Is there any better way to see a city than from above?
I love sunrises and I love heights. So naturally, while in Melbourne, a hot air balloon ride over the city was in order.
It’s worth the 4:30 call time.
If you get cold, volunteer to help set the balloon on fire. That amount of heat (and the sense of accomplishment!) is bound to get your heart racing.
The morning of our flight was gray and overcast. I was worried my first hot air balloon experience — something I’d waited for for years — was going to be a dud.
But then, to the east:
A gorgeous sunrise emerged from the clouds, blanketing the city in brilliant warmth.
There isn’t much to say here, really. I took far too many pictures and have far too many words to describe the experience.
But how magical is the world that we can be ants in the sky, looking at ants on the ground, in a little wicker box suspended by fire?
Where’s your favorite destination to explore by hot air balloon?
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Paris from Above
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22 Comments
Jackie
April 13, 2015 at 15:30Gorgeous photos! My favorites are the one of the cities where the street lights are still on. I’ve never been on a hot air balloon before but it’s definitely on my list!
edna
April 16, 2015 at 05:11Thanks! That was actually Joe’s favorite photo too, haha. I hope you get to do a balloon flight some day, they’re awesome.
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
April 13, 2015 at 21:43Love it! I’ve yet to experience the thrill and wonderment of a hot air balloon ride, so I enjoyed vicariously experiencing your ride in Melbourne. What a sunrise!
Also, are you and Joe sharing glasses? :P
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:56Haha we might be — surprised that people picked up on that! I totally didn’t even notice!
marghini
April 14, 2015 at 04:06What a gorgeous, gorgeous sunrise! Amazing pics Edna!
I’ve never had a chance to go on a baloon but after seeing these pictures I wonder if I should make it happen somehow.. Even just for taking pictures as awesome as yours!!
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:55Thanks you Marghini! It’s definitely worth the view (and photos).
Marina @ Garlands in Paris
April 14, 2015 at 07:19I love that last sentence… And the glasses sharing! You guys are adorable.
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:55Haha thanks Marina! Of course you’d notice :)
Louise
April 14, 2015 at 16:51I think you need to check this off your bucket list! x
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:56Ah you’re so right! Thanks for the reminder! x
Jennifer Stevens | Adventurous Appetite
April 15, 2015 at 06:29Ahhhhh why didn’t I know about this when I visited in January?? Looks incredible! Beautiful pictures :)
http://www.adventurousappetite.com
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:57Thanks Jennifer! Just think of it as a reason to go back :)
Sara
April 15, 2015 at 11:10You seriously do the coolest things! I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon – I also share your love of being places from above! The photos are absolutely stunning – looks like an unforgettable experience. It reminds me a little of the time I went skydiving at sunrise in Hawaii with my brother – though your experience undoubtedly lasted a bit longer, and you have all these gorgeous photos as a keepsake!
edna
April 16, 2015 at 11:59Haha thanks Sara! I know, I’m so glad to have a heights buddy in you! I really want to go skydiving sometime — Hawaii sounds like an amazing place to do it.
Caroline Eubanks
April 15, 2015 at 18:39I went in Cappadocia but these pictures are so beautiful I want to go again!
edna
April 16, 2015 at 12:01Ooh Cappadocia is at the top of my list for hot air ballooning!
Felicity
April 15, 2015 at 20:48SO beautiful! Youve inspired me to book a hot air balloon ride in Napa this summer :) Thanks lady! x
edna
April 16, 2015 at 12:02Ahh Napa sounds beautiful!! Enjoy gorgeous x
Jenia
April 16, 2015 at 04:54There is just something so cool about hot air balloons. We’ve done it twice, and both times it was absolutely magical :)
Mo
April 20, 2015 at 03:23Whoa!!! What a sunset. Beautiful photos!
Ceri
May 15, 2015 at 10:35Okay, I actually gasped at some of your pictures. Wow, wow, and wow. Stunning.
I’m in two minds about going in a hot air balloon (blame the whole Balloon Boy thing) but after seeing those photos? Oh my gosh. What an incredible way to see a city. And think of all those people in the city having no idea that all those balloons were in the air as they woke up.
Becca
September 2, 2015 at 11:04Wow these photos are gorgeous. It almost makes me want to take a hot air balloon ride! I’m just so terrified of it – what if it pops or you can’t get down?! (I am aware that physics/experience makes this unlikely, but I can’t get it out of my mind). How far outside the city are you?