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Awful new details emerge after man's fatal fall from hot air balloon

<p><strong>Warning: Disturbing details</strong></p> <p>New details have emerged of the moments before a man tragically fell to his death from a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-dies-after-falling-from-hot-air-balloon-over-melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hot air balloon</a>. </p> <p>The man was one of ten people onboard the hot air balloon ride, which took off at around 7am on Monday. </p> <p>A video obtained by 7News, shows the man, dressed in a brown jumper, taking in the view over the city alongside other guests. </p> <p>Witnesses have also reported that the man looked fine and was even chatting with the ride operator about politics as the balloon launched into the air. </p> <p>As the ride reached around 450metres, just ten minutes later, with no warning whatsoever he shockingly exited the basket in what was reported to be an act of self-harm and plunged to his death. </p> <p>The pilot immediately made a distressed may day call as horrified passengers and motorists witnessed him fall through the air. </p> <p>Passengers onboard another hot air balloon, which was launched at the same time, recalled hearing the distress calls over the radio approximately 15 minutes into their ride. </p> <p>Not long after emergency services arrived at the horrifying scene in Albert Street, Preston in the city's north-east, where his body was found in a front yard.</p> <p>One witness recalled the incident and told the <em>Today </em>show: "My brother heard like a loud bang, almost like something like a large item falling in your house. And it wasn’t until we heard all the sirens that we came out."</p> <p>Passengers onboard the hot air balloon have been offered counselling by the operator, with officers currently preparing a report for the coroner. </p> <p><em>Images: 7News/ Daily Mail</em></p>

Legal

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Couple die in hot air balloon tragedy

<p>A hot air balloon disaster above Mexico City has claimed the lives of one couple, and put their seriously injured daughter in hospital, after the basket they were travelling in caught fire.</p> <p>According to <em>The Daily Mail</em>, 50-year-old Jose Nolasco and his 38-year-old wife Viridiana Becerril - who called the nearby city of Cuajimalpa de Morelos home - were confirmed by Mexican authorities as the fatalities of the accident. </p> <p>The tragic incident was caught on camera by people who had been nearby, and clips have since surfaced online of the moments the basket burst into flame, and the plunge of desperate passengers falling - or trying to escape - from the balloon. </p> <p>It is believed that the couple’s daughter - Regina Itzani - was one of such occupants, and she is expected to survive despite suffering a broken arm and second-degree burns. </p> <p>Authorities have been unable to confirm whether or not a pilot was also onboard at the time of the tragedy - though some believe them to have been a second figure plummeting from the balloon - which occurred while the craft was flying over the pre-Hispanic site of Teotihuacan, north of the city. The location is considered to be a popular one for tourists and hot air balloon rides.</p> <p>The footage also shows the balloon deflating as the flames threaten to overtake everything, with one onlooker declaring in Spanish that people are falling, while the craft itself appears to still be tethered to the ground. Authorities have not yet confirmed that it was - and if so, why.</p> <p>As for why the family were taking the trip, social media posts have suggested that Regina and Jose had actually organised the whole experience for Viridiana’s birthday. </p> <p>“It was the birthday of my daughter Viridiana, Regina’s mum,” Regina’s mother, Reyna Gloria Sarmiento, explained to local reporters, “and they had prepared this ride as a surprise for her.”</p> <p>She also noted that her granddaughter was in a stable condition in hospital, and that she was conscious, before sharing that Regina had been able to share one final hug with her parents before making her escape from the balloon’s basket. </p> <p>Authorities are investigating the fatal incident, and although initial reports suggest the fire could be connected to a fault with the fuel storage system on the balloon, nothing has been confirmed. </p> <p>Meanwhile, officials in the family’s hometown, have shared their condolences for the loss, releasing a statement that reads “we send our condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of Jose Nolasco and Viridiana Becerril who died in the hot air balloon tragedy in Teotihuacan,' they shared Sunday.</p> <p>“Our solidarity and prayers are with Regina and we wish her a speedy recovery.”</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Sculpture worth $42,000 shatters at art fair

<p dir="ltr">Pieces of an iconic sculpture are now in high demand, after the renowned work smashed to pieces. </p> <p dir="ltr">At a Miami art fair, Jeff Koons’ well-known piece Balloon Dog (Blue), worth $42,000, was being showcased at the fair’s VIP preview night. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the 16-inch-tall sculpture would never make it to public viewing, after an art collector accidentally bumped into its transparent pedestal, sending the artwork falling to the floor where it shattered beyond repair. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Before I knew it, they were picking up the Jeff Koons pieces in a dustpan with a broom,” Stephen Gamson, an art collector and artist who was in attendance, told the <em><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/arts/jeff-koons-sculpture-broken-miami.html">New York Times</a></em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog sculpture was accidentally broken into a thousand pieces by a visitor. </p> <p>The art piece was worth $42,000. <a href="https://t.co/fqHTIKpT5I">pic.twitter.com/fqHTIKpT5I</a></p> <p>— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePopTingz/status/1628070672600645635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“It was an event!” Bénédicte Caluch, an art advisor with Bel-Air Fine Art, tells the<em> <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/visual-arts/article272539097.html">Miami Herald</a></em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Everybody came to see what happened. It was like when Banksy’s artwork was shredded.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Nervous attendees crowded around the shattered artwork, curious if the destruction was part of a larger stunt. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, as staff members stepped in to help clean the sculpture away, the onlookers quickly realised that was not the case. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Of course it is heartbreaking to see such an iconic piece destroyed,” Cédric Boero, Bel-Air Fine Art’s district manager, told <em>CNN</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The art collector didn’t intend to break the piece, but “this kind of thing unfortunately happens,” he adds. “That is why the artwork was covered by insurance.”</p> <p dir="ltr">An insurance expert will evaluate the pieces of the sculpture, which have been placed in a box for safekeeping.</p> <p dir="ltr">Art collector Stephen Gamson is among many who have offered to buy the now-destroyed artwork, with the gallery continuing to receive offers. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I find value in it even when it’s broken,” Gamson says to the <em>Miami Herald</em>. “To me, it’s the story. It makes the art even more interesting.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Art

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Two families unite over Christmas balloon

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas came for a second time for two twin sisters, after a stranger more than 100km away found a holiday wish list attached to a balloon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In December, Leticia Flores-Gonzalez had the idea for her two 4-year-olds, Luna and Gianella Gonzalez, to tie their Christmas lists to balloons and set them free above their Kansas home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the difficult year behind them, it was their way of reaching Santa Claus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flore-Gonzalez told CNN, “It was important doing something special for my girls because of the hard year we had during the coronavirus pandemic. I wanted them to feel like 2020 was another year spent with mom making beautiful memories.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was never with the purpose someone would find the balloon. I thought it would deflate and would just disappear somewhere in a tree nearby.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But someone with a white beard and a big heart did find one of the balloons.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While hunting deer in Grand Cane, Louisiana in late December, Alvin Bamburg spotted one of the balloons tangled in a tree.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I saw that balloon and God spoke to me. He said, ‘You need to get this, and, second of all, you need to get the trash out of the woods,’” Bamburg told CNN.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When I got it I noticed a folded yellow piece of paper sealed with a red star, and it was a Christmas list from a girl named Luna.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height:280.7692307692308px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840931/christmas-list.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/da6784e762294890ac05a1785dd3872f" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What had Luna asked Santa for? The list included candy, a Spider Man ball, a Frozen doll, a My Little Pony toy, and a puppy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the holidays kept Bamburg and his wife, Lee Ann Leopard Bamburg, busy, the list stayed at the back of their minds.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the holiday season had wound down, Bamburg shared his discovery with family and friends via a Facebook post in early January.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bamburg wrote, “Would love to know when it was launched. Looks like it traveled over 600 miles. Feel free to share.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So many people shared the post that it was eventually found by Flores-Gonzalez.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When we found out someone actually found Luna’s balloon, we were just in shock,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We couldn’t believe how kind people were; we were overwhelmed with love. That’s what really mattered.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After receiving requests to share Gianella’s list, Flores-Gonzalez did, and both girls received gifts from Bamburg’s family, friends, coworkers, and even old schoolmates.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following months of communication, the two families finally met in-person. The Bamburgs drove six hours to meet Flores-Gonzalez and the twins and gave them one final present.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We had texted, talked, and FaceTimed before we even met, and it was clear we had a connection,” Bamburg said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When we met, it was just like meeting family.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was during the meeting that Bamburg gave the girls a dachshund puppy, fulfilling the last of Luna’s Christmas wishes. Overjoyed, the girls quickly named the pup Max.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over a meal, the families laughed and bonded over shared values.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To us, it isn’t the amount of gifts or the value that the girls are receiving,” Flores-Gonzalez said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s the love they received. It meant the world to us we see their smiles, and the lifelong friendship we have made with Alvin and his wife.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The families will continue meeting too, with their next reunion scheduled for the end of May.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the meantime, Bamburg hopes to inspire others to take a break and makes someone else’s day a little brighter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s so much sadness in the world right now, the world is a freaking mess,” he said. “It’s really not hard to spread kindness, and you can never underestimate the impact even just a smile will have on someone’s day.”</span></p> <p><strong>Image credits: CNN</strong></p>

Caring

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Devastated mum's warning after her son dies from balloon choking

<p>A NSW mum is devastated after her 11-month-old son has choked and died on a balloon.</p> <p>Ashleigh Chapman, 19, is warning other parents about the dangers associated with balloons.</p> <p>She fed her son Heath before eating lunch herself and heard a "cough".</p> <p>“Then I heard a cough, just a normal cough,” Ashleigh told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/heartbroken-nsw-mums-warning-after-11-month-old-son-dies-suddenly-after-choking-on-balloon-c-2601415" target="_blank"><em>7NEWS.com.au.</em></a></p> <p>“I let it side. Then two or three minutes later, I heard another cough, like a struggle cough.”</p> <p>Ashleigh then went to check on her son and found him unresponsive, where Heath was rushed to hospital.</p> <p>Doctors worked on him for an hour but Heath was eventually pronounced dead.</p> <p>“I just dropped,” Ashleigh said of the moment she was told Heath had passed away.</p> <p>“I didn’t believe it. I said, ‘don’t tell me that’.</p> <p>“I broke down.”</p> <p>Ashleigh said that the news didn't really hit her until she saw her son the next day.</p> <p>“I think that was the most confronting thing,” she said.</p> <p>“He was motionless and not how I ever expected to see my son.</p> <p>“We weren’t allowed to pick him up and cuddle him.</p> <p>“I just wanted him to wake so I could take him home.”</p> <p>After Heath's death, an autopsy was conducted and found that Heath had died after choking on a balloon.</p> <p>It was a small party balloon that hadn't fully deflated and became lodged in his windpipe.</p> <p>“I blamed myself for it,” Ashleigh said.</p> <p>“They were old balloons, we just had them around.</p> <p>“We decided to open them one day and we blew them up. I’m kicking myself that they were there.</p> <p>“No way I knew something like that could happen so quickly.</p> <p>“I was just doing what we do on a normal day.”</p> <p>She's now warning other parents of the dangers of balloons and has shared her story, letting others know how quickly things can go wrong.</p> <p>“They’re everywhere really ... they have them in daycare, in preschools ... at carnivals,” she said.</p> <p>“All it takes is a popped balloon to go into someone’s mouth ... it can happen within seconds.</p> <p>“It’s the same with water balloons.</p> <p>“Because of the texture of the balloon, its an instant airway block.”</p>

Family & Pets

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The best way to see humpback whales in Australia

<p><span>Gather the gang and ditch the devices in favour of the great outdoors with RedBalloon. Their extensive range of outdoor activities are designed for family bonding, with options to suit all ages and interests.</span></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/">RedBalloon</a> is a leading online experience gifting retailer, encompassing more than 18 years’ experience, and offers 6000+ unique air, land and water-based activities across Australia and New Zealand. So let the excitement for <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/gifts-for-them/family/">family fun</a> in the invigorating outdoors begin and end with RedBalloon.</span></p> <p><span>You could all set sail and embark on a <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/whale-watching-cruise-with-morning-tea-and-lunch---6-hours/BCN010-M.html">whale watching cruise</a> in the Gippsland region of Port Welshpool, Victoria. This spectacular six-hour cruise offers the rare chance to view humpback whales, seals, dolphins and other magnificent marine life in their natural habitat. In addition to informative wildlife commentary and a video presentation, every guest on board will be treated to morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. There’s also a licensed bar on board for the grown-ups.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7825074/14.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/71cb8360138640da8fe13f1e932d529e" /></span></p> <p><span>RedBalloon offers a wide range of water-based activities in all capital cities, as well as high tea and lunch cruises on the Yarra River, Swan River and Brisbane rivers. For families with the most refined tastes, the <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/seafood-buffet-lunch-cruise-on-sydney-harbour---for-2/CPC009-M.html">seafood buffet lunch cruise</a> on Sydney Harbour is a crowd pleaser.</span></p> <p><span>Alternatively, your brood could enjoy a <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/sydney-harbour-cruise-with-taronga-zoo-entry---adult/CPC286-M.html">scenic harbour cruise with admission to Taronga Zoo</a>. This exciting package encompasses the best of both worlds on land and sea. Get up close and personal with over 4000 animals and 350 species and learn about some of Australia’s most rare and dangerous creatures. </span></p> <p><span>If you’ve got some time on your hands, why not surprise the kids and head to Australia’s theme park mecca on the Gold Coast? With a <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/holiday-super-pass-7-days-unlimited-entry---3-theme-parks/VRS030-M.html">seven day unlimited Super Pass</a> you’ll be granted entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Here you can enjoy a plethora of rides, shows and attractions to suit every family member. </span><span>If a more relaxed pace is in keeping with your crew’s movements, you could book <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/horse-riding-on-st-andrews-beach---2-hours/GUN001-M.html">horse riding on St Andrews Beach</a>. Soak up the pristine coastal surrounds on this professionally guided tour, while also making new equine pals - no prior experience is required.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7825071/11.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/954f589f93654c9d8d20d310c7bd98d7" /></span></p> <p><span>If you’re looking for a bucket list-worthy experience to knock your family’s socks off, look no further than the Roar 'n' Snore at Melbourne Zoo. You’ll not only get to experience this magical wildlife setting after dark, watch nocturnal creatures begin their day and camp in the historic elephant exhibit, but you’ll also be treated to a gourmet dinner, supper and breakfast. </span></p> <p><span>Gift givers can also choose to purchase RedBalloon gift vouchers online, offering the choice of every experience in the RedBalloon repertoire. Gift vouchers start from just $25 and are valid for three years. They can be emailed to the recipient or organised to arrive in style with the option of a striking red envelope.</span></p> <p><span>The options are endless, but the choice is clear. For <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/outdoor-activities/">outdoor experiences</a> that the whole family will love, visit RedBalloon.</span></p> <p><em><span>This is sponsored content brought to you in conjunction with <a href="https://www.redballoon.com.au/">RedBalloon</a>.</span></em></p> <p><span> </span></p>

Retirement Life

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Up, up and away: Experiencing the magic of the Wairarapa Balloon Festival

<p>Peter King is at his happiest when he’s flying high above the wide Wairarapa valley. Not only is the vista beautiful from 5000ft, but the region’s geography and drainage winds, which typically run from north to south, make it a popular place to fly hot air balloons.</p> <p>“Hot air ballooning is all about manipulating air currents over the landscape,” says Peter. “After taking off and getting airborne, it’s about planning where you want to go by identifying and feeling the breezes on the way up. It’s a science to get it right and when you do, the feeling is just terrific. It’s peaceful and the vistas, especially in the Wairarapa, are amazing.”</p> <p>Peter’s foray into hot air ballooning began in the seventies when he flew with James Greig in one of the first three hot air balloons imported into New Zealand. One of them was later flown by Roland ‘Roly’ Parsons, the first and only man to cross the Cook Strait in a hot air balloon and the first man to pilot a balloon directly over the top of Mt Cook, in the Southern Alps.</p> <p>“I had my PPL (private pilot’s license) but quickly became captivated by the balloon and excited by the sport. At the time Bernina was sponsoring the sport in Europe and things were starting to happen here. We ended up buying the Bernina balloon previously owned by Jim Greig. and I guess you could say, we’ve never looked back.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816603/trust-house-night-glow_500x333.jpg" alt="Trust House Night Glow" width="500" height="333" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Trust House Night Glow sees tethered balloons lit up by colourful lights and against a musical backdrop.  </em></p> <p>Since then Peter, who runs Kings Woodworking Company in Carterton which makes bespoke timber benchtops for national distribution, has flown at locations all around New Zealand and also attended the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. He thrives on the camaraderie amongst the balloonists.</p> <p>“Because the wind dictates which direction you go, there is no set landing place’ so the ground crew are a vital component of a successful flight. They make sure that the landowner’s requirements are met &amp; there is a safe pack-up,” he says.</p> <p>“The other side of the sport I enjoy is going into local primary schools and opening up the envelope for kids and blowing air into it. They are genuinely amazed and ask such wonderful, crazy questions like ‘how does a pilot go toilet’?”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816602/212_499x665.jpg" alt="212" width="499" height="665" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Resene Splash n Dash competition at Henley Lake in Masterton makes for a spectacular display. This Easter it is being held on Saturday, 31 March (7am – 9.30am weather conditions permitting).</em></p> <p>Peter is looking forward to flying his new 70000 cubic foot Boland balloon named “Snakeskin” at this year’s Wairarapa Balloon Festival being held over the long Easter Weekend. Amazingly, with American balloon maker, Brian Boland, who has operated Boland Balloons in Vermont since the 1980s, the whole balloon was sewed up in Pete’s lounge. The team, meticulously cut &amp; sewed the 170 panels that make up the envelope including the “snakeskin” panel the balloon is named for. The basket is made from plywood, aluminium and fabric upholstery. The whole aircraft has been fully checked by CAA and registered as a “homebuilt aircraft”. Pete will also wear his distinctive red and gold leather helmet with silver wings that was specially made for his 60th birthday by Carterton leather artist, Trevor Lamb.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816601/image__498x630.jpg" alt="Image_ (56)" width="498" height="630" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>“Bud E Beaver” is one of three special shaped hot air balloons coming to the 2018 Wairarapa Balloon Festival, being held this Easter.</em></p> <p>Peter will join more than 20 other balloonists for the festival including his son Dan who will pilot a two person Boland with distinctive red and white stripes. In addition there will be three special-shaped balloons including “Bud E Beaver”, “Iwi the Kiwi” and “RAC Van” the latter which weighs in at 325kgs, is approximately 30m tall and has yellow flashing lights.</p> <p>“There will be five Boland hot air balloons flying in the Wairarapa Balloon Festival at Easter time. They are light balloons so the envelope does not have to be as big so it’s quick to inflate and pack up. We just enjoy the speed and it is as fast as the wind takes us.”</p> <p><em><strong>The 2018 Wairarapa Balloon festival from Thursday, March 29 to Monday, April 2. Location details about morning balloon ascensions in Carterton, Greytown, Masterton and Martinborough; times for the burner parades and details on the Trust House Night Glow at Solway Showgrounds can be found on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.nzballoons.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.nzballoons.co.nz</a></span>.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>For more information on what to do in the Wairarapa over Easter, including accommodation options, please visit <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.wairarapanz.com/" target="_blank">www.wairarapanz.com</a></span></strong></em></p>

Domestic Travel

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How to curl your hair with balloons

<p>It might be time to grab the spare balloons from the bottom drawer in the kitchen and attempt this quirky hair-curling technique. It requires no heat, just good old fashioned balloons.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Start by arming yourself with the tools. Blow up between six and 10 balloons so that you are prepared. Blow them up so they are still soft to touch – this makes them easier to navigate and will hold the hair better. </li> <li>Pop your hair into a high pony and then start to section off the hair into small three to four centimetre sections. Remember the bigger the section, the bigger the curl. </li> <li>Wind your hair around a balloon until you have reached the end of the section. Using a bobby pin, secure the hair onto the wound hair and balloon. You might also want to bobby pin the bottom as this will give you a stronger hold. </li> <li>Continue until you have your whole ponytail ballooned.</li> <li>Give your hair time to dry and set before removing the balloons.</li> <li>Give your locks a good tousle and spritz with some hairspray to help encourage the curls to stay put.</li> </ol> <p>Would you give this weird trick a try? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Sarah Simpson. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/how-to-stop-grey-hair-turning-green/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to stop grey hair turning green</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/hair-care-secrets-from-an-81-year-old-fashion-blogger/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hair care secrets from an 81-year-old fashion blogger</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/tips-for-dealing-with-scalp-sensitivity-and-dandruff/"><strong><em>Tips for dealing with scalp sensitivity and dandruff</em></strong></a></span></p>

Beauty & Style

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Life in the clouds a dream in Yarra Valley

<p>It is like a scene from a dream. Nothing but a golden sun and a fluffy blanket of cloud in my sight.</p> <p>I can barely resist the urge to leap out of my hot-air balloon basket and dive among the cushions around me.</p> <p>Ballooning delivers some surreal moments and my brief peek above the morning fog above the Yarra Valley, Australia, has been particularly hair-raising. And not for the reason I expected.</p> <p>Wind, it turns out, has little effect on those travelling with it, making many thick clothes unnecessary at altitude. It's one of a few instances where my quick pre-flight assumptions about ballooning are pleasantly ruled out once we are in the air.</p> <p>Another poor assumption is there is no fun in cruising at a slower speed. Sure, catching glimpses of landmarks are possible from the window seat of a plane. But those fleeting flashes cannot compare to the gentle meandering over farmland, tidy rows of grapevines, and the Yarra Valley's wandering rivers and creeks.</p> <p>The third wrong assumption is that ballooning in the Yarra Valley would be anything but first-class.</p> <p>Kiff Saunders, the one-time lumberjack piloting my balloon, has been at the burners of balloons all across the world for the past 30 years.</p> <p>In the past 12 months, he's flown in Brazil, Ireland and, after tethering a balloon to a Russian icebreaker, at the North Pole.</p> <p>But, despite the calls for him to remain overseas, Saunders has kept his base in Melbourne and played a part in the Yarra Valley's revival.</p> <p>The state's first wine region failed to see out the Great Depression but the industry was resurrected in the late 1960s by a few curious winemakers.</p> <p>Once Moet et Chandon, De Bortoli and McWilliams came knocking in the 1980s, the region quickly expanded and is now home to more than 80 labels.</p> <p><img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23872/shutterstock_140165680_500x250.jpg" alt="hot air balloon yarra valley"/></p> <p>One of those to set foot in the area was Bendigo winery Balgownie Estate in 2002. Set on 12 hectares of undulating terrain outside Yarra Glen, the label's Yarra Valley site has quickly built a satisfying list of locally-produced wines.</p> <p>Its pinot noir has made the leap to the winery's premier Estate label for the first time in 2013, a cause for celebration for the Valley vineyard.</p> <p>"It may not be a big deal for everyone but we're really proud," says sales manager Melanie Watson.</p> <p>Balgownie Estate sets itself apart from other boutique wineries with its seamlessly-integrated first-class resort. A minute on the property is enough to see how it snapped up the award for Victoria's best regional accommodation by Tourism Accommodation Australia last year.</p> <p>An indoor pool and gym can help do away the guilt of consuming a few too many wines, while those looking for relaxation sans alcohol can step inside the day spa and health club for a soothing massage.</p> <p>As for food with views, few guests turn down the opportunity to watch the sun set over the vineyards as they dine at the on site restaurant.</p> <p>But the most valuable player on the Balgownie team is the courtesy driver, Mark.</p> <p>Worry about who should be designated driver ends with Mark who makes visiting several cellar doors and the tantalising Yarra Valley Chocolaterie &amp; Ice Creamery in all in a single a day more than possible.</p> <p>To some, that's the dream.</p> <p>Doesn’t that sound like an incredible trip? Have you ever visited the beautiful Yarra Valley, and what was your favourite part of the experience?</p> <p>Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>Written by Luke Costin. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/australias-most-spectacular-hot-air-ballooning-locations/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Australia’s most spectacular hot air ballooning locations</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/04/mcg-melbourne-greatest-stadium-in-world/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Is the MCG the world’s greatest stadium?</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2015/11/weird-australian-events/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8 wacky Australian events not to miss</span></em></strong></a></p>

International Travel

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Australia’s most spectacular hot air ballooning locations

<p>Some places are just made to be seen from the air – preferably with a warm coffee or glass of champagne in hand. These are Australia’s most spectacular hot air ballooning destinations.</p> <p><strong>1. Hunter Valley</strong></p> <p>In New South Wales’ most famous wine region, the vineyards with their neat rows of grapes roll out like a patchwork quilt when seen from a balloon. Most balloon companies will start or finish at Petersens Champagne House and pack you a hamper full of the good stuff. The best part is, you can set down right on the lawn of your favourite vineyard and duck inside for a quick tasting.</p> <p><strong>2. Canberra</strong></p> <p>The nation’s capital isn’t generally regarded as a beautiful city, but that all changes when you’re floating over it a few hundred metres in the air. In fact, you’ll probably see at least a couple of hot air balloons hovering above the city every morning of the year. From above, you’ll be able to appreciate the geometry of Walter and Marion Burley Griffin’s plan for the city as it is laid out across the plains and hills, and fly close to Parliament House, the National Museum, the National Library and Commonwealth Park.</p> <p><strong>3. Alice Springs</strong></p> <p>Be amazed by the incredible colour palette of the MacDonald Ranges, just outside of Alice Springs, with a sunrise balloon flight. As the light hits the ranges they erupt into vibrant reds and oranges, looking as if they are lit from within. You’ll also be able to see kangaroos bounding along and even the occasional camel. Reliably good weather means flights operate almost every day.</p> <p><strong>4. Yarra Valley</strong></p> <p>Why is it that wine regions make such good hot air ballooning destinations? Victoria’s Yarra Valley is another example of patchwork charm, with vineyards, forests, rivers and farms laid out below. Mornings are cool and misty in the Yarra Valley and it’s an incredible sight to see the sun slowly burn off the haze and reveal the landscape below. And, once again, you’ll finish it off with a gourmet breakfast and glass of bubbles from one of the local cellar doors.</p> <p><strong>5. Port Douglas</strong></p> <p>For something completely different, take a gentle cruise above the ancient Daintree Rainforest near Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. Along the coast, the Daintree meets the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef, one of the few places in the world where two Heritage Listed sites come together. It’s an incredible contrast from the lush greens of the jungle to the deep blue of the ocean, and one you won’t find anywhere else.</p> <p>Have you ever hot air ballooned before over any of these locations or anywhere else? How did you find the experience?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/where-are-the-worlds-busiest-airports/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Where are the world's busiest airports?</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/10-things-to-do-on-bruny-island/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 things to do on Bruny Island</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/10-reasons-to-drop-everything-and-travel/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 reasons to drop everything and travel</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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100,000 balloons fill London’s Covent Garden market

<p>An ethereal cloud of 100,000 giant white balloons filled London’s Covent Garden last week as part of the Covent Garden’s cultural program that strives to transform the district into an ever-changing art gallery.</p> <p>Titled <em>Heartbeat,</em> the installation was created by French artist Charles Pétillon. He told Design Boom: “The balloon invasions I create are metaphors. Their goal is to change the way in which we see the things we live alongside each day without really noticing them. with ‘heartbeat’ I want to represent the market building as the beating heart of this area – connecting its past with the present day to allow visitors to re-examine its role at the heart of London’s life.”</p> <p><img width="536" height="398" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-4.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-4" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-277262"/></p> <p><img width="533" height="533" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-19.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-19" class="alignnone wp-image-277279"/></p> <p><img width="526" height="526" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-20.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-20" class="alignnone wp-image-277280"/></p> <p><img width="522" height="347" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-6.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-6" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-277264"/></p> <p><img width="520" height="346" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-9.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-9" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-277267"/></p> <p><img width="519" height="373" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-15.jpg" alt="balloons-covent-garden-heartbeat-charles-petillon-15" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-277273"/></p>

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