Latvian hot air balloon pioneers achieve what Riga's tram cannot - fly to Ropaži
144 kilometers covered in seven hours, which would be a day's work for Liepaja's tram on Kuršu and Graudu streets.
While Riga is still figuring out how to get from Central Railway Station to the airport, Latvian hot air balloon enthusiasts have already achieved the impossible — covering 144 kilometers in seven hours and officially setting the country's first hot air balloon records.
The original plan was to fly from Estonia to Lithuania, but as experienced Liepaja residents say: "A plan is good, but life is better." So it was this time too — the flight ended in Ropaži municipality, which, honestly speaking, isn't the worst outcome. At least it's not Jelgava.
"Next time we're ready to set records in all three disciplines simultaneously," pilot Van Havere expresses optimism, adding that altitude will require oxygen masks. Liepaja residents, of course, laugh — we here by the sea don't need oxygen masks even in winter when it blows from the northwest.
The flight was officially registered by Latvian Aeroclub director Normunds Pakulis together with Civil Aviation Agency inspector Andis Bukonts. "Finally a sport where you don't have to run around Karosta," comments local sports enthusiast Jānis. "Though, to be honest, 144 kilometers in seven hours is slower than our tram No. 5 in the evening."
⚠️ Satirical article. Facts are preserved, but the presentation is humorous. For accurate information, please refer to the original source.