DAILY NEWS / TRENDING NEWS

1st World Women Hot Air Balloon Championship
Latvia / Valmiera / May 21 – 29 / 2011
Sport club “99 gaisa baloni” is the biggest Latvian sport NGO in field of hot air ballooning. It unites 50 members, 7 of them are hot air balloon pilots. This Club is known as the organizer of events for hot air balloon competitions and fiestas in Latvia, such as LMT CUP (1999 – 2006), Valmiera Cup (2005 – 2010), AB.LV Cup, Pre-event for 1st World Woman Hot Air Balloon Championship in Valmiera 2010, “Liepna from the birds view” and other smaller events. It also has Public Beneficiary status issued by Ministry of Finance.
Aim of the organization is to promote hot air ballooning in Latvia; it is mostly based on voluntary principles. Organization has (or is using the sponsored balloons) 8 hot air balloons that makes us the biggest NGO in field of hot air ballooning in Latvia. Organization promotes also gender equality in field of sports since they are organizing 1st World Women Hot Air Balloon Championship in 2011 / May.
Members of the organization are actively involved in all events organized by the Club. They are uniting specialists in field of hot air balloon competitions organized in Latvia and they can teach needed training & skills for volunteers who will be interested to be in a group EVS Project in field of hot air ballooning.
COORDINATING ORGANIZATION for this project is Zemgale NGO Centre (www.zemgalei.lv) who is known as experienced organization in EVS hosting projects. Organization has expertise in hosting and sending volunteers since 2004 as well as to do mentoring and trainings for volunteers.

Important information about the Group EVS project:
Project duration: 01.12.2010 – 01.09.2011
EVS hosting dates: 01.04.2011 – 30.06.2011
Main Event dates (championship): 21.05.2011 – 29.05.2011

Address: Zemgales NVO Centrs, Liela iela 15-2, Jelgava, LATVIA LV-3001
Fax +371 63021910
E-mail: uldis@zemgalei.lv
Mob.ph. +371 29802373
Website: www.zemgalei.lv

Rosalie Mansion
Corner of Canal St.
and D.A. Biglane St.
Natchez, MS United States
3rd weekend October
The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is Mississippi's most exciting hot air balloon race weekend. Two balloon flights take place each day, if the weather permitting. Pilots compete as they fly over antebellum homes and the mighty Mississippi River.
Great Mississippi River Balloon Race starts with the Balloon Glow Friday night, and continues through Sunday evening with a stage full of World Renowned Musicians. The festival itself takes place on the grounds of Rosalie Mansion, at the corner of Canal St. and D.A. Biglane St.
For more information :
Web Site: http://www.natchezballoonrace.com
The Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-647-6724
Email: sdurkin @ visitnatchez . com

The San Diego Coast beckons had the most perfect weather in the world, with the Sunset Coastal Balloon Flight Adventure; you will experience amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal bluffs surrounding Del Mar. You will see the lush setting of the estate homes of Rancho Santa Fe and glowing peaceful sunlight making for the perfect occasion celebration. View the mountains bordering the Borrego Desert to the east, and on an especially clear day, you may see the Coronado Islands to the south. Champagne, Sparkling Cider and soft drinks will be served aloft by your pilot during your balloon flight.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion (Birthday, Anniversary or other occasion) celebrating it on your balloon flight will be unforgettable experience. Mar is truly a gem on San Diego's north coast, located south of Los Angeles . The climate is ideal all year long, with the average temperature between 65 and 78 degrees. The sunniest months are November through March; the warmest months are July through October.
Once you have come aboard the hot air balloons, you’ll enjoy an inspired adventure filled with beautiful, sweeping vistas, panoramic views and sky sailing fun that will make lifelong memories. It is the perfect gift for that special Birthday or Anniversary.

For information : http://www.californiadreamin.com/index.html

Apex Balloons is a full-time hot air balloon company offering premier hot air balloon rides in the greater Phoenix & Scottsdale Arizona area. They specialize in private balloon flights for two or more guests. their flights in Phoenix depart each morning at sunrise, seven days a week, year-round. In the cooler months from November through April they also offer a late afternoon balloon flight each day.
The Apex balloon offer a much more personalized and dynamic balloon flight experience than other hot air balloon tour companies in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. They also have commitment to safety.
Tips
1.    When booking a flight with a balloon company, ask to speak to one of the pilots if possible. You are less likely to get misleading information from a pilot rather than a sales agent, who may be more interested in securing your deposit rather than making sure you are well-informed.
2.    Ask specifically about the cancellation policy. These differ wildly from company-to-company, and some are much more lenient than others when it comes to last-minute cancellations.
3.    Make sure the company you choose has a current and valid liability insurance policy and have a good commitment about safety.
4.    HAVE FUN !

Website :www.phoenixballoonrides.com

Your hot air balloon flight in Tuscany will usually begin shortly after sunrise as you launch from one of our locations in and around the inspiring cities of Florence or Siena or in the heart of the famous Chianti region near Monteriggioni.
Where you fly and what you see will be decided by the wind and every flight is different, but your three to four hour experience will certainly include:
    * Around one hour’s flight as part of a small group of passengers (approximately eight people)
    * Invitation to assist with the inflation and deflation of the balloon
    * A traditional ballooning toast with champagne or fine local prosecco
    * Flight certificate signed by your pilot
    * Transfers from central pick-up points (meeting times as early as 5 am in peak summer)

Price: €275 per person

Flights are weather dependent and the location depends on conditions and wind direction on the day.
When you book you will receive a confirmation including a flight line telephone number to call after 10pm the night before a morning flight or the afternoon of an evening flight. The pilot will leave a message confirming if the flight is going ahead, what time to meet, which of our locations to meet at and any other important instructions.
Fin More information:  http://www.balloonflightsitaly.com/

Quebec Hot Air Balloon Festival

The International Balloon Festival of St. Jean sur Richelieu features music, rides, attractions and a lot of hot air balloon, over 100 colorful hot air balloons, including a dozen special shape Hot air balloons. The special shape balloons include a court jester, an airplane, a dragon, a panda, a bumble bee, Old MacDonald's farmhouse, and Wally the flying clownfish.

You can watch a hot air balloon ride every morning at 6 a.m. or every evening at 6 p.m. during the festival. The atmospheric conditions must be just right, for the air balloon to depart. That means a sunrise or sunset departure, cool temperatures, light winds and no nearby storm cells. The flat Montérégie farmland region, which is located less than 30 minutes southeast of Montreal, adds to the safe trip as well.