🎈 Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

Even though hot air balloons aren’t really my thing, you can’t visit Albuquerque without acknowledging its most famous symbol—the hot air balloon! 🎈✨ This city is home to the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, so of course, I had to stop by the museum. The exhibits cover the history, science, and art of ballooning. I’ll be honest—a lot of it didn’t fully grab me… until I stumbled upon one small but fascinating display about an 1897 balloon expedition to cross a strait (possibly the Arctic? 🧭). It blew my mind! ❄️ Think about it: back in 1897, while some parts of the world were still deeply traditional (👀 cough… long braids and imperial exams…), others were soaring over polar regions in balloons—recording altitudes, distances, and pushing the limits of exploration. Sadly, I didn’t take a photo of the timeline, so I can’t recall the exact route or how many days or miles it took… but the spirit of adventure definitely left an impression. The museum itself is modern, spacious, and family-friendly. Even if you’re not a balloon enthusiast, it’s worth a quick visit—especially if you’re curious about human courage and early aviation dreams. ✈️💭 📍 Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 #BalloonMuseum #ABQ #AlbuquerqueBalloons #AviationHistory #TravelDiaries #UnexpectedDiscoveries