have you dreamed of going on a balloon ride on the Costa Brava? Well, for the brave (and not so brave), here is my experience.
Traveling has taught me many life lessons, and one of the most important is to embrace the not-known by being willing to step out of your comfort zone. I can’t wait to try new foods, visit new places and get to know new cultures. However, my fear of heights is real and I have been dealing with something all my life.
Although I have never allowed him to get the most out of me when it comes to not flying or crossing a bridge, I have carefully adapted my trips so that they are more adventurous in terms of taste buds, rather than doing things like bungee jumping.
Ballooning on the Costa Brava
Given the opportunity to experience a balloon ride on the Spanish Costa Brava for the first time, my first standard reaction was to pass it on. After all, it’s not like I’m getting from point A to point B with a balloon. I could just sit down and continue the rest of my itinerary with the group.
This would obviously have been the easiest decision; however, something in me decided not to let my fear of heights get in the way of one of the most scenic flights of my life. I mean, we would fly over ancient volcanoes and see the Pyrenees in the distance; this is not a sight you can see every day!
Ballooning experience
Those who said goodbye to us became tiny dots; we quickly got up. Without articulating it out loud, I freaked out inside. I immediately imagined all sorts of worst-matter scenarios; however, it wasn’t long before I started to relax. It helped that a few others were nervous and I wasn’t the only person who was afraid to stand so high in the sky.
The ride itself is smoother than flying in an airplane or helicopter. You don’t feel any turbulence. In fact, they don’t even feel like they’re really going in one direction.
I would be lying if I said I was relaxed, just like I would be lounging on a couch at home, but I felt more comfortable. It wasn’t long before I got my camera out and started to really enjoy my surroundings.
The view was simply breathtaking and we could not have asked for a more optimal solution in any weather. Below us was the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which includes 45 dormant volcanoes located between the Pyrenees and the coast.
I Would Do It Again (Hot Air Balloon Ride)
About halfway through our trip (most trips take 1.5 hours) I relaxed even more. About that time I was impatient that the pilot had taken out cake and cava. Watching the sunrise while drinking cava and eating cake was the moment when I realized that everything was worth it. I felt more comfortable and realized that I had overcome my fear of the hot air balloon.
