramatic take off. Perhaps it’s a sound difference too – there is a roar from the filling flame, then at some point the balloon levitates without a sound and goes from being this loud, growing shape to this silent floating orb.
One of my favorite niche moments was when jets flew overhead to kick off the day, just as the sun was coming up, and as a response from the ballooners below everyone pulled their flame triggers and lit their uncovered flames feet into the air. I mean where else are you going to see that?!
Anyhow, all this is to say, I was completely blown away by the even and am so happy that we went. My husband told me, I reacted very similarly to his 5 year old niece, when she went for the first time. Not the worst comparison, if you ask me. The event is sadly canceled this year due to Covid, but once it’s back up and running, I suggest you take a long weekend to the Southwest, to enjoy not only this unique part of the country but this truly unique event.
Some tips for you before you go:
- Get up and there EARLY. And if you can avoid actually having to drive yourself there and park, I would highly recommend that too. We were dropped off a mile away and actually walked in through the one of the flood control ditches. A little creepy before the sun came up, but it really did make getting in and out a lot easier.
- Layer layer layer – it was COLD. For those that aren’t familiar, the desert can become unbearably cold in the winter, just as it can become unbearably hot in the summer. Since much of the joy of enjoying this event comes before the sun is really even out, you need to make sure to have hats, gloves, and multiple jackets at the ready.
- Go to an event where they will take off! There are events during the two week period where you just see the balloons lit up in the dark – glowdeo. Get it: glowing rodeo? Anyhow, I am sure this is cool in it’s own right (and to be fair, I didn’t actually attend one of these) but I just loved so much seeing the balloons come to life, then take off, that I can’t imagine just walking around and looking at them. Part of the magic to me was the take off.
- Do some research before committing to a food snack. There are many a breakfast burrito and green chili option, but not all are equal. Unfortunately, we didn’t choose well and were pretty disappointed with the burritos. That being said, I know there are good options there. Make sure you are paying attention to the lines and trying to actually see what people are eating before signing up.
- Get a pin! Looking for a fun little souvenir? There is a commemorative pin, well actually a couple of different versions, each year, and it’s tradition to take one home. I guess this may not be as important if you don’t plan to start a collection, but it’s still a fun reminder.
- Enjoying the rest of your time:
- Eat! Such good food in New Mexico. Every local has their own opinion on New Mexican food, so I’d ask locals you meet for their favorite spots, but ours include Golden Pride breakfast burritos (a little bit greasy drive through, but so good!! I am a carne adovado convert) and Padilla’s. If you want something fancier, we absolutely loved our meal and experience at Farm & Table .
- Great hiking and mountain bike riding in the Sandia Mountains
- Beer! Great breweries: La Cumbre, Bosque, Marble, Santa Fe Brewing
- Old Town Square. A little ‘touristy’ and a overpriced, but quaint in its own way. There is a local jewelry producer there, who makes some beautiful pieces.
- Santa Fe. Only 45 min from Albuquerque, so you could definitely make a bigger trip and experience both cities.
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