So here’s the back yard. By this time it was around 7 AM. A very confused and sleepy man rushed out in his barefeet to see what was happening (it sounded like a dragon settling down on the lawn) and rushed right back in to get his camera. Unluckily for him, however, the house selected for the actual landing was the one next door.

Protocol for balloon landings in people’s yards is to ask the owner’s permission with a bottle of champagne. According to balloon lore, this custom began in the earliest days of hot air ballooning when landings took place in remote areas of France. The farmers on whose land the balloons came down emerged from their cottages terrified, certain they were being attacked by aliens. The champagne was meant to assure them of the friendly intent of the visitors and has remained a tradition till this day.

Here’s Tony about to meet the owner of the house where Paula landed:

And here’s the owner – an Indian, who emerged in his lungi and was somewhat startled by my greeting him in Hindi!

But back to the ballooners:

Here they are, so pleased and happy with their great adventure.

And here are the two gentlemen on the ground crew: David and Sean. What a ride!