During nine days each October the Albuquerque, New Mexico International Balloon Fiesta creates a vibrant world of balloon-filled skies. Over 500 hot air balloons participate in this largest balloon festival in the world. Captivated by the brilliant colors of the balloons against the clear blue skies, I wander for hours among the approximately 100,000 spectators on the launch field watching the balloons take off. I was fortunate to be able to attend with my cousin who knows the ropes, so to speak. What a joyful experience!