Gliding across history (Part II)
.

Back in chains

At the same time the complete ground team is ready to put our red giant back in his chains, just is putting out the large tarpaulin. After both, the balloon and the basket, stand still and safe, the ropes connected, pulled tight, and be strongly held by human hands, we are allowed to climb out. I have to start. Okay, let's go! Quickly I protect my camera, in action up to the last moment, in its bag, hand it over to someone outside. Now I step with one foot into the intended opening of the basket, and lift up all my specific weight up to the border. All goes well. And now? Jumping? I couldn't be more wrong. A young Egyptian picks me up in his arms, helps me down. Shukran, shukran. Exactly in the same
way one after the other comes back to earth".

Meanwhile our airy vehicle slowly is loosing ita super shape, becomes a bit flabby. It will not take a long time until the giant is going to sleep again. But before he has to become very, very slim. So slim, that he can be rolled together, then be folded, and finally be packed into a relatively small pannier by his dexterous helpers (pictures right). Our giant of the air is shrinking to a handsome parcel. The basket, all the rods, and the gas bottles are already removed, took its position within the loadingspace of the pick-up.The real ballon, this handsome parcel in its pannier, will be loaded as the last item of baggage. Nearly no sign of our phantastic journeyis left.

Fun and finish

Nearly, because the large tarpaulin is still there on the ground. And as I know from Germany , the finish of ballooning always is topped with little ceremony at the place of the landing. For sure also in the desert. Witnesses are all the children rushing up from nearby farmer houses, who already know that something happens afterthe landing of a balloon. They ask for pens, sweets, Bakshish, offer their donkeys for a ride.
Unfortunately these kids don't have a very lucky day. Nobody of our group was thinking about this situation.

And I am sure also not, that most of them are going to shake a leg at 7.30 in the morning in the desert. But now exactly it was the order of the day. Some of the team boys take out their drums, start to sing and beat their drums. While the others ask the passengers - women as well as men -for a dance. A something strange amusement, anyway brings everybody in a good mood. In the best mood to receive the certificates for finishing successful a balloon drive, oh sorry, for finishing successful a balloon flight (pictures below).

Now it is our turn to be packed - into the mini busses - we are going to return home. I am sitting beside the driver because I have to get out first. Where I want him to stopp, asks the driver. When I ask him to let me out anywhere near the petrol station, he looks at me nonplussed, asks in which hotel I stay. And with my explaination, that I live in the village El Gezira, but in a rented house, not as he expected in a hotel, I arouse his curiousity. Because also he and his family lives in this village. And at last the story ended up as mostly on the West Bank: the head of the familiy of our landlord is his uncle! We are laughing together. Ma'a salama, until we meet again in our village. What a nice conclusion of a terrific morning . And it is early enough, to catch up on a bit of the missing sleeping hours, and for some dreams about my airy adventure....

Antje Sliwka

Information

The price for a balloon ride of about one hour with "Magic Horizon Balloons" is for adults/children up to the age of twelve years 99/50 English Pounds. All payments are requested in advance either in cash or by major credit card (any foreign currency will be converted according to the daily exchange rate of the bank).The price includes a passenger insurance, the transportation from/to the hotel by boat and car, a certificate, and a surprise gift. Any cancellation of a confirmed flight has to be done latest 24 hours before starting time, otherwise the payment unfortunately can not be returned. If the flight has to be canceled due to bad weather conditions, a full refund will be returned. Please notice, that in no case it is not possible to fix the routing of the flight in advance, because the direction of the flight depends on wind and thermal circumstances. Regular starting time is in the morning at sunrise. On request of the customer also afternoon trips can be arranged, but depends on weather conditions.

And for all fans of figures some facts (all datas from December 2002): The family owned company "Magic Horizon Balloons" was established one and a half year ago, operates with three balloons. In total max. 37 (22, twelve and three) passengers can be transported. One British and three Egytian pilots are working with the company, the Egyptians were trained in England. The balloons operate with helium, 80 litre (one tank) are needed in average for a one hour flight, due to safety regulations four tanks are on board for every trip. The weight of one tank is around 500 kg. The envelop is handmade out of approximately 200 sqm special fabrics, weighs 500 kg, the basket and all the instruments also 500 kg. The biggest balloon can carry a passenger's tonnage up to three tons. According to wind and thermal conditions a balloon can cover a distance of 15 km in one hour. All balloons are produced in the United Kingdom, the price of one balloon is about 100.000 English Pounds.

You can make connection with us by using our Contact Button, we will be glad - as far as we are able - to give answers to your questions, or forward them, as well as your special desires or reservation, immediately to the company. (Text and Fotos Antje Sliwka)

Click here to go back to the first part.