I think the mornings of Inlay Lake in Southern Shan State are simply pleasant and tranquil. Towering gray mountains that caress the lake on either side and the morning sun rays penetrating over the eastern mountains are really matching, beautifying the place.

This morning our MRTV-3 crew braces against misty cold weather excitedly. Today is the second day of the balloon flying over Inlay Lake and the launching site is Kyesargone village on the western fringe of the lake.

The compound of Kyesargone village high school is spacious and convenient to prepare for the launching. The preparation of balloon launching such as spreading the balloons, fixing steel frames, connecting the balloon and the basket, inflating the balloon first with fan and then with gas are routine and yet they are fascinating as the job is done in unison and systematically.

Now the balloons are ready for launch.

It is exciting to look at the balloons, as they are ready one after another steadying for the take-off.

I’m excited hoping to join the flight today.

There goes the first balloon steadily, gaining height. Then, the next one is getting ready to follow.

Meanwhile I’m told to embark one of the balloons.

Our balloon takes off steadily and perfectly. As our balloon gains height, I’m so excited and have a feeling free of stress and strain, as light as a feather.

I’m really touched by the spectacular views, the boundless scenery as far as the eyes can see. The experience of flying balloon is not the same as flying a plane. Cruising leisurely across the open sky…. is really fantastic.

As we cruise along, we overview the floating cultivation below, a rarity of the world. Rows and rows of cultivation on the lake’s man-made floating islands adorn the lake.

Inlay lake, nicknamed the mountain sea, is 900 meters above the sea level and is situated in the Shan plateau of Myanmar. It is the second largest lake of the country. The lake, awash in the morning sunrays, offers a spectacular scene today.

Balloon flying over the Inlay Lake, the abode of the hard-working leg-rowers- the Inthas, is really an unforgettable experience for us!