Saturday, 8th October

It was a very early start; again I only got 4 hours of sleep. This time I raced to the balloon fiesta by myself.

It took about 25 minutes of riding. I wore my shorts and mountain-design jacket. I would later see that a fair amount of snow had fallen overnight on the Sandia Range!
I was a little early, so I needed somewhere to stay warm or entertain me while the clock ticked over. Some how I avoided the security guard and made it into the VIP tents that had been set up for the week. There was a gas heater that I wanted to stand by while some of the people wiped the frost of the table and chairs. I couldn’t accept their hospitality of a drink or breakfast (as I was just a poor student who needed some heat). It was still pitch dark.

Some of the older mum’s were very friendly and I found it easy making conversation. When you’re from a different country its easy to keep them entertained with stories. I gave in and they made me have a glass of champagne and a burrito… it kick started my morning.

I left the tent and headed out into the field. The sun was coming up and I noticed the snow on the Sandia Range… it made me shiver!

There were only a couple of balloons that were erected at this stage. I struck up a conversation with the pilot of one of them and he later asked me hold onto the basket so it wouldn’t fly away!

Here I was enjoying each aspect of the balloon fiesta! I was wondering if my day could improve! I heard the chat between the pilots; there was doubt that they would fly because of the strong wind currents above. They were waiting for the sun to come up over the range (it influences the wind patterns).

I thought I’d hang around and keep my fingers crossed that it would be flyable. Soon more balloons blew up and they started taking off! It wasn’t like the week before but there were many balloons launching… I enjoyed taking some pictures with my camera and am still putting together the video.

I rode home feeling more alive than ever. It is such a great way to start the morning. The sun was up, no clouds in the sky; it was going to be a great weekend.

I rode back, quickly brushed my teeth and went back to the Tennis complex. There were no shuttles running so I hooked a lift with the campus police!!! It was my first ride in a cop car.

Sam sprained his wrist in the 4^th game and retired hurt. It was a shame for him. He took me along with the trainer to the fitness rooms where they had ice baths; massage tables and other equipment for the athletes. I couldn’t believe how well looked after they are! Shame I am playing the wrong sports…

I headed back to campus, Katy gave me a lift and we picked Sara up from lobo village and went to ‘Which wich’, we got Lucas to come as its his favourite lunch spot.

I had a very peaceful nap after, there was no roomie around so I slept well. I woke up and played Lucas in tennis. I was hitting the ball well and almost beat him. Next time I think I’ll have him.

We went back to the dorms and I got ready for a night out. Lucas and Rafa came round and we sunk a few sodas in before we headed out to Lobo Village to play beer pong and other drinking games.

We stopped off at a few parties on the way home; the ski and soccer parties were boring so we headed back to campus. It was another freezing night too.