Saga International Balloon Fiesta: A Slight Let Down

On November 5, Megan Ballester and I hopped on the ITT bus for a night trip to Saga for the International Balloon Fiesta! We had heard great things about this event Pre-COVID, and this was the first year the Balloon Fiesta was happening since 2019, so we knew we had to experience it!

As we neared the festival, we noticed all kinds of Hot Air Balloon decorations:

Upon arrival, we were told we had a mere 3 hours to explore the giant fairground of food booths, hot air balloons, and souvenir shops. Thinking we would be rushed for time, Meg and I hurried on our way! As we walked past, they were just starting to inflate the hot air balloons, so we snapped pictures on our way to find a bathroom.

After waiting in the crazy-long line for the bathroom, I stopped mid-step as I opened the porta-potty to learn it was, in fact, a squatty potty...

This was the point where I regretted the two chu-hais I enjoyed on the bus ride out to the festival...but when in Japan!

Figuring we had plenty of time before the Balloon launch, we explored the food booths and landed on roasted corn (to fulfill my NC fair craving) and a plate of yakisoba noodles to share! Meg and I were both shocked at the sheer number of people out and enjoying the "fiesta." It's one of the few times we have been surrounded by so many people and living life like it must have been prior to the pandemic!

With food in hand, we headed back to the balloon area to find a seat for the launch! Meg brought a blanket for us to sit on for the hillside seating, and we enjoyed one final chu hai with dinner! At this point, the Balloons were fully inflated and the announcers were hyping up the audience as the balloons lit their fires for an illumination show! It was quite pretty and exciting!

As the crowd was getting hyped up, off went fireworks! While they weren't anything like our Huis Ten Bosch fireworks back home, it was a stunning display for this huge crowd! As the fireworks ended, we glanced back over and the balloons were DEFLATING. Apparently, right before the firework display, the announcers said that it was "too windy" to send off the balloons...so the show was over...

BIG disappointment, I tell ya!

While we were pretty bummed, we didn't let it get us too down. Instead, we found a chu-hai booth for one final "adult beverage" before heading back to the bus for the 2-hour ride home.

Once I got home and told Hugo about this "hot air balloon adventure," his expression really showcased what I felt at the time- disappointment! I mean, look at those ears! Oh well!

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta may have been a disappointment with regard to the hot air balloons, but Meg and I were sure to enjoy our day trip before the guys get back for the holidays!

'til next time,

Katie