Third Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2011

Hot air balloons will once again dot the sky over Putrajaya during the Third Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2011. More than 20 balloonists from 13 countries including first time participants from India, Vietnam and Hong Kong, will take part in the event themed 1 World, 1 Malaysia and 1 Fiesta to be held from March 17 to 20 at Monumen Alaf Baru at Precinct 2.

Some of the hot air balloons that spectators can expect to see again this year include the famous 'head' of the Darth Vader from Belgium, an upside down hot air balloon also from the Netherlands. This year's event will also feature a display of hot air balloons glowing like light bulbs followed by a fireworks display on the night of 19th March 2011.

In spite of that, it is amazing to see so many cameras of all shapers and sizes pointed towards the sky. You are allowed to snap those hot air balloons' picture with closer distance if you are using Camera DSLR... What a realistic?!?! But it's great for sure, it has definitely cut down the crowded situation there.

Yeah, this is the third year in a row, I had been missed this event for the past two years. This year, I surely will make sure I won't miss out on this spectacular show this year. We have reached before 7a.m. in order to grab the hot balloon tickets! Yet, we are failed, there is long queue no matter how early we are reached since the number of tickets is limited, 300 rides for one section.

With tens of thousands of people moving around the area, the atmosphere is super duper happy one indeed. Vendors selling toy helium balloons of popular cartoon characters are seen walking around while children are screaming to the parents to buy them. Adults are seen mingling around the main area taking pictures while couples were holding hands and admiring the beauty of the scenery.

How the balloons are lifted up is pretty simple. Each of the balloons are prepared with enough gas and the balloon master will then pump the fire into the balloons with the tune of the music beat. Pumping the huge flames inside the balloons will light it up giving an overall bright glow to the balloon.

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