Last weekend was the 2nd Putraya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Did you guys make it there? I did, and yes for the 2nd time. I guess it is would be an annual event for us. Love it. The hot air balloons are just beautiful don't you think. Pity I've still not been on one yet, still. Anyhow, it's still lovely to see all these giant balloons doting the Putrajaya skyline.
We arrived at the Fiesta Square at about 7:45 a.m yes A.M! That's the best time as all the balloons are scheduled to lift off by 8:00a.m. Once the balloons are inflated and lifted off, it will fly over to the other side of the lake and gets deflated there, and that's it, another chance of seeing it is only at 5p.m later in the afternoon. Making your way there anytime after 9 ish would be just pointless, if you wish to see all these balloons "up and away".
This balloon was here last year too! Cute don't you think?
Yes, it's a bit gloomy. Throughout the early part of the morning, the cloud remained overcast. Great that it wasn't blinding hot, but quite a pity for amature photographers like me!!! Even armed with DSLR and an extended lens... :-(
Up and away...
We were looking forward to one particular balloon that we saw in the papers. It wasn't around last year. When we have seen quite a number of balloons went up we were wondering what happened to that particular balloon when suddenly we spotted these people inflating something large and very very black. Then we knew! Wohoo!!!, and right in front of us too, talk about luck!
We waited patiently... (proceed to scroll down while humming the
soundtrack... deng deng deng deng deng deng.....)
Ok, break... there was this cute liony balloon inflating at the side that
caught our attention too.
Proceed with soundtrack... deng deng deng deng deng....
OMG, I am soooo excited!!!
And on the right side... Cool!
OMG, inflate already!
Hold you breath...
Huuuh!
Steady...
Finally, side profile of the Dark Lord.
Isn't that a beauty???
Lord Vader has finally lifted off!!! Wohoo!!!
How cool is that?
Cannot get enough.
LV
(Lord Vader that is, not to be mistaken with my other "passion" :-D ).
Darth Vader reigning the sky... pity I don't have photoshop!
Nayli called this one, Bunch of Balloons.
We came with the grandp/ms. Zaim joined us this year too.
Now who in the world left their pair of Levi's floating around?
Zaim was blown away...
There were the paramotors show too, I think they were called.
Nice show, but still no sun.
Their 2nd time, braved the early morning inspite of high fever the
night before (yes, both of them!).
Once all the balloons have lifted off, we went in search of some food.
There were more food and beverage booths than last year.
Got some hot dogs for the kids and some Laksa Assam.
While we ate, the paramotor show was still going on over our heads, really cool.
Enjoying their shared bowl of Assam Laksa, after the hot dogs!
Zaim's milk time.
Yup, fed him right in the middle of the pathway.
It was pretty clear of people really.
He wasn't squinting because of the bright sun, he was merely smilling for the camera. This shot was taken by Nayli (either Nayli or Zarif. They took turns taking pictures from my DSLR, totally not satisfied with the compact, tsk!tsk! Might have to consider getting them one soon!). Yeah, right!
More paramotors about.
Nayli got these shots.
After our meal break, we walked on nearer to The Millennieum Monument area in search of cleaner public toilets for my parents, instead of the porta-loos provided.
They had more balloons here too. Apparently tickets were sold at RM10 per person for a "mini-ride" - which means, you get up as high as I don't know 50ft maybe then you are tugged back down again. B.O.R.I.N.G!!!! I want the real thing!!! Ha!ha!ha!
Still makes a beautiful back drop though.
There were this lie-back bikes too. Didn't check the price though.
There was also this Inflated Ball - strap yourself and roll down the hill thingy!
See the tent at the back with masses of people in it. That's the queue for the mini balloon ride. U-huh! for no lift off even... would you wait that long, plus no children allowed, bummer!
Im-Im and Me!
We gave the inflatables a miss this year. The day was
getting hotter by the minute so we left at about 11'ish.
Didn't finish the quesadillas though, coz I was heavily chomping on the Bottomless Tostadas Chips that we order on the side!!! Heaven, thanks H for the lunch!!! You Rock!!! Ha!ha!ha! Let's do lunch again when Z comes back to work next week!
Parents if you are wondering if you should take you kids to see the movie " How to train your dragon?", my personal suggestion would be... wonder no further. Go! go! go! If you like Avatar, your kids would like this one. Ha!ha! My personal opinion on the movie is that it's the kid's version of Avatar, not as strikingly beautiful, but beautiful nonetheless. Interesting storyline, an unlikely hero beautiful 3D animation, happy ending, what more can you ask for from an animated movie. Plus point if it matters at all, upon checking the website, I just found out the Gerard Butler played the dad! Wow! That's all I have to say! Ha!ha! Oh ok, America Fererra played the Astrid girl, I think that's what the girl character was. what girl character... well you just have to catch the movie now don't cha? It was just the three of us at the movies last Saturday afternoon, since the father was only due back on Sunday with the likely plan of an extended trip, I went on ahead to purchase the tickets later in the week. Thought, Zarif might not be able to survive another week of not watching the movie. Also I thought it doesn't hurt to spend sometime alone with Nayli and Zarif. My time at home is normally monopolised by little Zaim. So I thought, sometime alone with the elder kids would be good. Of course Zaim was not happy at all. Poor thing cried a little when we left for the movie. 
After the movies, we went to the bookstore to pick up a book for each of them, Nayli picked up another of her Wimpy Kid series and Zarif, his 7th Captain Underpants (yes, you read it right) book. He spotted another Book Series, Beast Quest, so he is in super hurry to complete the Captain Underpants Series to start on the Beast Quest. In case you are wondering what am I on about and why am I encouraging my 6 year old to read such a horrendous titled book... do check it out for yourself the next time you are at a bookshop. It is a really hilarious book by Dav Pilkey, great sense of humour and imagination, makes a 6 year old boy actually forgets his playstation and glued to reading! How can I say no to it.
