Balloon Trip Over Western Bank of Nile - Luxor
Balloon Preparation in the Morning
The company with I had organised the hot air balloon trip offered complimentary breakfast on the boat, while crossing the River Nile. It was very early to have breakfast but view of the western bank of Nile with the lights was amazing. After reaching the western bank, a van brought the group to the site from where balloon was going to take off later on.
At the site, the crew was already busy in their routine preparations for the flight. There were few other companies which were organizing trips on that morning and they had brought their clients to the take off site as well. Hot air was being pumped into the balloon and it started to rise from the ground. A rope was attached to a truck to hold the balloon in it’s place while it was being inflated. Propane gas was used to heat up the air and in return hot air would give lift to the balloon.
Take Off
Few balloons were already flying over the ancient ruins on the western bank of the Nile. This area is filled with the monuments and still more to be discovered. Before we could enter the basket we were briefed by the captain about the safety and the landing process. He also mentioned that balloons can only take off in the morning before the aeroplane resume their flights (safety measurement). And off it went, there were few houses and alabaster shops dotted on the ridge.
These buildings perched on the hill side are the alabaster workshops. Stones are brought from the nearest mountains and the craftsmen would work on them. From the above I could see a lone jeep traveling on a very quiet road . It was very early in the morning and lights were still on the streets.
View from the Air
From time to time, the captain would lower the balloon for close viewing and after few minutes it would start to rise again. When balloon goes up higher it offers unbeatable views of Luxor’s famous temples.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was visible from the air. In the foreground is the area where tourist would take small white cars to visit the site for a small fee. In total, there are four temples located on the western side of the Nile and two to the east.
Green Fields on the West Bank
Green fields on the western banks are irrigated by the Nile. These fields on the western bank stretch all the way to the River Nile and Luxor city lies on the eastern bank. Green fields of sugarcane which is a very common crop in this fertile part of Egypt.
Ramesseum can be seen from the above, this temple was built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. This memorial temple was part of the ancient Thebes in Egypt.
Once sun was up, the whole area on the western bank of the Nile became more visible. Fields were stretching all the way from the river to the mountains in the west which in contrast were very dry and treeless. Farmers had grown different types of crops of those fields. Among them were sugarcane, corn and white clover. It was amazing to see how Nile has given a green look to otherwise lifeless land in this part of Egypt.
Landing
Above the fields, the balloon started to come down. It was a sign that landing was getting closer. Then in the distance I could see few guys running towards the balloon. It was the support team and their job was to hold the balloon in one place and pack it so it can be taken away. A young boy came and he was asking for money to all of us of food. At the end of the trip, captain asked if we wanted to contribute some money for the support team.
All the passengers onboard were given a certificate by the captain that we have flown successfully with them. The cameraman had recorded the whole trip and he offered if anyone was interested to buy the CD of the flight from him for few Egyptians Pounds.
