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Young World
Up, up and away
NIMI KURIAN
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Floating thousands of feet above ground level in a hot air a balloon is an exciting and unique way to see a place.
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Photo: Nimi Kurian
Magic moment : In the sky.
Thousands of feet above the ground, you get a unique peek of what’s happening down below. On a recent visit to Egypt a few of us were tempted enough by the sight of the hot air balloons to want a ride in it. Early in the morning even before the sun rises visitors take a ferry across the Nile. It is cold over the river and a light mist rises adding mystery to the early morning expedition. Hot air balloons carrry wicker baskets that can seat six or sometimes even 12 pe
ople. An interesting way to see a place as you get a ‘bird’s eye view’ and that is totally different from the normal lens view.
History at a height
Out in some open fields are the hot air balloons. The fires that heat the gas, light up the balloon giving it a ghostly look. Soon the balloons are up and the baskets are ready. Passengers climb into the basket. The pilot is the last one in. He tells the passengers the do’s and don’ts of balloon travel.
Soon the balloon is floating into the early morning. A grey mist hangs over the countryside and the breeze is cold.
Gently the breeze guides the balloon over the West Bank. It floats close to the Valley of the Kings. It would have been awesome to look down at the resting place of kings, queens and nobles. But it is not to be, because the pilot says, if we do go over, then it would be difficult to return as the balloon would not be able to scale the height of the mountain. So instead, the balloon is guided close to the Valley and then towards the temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
Queen Hatshepsut is an interesting character. On the death of her husband Thutmose II, she assumed the role of Pharoah dressing up as a man,even to the extent of sporting a false beard. It is said she made a very good Pharaoh! Her temple seems large, imposing and like her – larger than life.
Even as the passengers lean over the balloon to take pictures of the temple, the balloon is veering away. Now it is a glimpse of the Worker’s Village.
In the early morning light one can almost see the scurrying figures of the people getting ready to go over to the Valley of Kings to begin work. But in actuality, there are only roughly hewn homes in the hillside.
The sun rises over the Nile. It’s golden, yellow light awakens all things to life. The colour of the countryside changes – slowly life begins on the West Bank.
Floating over fields and roads, cars and bikes, people and animals we get an uninterupted view of life. One wonders if this is how God feels looking down at the people.
Its more than an hour since the balloon took flight and its time to land. Passengers sit inside the balloon and cling on to the ropes for balance (and comfort).
A bumpy landing and its back to earth, the view from the sky forever etched in our minds.
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