Mr Tanaka arranged for a taxi to take us to the evening parade. Each year pilots are selected to turn on the lights for the start of the parade, then join in the parade. This parade is to celebrate
the Start of the Saga Balloon Festival. The whole town joins in. Derek jumped on one of the motorbikes that were in the parade, and the owner was only too pleased to have a Balloon Pilot on his bike!!!!
Quite a few women tottering around in kimonos, so had to get a picture. Parade started with a few balloonists using their burners, with pilots walking behind, brass bands, Halloween costumed kids etc..... All good fun and lots of hype.
Brass band was very good, and kept a good beat going. After the parade, there were stalls with Bingo, singing, sake, and plenty of food. After the parade , we were walking back to the car, when a live t.v. interviewer asked Derek for an interview . Very surprised that he could respond in Japanese, he is becoming or has become a favorite pilot with the Saga Media. And , oh yeah he loves it!!!!!
Oct 30.Up at 5.30 for our morning briefing at 6.30. Weather is still looking good, so first flight of the competition went well. Hardly any wind, so not many pilots made the targets, but at least it affected everyone. Derek's beanbag landed 40meters from the target , so that's not too bad. In the afternoon the wind picked up, 16 mph. So afternoon flight was cancelled. Everyone disappointed as the competitive spirit is stirring. Tonight is the Welcome Party hosted by the Mayor of Saga. ( The Balloon Festive really is a big thing here). Lots of food and drink, buffet style. Great way to try food that we don't recognize. Hopefully won't be too late a night.
3 comments:
Is it Mr. Celebrity or Mr. Poser that we should be calling Derek now!?
Gotta love those band kids thanks for posting that pic. We will be down at Oregon State Nov 7th for finals with my 2 favorite band kids
haha looks like dads a celebrity over there!
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