The day started out with a trip to the field (local dirt airport) to check things out. A handful of balloons decided to fly (the Japanese and Brazilians) but the American team used the time to put things together. 
After getting things together, we headed to registration. Registration was organized an over quickly. We even had our own parking spot! 
They did a great job having the local kids create artwork.
After registration it was time to get organized. For us it was amazingly easy, others not so much. For those who borrowed equipment, it was down right comical. I'll use Andy Petrehn as an example:
After getting organized we decided to fly so Todd could see the lay of the land. We quickly learned that flying was a lot easier the chasing!
To sum the chase up: translation with crew is an issue, one way roads( if there is a road), 50 mph down "roads" in the middle of sugar cane fields, random motorcycles, no such thing apparently as landowner permission-"find a field and randomly drive across it"- Did I mention that sugar cane is 6-8 foot tall? I quickly came to the conclusion that the pilots are a lot safer in the balloon, then the crew in the vehicle!
All I can is that it is going to be an interesting week!
After those adventures we decided to keep it going by heading upstairs at the hotel to the Sushi bar. If you know Todd or I this is a big deal because we both hate fish! Did it, kind of liked it, probably won't do it again. Did I mention beer is cheap in Bazil?
Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
ReplyDeleteBe safe in the air and on the ground.
Good Luck!