BEFORE YOU GO YOU NEED TO KNOWtraceyhB8213QK
Before I begin I would like to apologise for this long review, however I believe it is absolutely necessary for people to know what they going to experience, before they purchase with BALLOON MAN.
Firstly and foremost, I would like to thank Rebeccah for her warm, honest and wonderful communication from the very beginning.
Secondly, I would like to thank Mr Balloon Man himself, Chris, and his Man Friday, Adrian! From the first handshake, briefing, flight, landing and breakfast, these two were professional, knowledgeable, skilled and happy to have a laugh along the way. Thank you both for your expertise, patience and good humour.
If you have ever thought one day or think you might do it — don’t think, just do it!
We were driven to an oval where the decision was made that today was, indeed, going to be our day to fly. From there it was hands-on, photos, another briefing, practising our landing positions (always reassuring!) and then…effortlessly, without registering, we were at least 3m high and climbing.
Five balloons, flying in formation, apparently making us look like one little blip on the radar. How cool is that?
Chris knew exactly when to provide some commentary and when to simply say, “Enjoy the ride.” And that is exactly what we did.
As the sun blessed us over the horizon, and the solo singing of a blackbird filled the air, magical balloon reflections of our passing were painted on the water below. It was one of those moments where you realise that you are seeing something you will remember for the rest of your life.
The breeze carried us through the clouds, over the MCG and AAMI Park, where children waved madly from their windows and above the rooftops of Melbourne. Several movies came into mind - one of them Mary Poppins with the roof tops and the other The Wizard of Oz, seeing the city of Oz (Melbourne)...just a magical sensory overload.
And then came the landing…As the balloon lowered and passed over the treetops, Chris went into action. His skill, knowledge and calmness during the landing was honestly something to be grateful for. It was also very much fun, team effort, with everyone pitching in to help pack up afterwards.
A little tip from me: wear shoes that you don't mind getting damp and perhaps leave the light-coloured top at home! 😂 The grass was beautifully dewy...also another tip, maybe take a cap or beanie the heat can be a little warm on the flight, on the top of your head.
Then it was off to breakfast, which I highly recommend.
One small word of advice though — sit down and wait for Chris to order your drinks and give you the rundown, otherwise you may find yourself wandering around, wondering where on earth the waffles, pancakes, omelettes and Eggs Benedict are hiding! 😂
This flight was particularly special for my husband and I as we were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
And yes… there were times when we had woke at 4:30am and arrived at the pickup destination, only to be told that the flight wasn't going ahead, which was a bother. BUT after listening to Chris explain the different wind levels, conditions and everything that goes into making the decision to fly safely, you become incredibly grateful for his knowledge and experience. You understand that getting people safely back on the ground is far more important than getting them into the sky.
And in between the laughter, banter and the shared experience of beautiful views, we made some wonderful new friends, who were in our lives for a morning, but who we will think of whenever we talk about this day.
“Memories are woven from good times shared...”
Thank you for helping us weave another beautiful piece into our blanket of memories.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Your BEST SPOTTER EVER!! Tracey
I have put up some photos however if you want to see the entire day (instagram mr.bungole) captured our ride with BALLOON MAN perfectly.
