# @kirstenalana on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BNjoD5GBeeA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/2430535-kirstenalana-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/252a27a0b4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2016-12-03T13:27:51.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kirsten Alana (@KirstenAlana) — https://gondola.cc/KirstenAlana

## Caption

I can't imagine a better start to my last day in India than seeing Goa by hot air balloon with @tigerballoonsafaris. The 3 AM wake up and the knowledge I wouldn't sleep again till I was back in NYC, was more than worth it when we crossed this river and I saw the palm trees emerging from fog, the balloon reflected in the water beneath us and felt the heat of the sun warm my face. It was my fifth time up in the air in a hot air balloon and the only thing that broke through my haze of happiness was wishing @dante.vincent was there to experience it with me. Our pilot Rita was AMAZING, rolling with the punches brought on by the heavy fog and occasional loss of wind, she managed to give us a glorious and safe 40 minutes over the tree tops, roads and waterways of rural Goa while waving to families below and even engaging in conversation with locals she knew. We didn't get as high as I have on other journeys but I loved that it was such a different experience. She is one of only 2 women in all of India to be able to pilot a hit air balloon with 16 years of training and certification from the U.K., it's her sister-in-law that is the only other woman in India who can do what she does! When we landed in the football field of a local school at the end of our journey, children came out to marvel at the balloon and the wonder on their faces was so incredible to see. To be reminded that something which I've been blessed to be able to do so many times, is a luxury not readily available to everyone. I found myself wishing I could pay to give some of them the experience we'd just had and it inspired some ideas I hope to be able to implement in the future! (I'm already working on it!) #escape2goa

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- **Likes:** 4,889
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## Tags

escape2goa

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